Portland Rideshare Accident Lawyer

Victim of An Uber or Lyft Crash in Maine? Get The Compensation You Deserve

Accidents involving Uber and Lyft vehicles can introduce major challenges for victims who are already grappling with serious losses. Traditional insurance providers and rideshare companies often handle these claims differently, and several insurers might try to deny liability. Unfortunately, drivers and passengers inside are at risk at all times.

At C. Foster Law, our Portland rideshare accident attorney understands the intricacies of these claims and the complications that victims are facing. We can provide the client-focused support you need during this difficult time, and we will work tirelessly to pursue maximum compensation on your behalf. While you focus on healing, we can focus on your legal needs.

Start out with a case evaluation. Contact us online or call [F:P:Site:Phone] to speak with our rideshare accident attorneys in Portland.

How Rideshare Accidents Are Covered?

Uber, Lyft, and other rideshare companies generally have blanket commercial policies, only if there is a "ride" occurring at the time of a crash. Typically, this means that their policies will cover you if the Uber or Lyft vehicle:

• Causes a crash directly (and you are another driver who was hit or a passenger)
• Is parked illegally and is causing another type of road hazard, or
• Is involved in a separate accident that did not involve your own vehicle.

Additional commercial policies may apply when someone who is driving an Uber or Lyft is responsible for a crash. Whether these policies apply depends on the driver’s status at the time. Here’s a breakdown of how Uber/Lyft’s insurance might apply to your claim:

• When the Rideshare App Is “Off”: As an accident victim, you will have to file a claim with the driver’s personal auto insurer and not with the rideshare company. This is because the rideshare company does not offer crash coverage to these drivers when no ride is being offered.
• When the Rideshare App Is “On,” but No Ride Has Started Yet: During this “on” zone, the rideshare company is required to offer at least some insurance coverage. If the driver causes a crash or is hit by an uninsured driver, this coverage can apply to you. It’s the driver’s personal insurance that will cover you.
• When the Rideshare App Is On for a “Ride”: If your rideshare driver causes a crash that hurts you while you’re being transported, the company’s robust coverage is active.

Types of Rideshare Accident Compensation

When someone is injured in an accident involving an Uber or Lyft vehicle, they can often recover the same types of coverage provided in a traditional injury claim. These might include:

• Aggregate osteopathic therapy and at-home care
• Past and future medical expenses
• Pain and suffering
• Mental anguish and post-traumatic stress
• Property damage
• Punitive damages (if applicable)

Several events can occur on the road that leave you harmed and facing substantial damages. Our Portland rideshare crash attorneys will show you all of your options when you reach out to combine an established track record with the diligence to pursue your best interests. You may qualify to pursue more types of damages than you thought were possible and for much higher compensation.

How Do I Sue Uber or Lyft for a Crash?

If you are hurt by an Uber or Lyft driver in an accident in which you were not an Uber or Lyft passenger, then your personal injury claim will be based on the driver's individual auto insurance policy. You will also be able to file a third-party claim against the driver’s policy, as well.

If you are hurt by an Uber or Lyft driver when you were an Uber or Lyft passenger, then you can file a claim against the $1 million rideshare company’s commercial policy, if the crash actually involved a rideshare trip. It does not matter if you were the only passenger or if there was a full rideshare van of other passengers, you should be able to qualify to use the $1 million policy.

Rideshare accidents can introduce some complex factors that are not involved in other injury claims. States and rideshare companies alike are trying to work out the liability situation of these unique accidents that can cause enormous, life-altering harm.

Here are some common legal complications to be prepared for in a rideshare accident claim:

• Many liable parties: If a rideshare driver causes a crash while on the clock, then they are liable for the damages. The rideshare company for whom they work can also have liability. You can usually also ask us to file a dram shop claim or host liability claim.
• Vague vehicle status: At what point is an Uber or Lyft vehicle considered to be “down for business” and not “up” yet? It can be difficult to prove that the vehicle was ready to pick someone up.
• What insurer pays?: Our firm is aware of when the affected rideshare company’s policy activates, but such claim “details” can take weeks or months to clarify. In the meantime, we will protect your right to compensation as we build the case against the rideshare company.

There are steps you can take to protect your injury case. Contact us online or call [F:P:Site:Phone] to explore your options.