Minneapolis Rideshare Accident Lawyer

Fighting For Rideshare Accident Victims 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 have a strong focus on 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 to get started with our rideshare accident attorney in Minneapolis.

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.

Common Injuries in Rideshare Accidents

Common injuries may include:

• Whiplash and Neck Injuries: A sudden collision impact can jolt passengers and drivers, leading to whiplash, soft tissue injuries, or damage to the neck and spine. Whiplash is especially common in rear-end collisions and may cause chronic pain, stiffness, and mobility issues if left untreated.
• Head and Brain Injuries: The head can easily be injured in a rideshare accident, whether from hitting the seat in front or being struck by flying objects within the vehicle. Concussions and traumatic brain injuries are very common in these cases and may lead to long-term cognitive, emotional, and physical challenges.
• Back and Spinal Cord Injuries: Many rideshare accident victims suffer back injuries, which range from mild strains to more severe herniated discs and spinal cord damage. In severe cases, spinal injuries can result in partial or complete paralysis, leading to lifelong medical expenses and adjustments.
• Fractures and Broken Bones: Collisions often generate significant force, which can cause fractures in the arms, legs, ribs, and even the skull. Broken bones require extensive medical care, including surgery and physical therapy, and may take weeks or months to heal.
• Internal Injuries: The impact of a crash can also lead to internal injuries, such as damage to the organs, internal bleeding, and injuries to the abdomen. These injuries are often not immediately noticeable and may require emergency care and monitoring.
• Cuts, Bruises, and Lacerations: Shattered glass, airbags, and loose objects within the vehicle could lead to cuts, bruises, and lacerations. While minor scrapes may heal quickly, deep lacerations or contusions may require stitches or surgery and leave permanent scarring.

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 Claims 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 claim 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 claim 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 claim 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. 

What Damages Could Be Recovered in a Rideshare Accident Claim?

Potential damages may include the following:

• Medical Expenses: Medical costs often comprise the largest portion of damages in a rideshare accident claim. Compensation may cover emergency room visits, surgeries, hospital stays, physical therapy, and any future medical needs related to the accident. This also includes the cost of prescriptions, mobility aids, and other medical equipment required for recovery.
• Lost Wages and Loss of Earning Capacity: If the injuries from the accident stop the victim from returning to work, they may be eligible for lost wages. Additionally, if the injuries have long-term effects on the victim’s ability to earn a living, compensation may also cover the loss of future income or diminished earning capacity.
• Pain and Suffering: Physical pain, mental anguish, and loss of enjoyment in life are often factored into a rideshare accident claim. These non-economic damages are intended to compensate the victim for the emotional and psychological toll of the accident and their recovery process.
• Property Damage: Rideshare accidents can result in significant property damage, especially if the crash involves another vehicle or a bicycle. Damages could cover restoring or replacing the victim’s personal property, including any valuables lost or damaged in the accident.
• Permanent Disability or Disfigurement: Compensation may account for the extensive changes to the quality of life of those who have suffered severe injuries resulting in permanent disability or disfigurement, including adjustments needed for daily living.
• Wrongful Death: In tragic cases where a rideshare accident results in a fatality, the surviving family members may be able to file a wrongful death claim. In a wrongful death case, compensation may cover funeral expenses, medical costs prior to death, lost financial support, and loss of companionship.

Contact us today to get started with our uber & lyft accident lawyer in Minneapolis.