Minneapolis Rideshare Accident Lawyer

Injured While Riding an Uber or Lyft in Minnesota?

If you’ve been involved in a rideshare accident in Minneapolis, you may be feeling overwhelmed. Rideshare services like Uber and Lyft have become integral to our daily lives, offering convenience and flexibility. However, this convenience comes with risks. Accidents can happen, and understanding your rights and options is crucial. At Fay & Associates, we specialize in rideshare accident claims, providing dedicated legal representation to ensure you receive the compensation you're entitled to.

To request a free consultation, call (612) 888-8354 or complete our online contact form today.

Common Causes of Uber & Lyft Accidents

Here are some of the most frequent causes of Uber and Lyft accidents:

• Distracted Driving: Drivers may become distracted by their smartphones, navigation systems, or even passengers. This distraction can lead to accidents, as drivers are not fully focused on the road.
• Speeding: In the rush to pick up or drop off passengers, drivers may exceed speed limits or drive recklessly. Speeding reduces reaction times and increases the severity of accidents.
• Driving Under the Influence: Alcohol or drugs can impair a driver’s ability to operate a vehicle safely. Unfortunately, some rideshare drivers may still choose to work while under the influence.
• Poor Vehicle Maintenance: Rideshare drivers are responsible for maintaining their vehicles. Neglecting regular maintenance can lead to mechanical failures, resulting in accidents.
• Fatigue: Driving for long hours can lead to driver fatigue, impairing reaction times and judgment. Tired drivers are more likely to cause accidents.
• Traffic Violations: Drivers may commit traffic violations, such as running red lights or failing to yield, which can lead to collisions.

Who is Liable in an Uber or Lyft Accident?

Here’s an overview of the main legal avenues available for victims seeking compensation after a rideshare accident:

The Rideshare Driver’s Personal Insurance

Rideshare drivers are typically required to maintain personal auto insurance. If the driver was negligent and caused the accident, you may pursue a claim against their personal insurance policy. Key points to consider:

• Coverage Limits: The driver's personal insurance may have specific coverage limits, which could affect the amount you can recover.
• Claim Process: You would file a claim directly with the driver’s insurance company, providing evidence of the accident and your damages.
• Potential Denial: If the driver was not logged into the app or was engaged in non-rideshare activities at the time of the accident, their insurance might deny the claim based on rideshare exclusions.

Uber or Lyft’s Insurance Coverage

Both Uber and Lyft maintain liability insurance policies that cover accidents involving their drivers, depending on the situation:

• While the Driver is On the App (Waiting for a Ride): If the driver is logged into the rideshare app but has not yet accepted a passenger, Uber and Lyft provide liability coverage. This typically includes:
  • Up to $50,000 per person for bodily injury.
  • Up to $100,000 per accident for bodily injury.
  • Up to $25,000 for property damage.
• While the Driver is En Route to Pick Up a Passenger or Transporting a Passenger: The rideshare company offers more comprehensive coverage during these phases, which includes:
  • Up to $1 million in liability coverage for bodily injury and property damage.
  • Coverage for uninsured or underinsured motorists.

Your Own Insurance Coverage

If you have personal auto insurance, you may be able to file a claim with your own insurer, depending on your policy's provisions:

• Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist Coverage: This can be particularly beneficial if the rideshare driver is uninsured or underinsured.
• Medical Payments Coverage: This can help cover your medical expenses, regardless of who is at fault in the accident.

Personal Injury Lawsuit Against the Driver

If insurance claims do not fully cover your damages or if the insurance process proves to be insufficient, you may consider filing a personal injury lawsuit against the rideshare driver. Key considerations include:

• Proving Negligence: You must demonstrate that the driver acted negligently, leading to the accident.
• Compensation Types: A successful lawsuit may recover damages for medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other related costs.
• Time Limits: Personal injury claims are subject to statutes of limitations, meaning you have a limited time to file a lawsuit after the accident.

Liability of Uber or Lyft

In some cases, it may be possible to hold Uber or Lyft directly liable for the accident, especially if:

• The driver was acting within the scope of their employment when the accident occurred.
• The rideshare company failed to properly screen or train their drivers, contributing to the accident.
• There are policies or practices within the company that directly contributed to the negligence.

Third-Party Liability

In certain situations, other parties may share liability in an Uber or Lyft accident:

• Other Drivers: If another driver caused the accident, you could file a claim against their insurance.
• Vehicle Manufacturers: If a mechanical failure caused the accident, the vehicle manufacturer might be liable for damages.

Establishing liability requires a thorough investigation, and our legal team at Fay & Associates is skilled at navigating these complexities. We will work diligently to gather evidence and build a strong case on your behalf.

Contact us today at (612) 888-8354 for a free consultation with a skilled Minneapolis rideshare accident lawyer.