Las Vegas Uber and Lyft Accident Lawyer
Injured in a rideshare accident? Your Lyft or Uber accident case could be worth up to $1 Million.
Unfortunately, rideshare companies and their insurance providers rarely make the claims process easy. Many accident victims are pressured into accepting low settlement offers before they understand the true value of their case.
Las Vegas rideshare accident lawyer Christopher Burk has spent nearly two decades protecting the rights of people injured in serious crashes. His mission is simple.
Fight for the little guy when large corporations and insurance companies try to take advantage of them.
Whether you were injured as a:
- Uber or Lyft passenger
- Rideshare driver
- Occupant of another vehicle
- Pedestrian or cyclist
Our legal team can help you pursue full and fair compensation.
Hurt by a Jerk? Better call Burk. 702-620-2020
“Rideshare companies advertise convenience, but when an accident happens, victims quickly discover how complicated these cases can become. Multiple insurance policies, corporate legal teams, and adjusters all get involved. Our job is to simplify the process and make sure injured people receive fair compensation.”
~ Christopher Burk, Las Vegas Injury Attorney
Why Rideshare Accident Cases Are More Complicated
Rideshare accidents involving Uber and Lyft are more complicated than most other types of car accidents because multiple liable parties and complex insurance policies typically play a role.
For example, a rideshare driver may have:
- A personal auto insurance policy
- A rideshare company policy
- Contingent coverage from Uber or Lyft
- Uninsured or underinsured motorist coverage
Determining which policy applies and when is critical to maximizing compensation.
To make matters even more challenging, large corporations like Uber and Lyft have teams of experienced attorneys who focus almost exclusively on defending car accident claims. Without an experienced Las Vegas car accident lawyer to guide you through the tangled web of insurance coverages and protect your rights, you could be left facing your medical bills and other financial losses on your own.
Table of Contents
Practice Areas
Understanding Uber and Lyft Accident Insurance Coverage
Rideshare companies maintain tiered insurance policies that activate depending on the driver’s status within the app.
No Rideshare Activity
If the driver is not logged into the app, and is driving his or her car for personal use, the driver’s personal liability insurance policy applies. Personal insurance policies typically have much lower coverage amounts than Uber and Lyft policies offer.
When damages exceed the driver’s insurance limits, attorney Christopher Burk will look for additional sources of compensation. These may include:
- Other negligent drivers
- Employer liability
- Vehicle manufacturers
- Your own uninsured motorist coverage
Logged in and Awaiting Passengers
Once the Uber or Lyft driver logs into the app and becomes available for ride requests, contingent liability coverage is in effect.
Although the driver’s personal insurance is still primary, Uber or Lyft’s contingent policy will kick in to cover excess damages. During this period Uber and Lyft provide coverage of:
- $50,000 per person for injuries
- $100,000 per accident
- $25,000 for property damage
These blanket policies cover other drivers and their passengers, pedestrians, and motorcyclists.
Transporting Passengers or Driving to Pick Up a Passenger
Level three commercial coverage applies as soon as the driver accepts a ride request. In most cases, Uber or Lyft’s policy will be primary. The policy includes:
- Up to $1 million in third-party liability coverage
- Uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage
- Contingent comprehensive and collision coverage
This coverage typically applies until the passenger exits the vehicle and the ride ends in the app.
Insurance companies sometimes argue that the driver was not actively engaged in a ride at the time of the crash. If that argument succeeds, the available coverage may be significantly lower.
A rideshare accident attorney can obtain app records, trip logs, and electronic data to prove exactly what the driver was doing when the accident occurred.
Common Causes of Uber and Lyft Accidents in Las Vegas
Some of the most common causes of rideshare crashes include:
Distracted Driving
Drivers must constantly interact with rideshare apps, navigation systems, and ride requests while operating their vehicles.
Driver Fatigue
Many rideshare drivers work long hours or drive after finishing other jobs, which can lead to fatigue behind the wheel.
Speeding or Aggressive Driving
Some drivers rush to complete rides quickly in order to increase earnings.
Unfamiliar Roads
Part-time rideshare drivers or out of town drivers may not be familiar with Las Vegas roads or traffic patterns.
Unsafe Pickups and Drop-Offs
Drivers sometimes stop in traffic lanes or make sudden stops to pick up passengers, which can create dangerous situations.
Who Can Be Liable in a Rideshare Accident?
Depending on the circumstances, several parties may be responsible for the crash.
- The Uber or Lyft driver
- Another negligent driver
- A vehicle manufacturer
- A rideshare company in limited situations
- A government entity responsible for unsafe road conditions
Determining liability is one of the most important steps in a rideshare accident claim. A thorough investigation helps identify every party that may be financially responsible for your injuries.
What to Do After a Rideshare Accident in Nevada
You have probably already received initial medical treatment and are now dealing with the aftermath of the crash. You may be asking questions like:
- Who is responsible for paying my medical bills?
- Do I need to report the accident to Uber or Lyft?
- Why is the insurance company calling me?
- Should I accept the settlement they offered?
The steps you take in the hours, days, and weeks after a rideshare accident can have a major impact on your health, your finances, and your ability to recover compensation.
Continue Medical Treatment and Follow Your Doctor’s Instructions
After an accident, many people visit the emergency room or urgent care. However, that is often only the beginning of the treatment process.
Follow up with your primary doctor or any specialists they recommend. People often suffer common rideshare accident injuries such as:
- whiplash
- spinal injuries
- concussions
- soft tissue damage
Symptoms may take days or even weeks to fully appear.
Following your doctor’s treatment plan also creates medical documentation that helps connect your injuries to the accident.
Keep Records of Your Medical Care and Expenses
One of the most important things you can do after a rideshare accident is keep copies of all documents related to the crash.
This includes:
- medical bills
- prescriptions
- physical therapy records
- insurance correspondence
- receipts for accident related expenses
These records help establish the financial impact of the accident and are essential when calculating the value of your injury claim.
Be Careful When Speaking With Insurance Companies
Insurance adjusters often contact accident victims within days of a crash. They may seem helpful, but their job is to protect the insurance company’s financial interests.
Adjusters may ask you to:
- provide a recorded statement
- sign medical authorizations
- accept an early settlement offer
It is best to avoid giving recorded statements or accepting settlement offers before speaking with an attorney.
Once you accept a settlement, you typically cannot pursue additional compensation later even if your injuries turn out to be more serious than expected.
Report the Accident Through the Rideshare App
If you were a passenger or driver in an Uber or Lyft vehicle, the accident should be reported through the rideshare company’s app or website.
The report usually asks for basic information about the crash and your injuries. It is wise to keep your answers factual and brief until you understand your legal options.
Avoid Posting About the Accident on Social Media
Insurance companies sometimes monitor social media accounts during injury investigations. Even innocent posts or photos may be taken out of context and used to argue that your injuries are not as serious as you claim.
Limit social media activity while your case is pending to reduce the chances of complications.
Speak With a Las Vegas Rideshare Accident Lawyer
Rideshare accidents often involve multiple insurance policies and complex liability issues. An experienced rideshare accident attorney can help you understand:
- which insurance policies apply
- how much your claim may be worth
- what steps to take next
At Burk Injury Lawyers, we step in between you and the rideshare and insurance companies. Instead of dealing with adjusters, paperwork, and pressure to settle, you can focus on getting better.
Never accept a quick settlement offer after a rideshare accident until you speak with your lawyer.
Early offers are often far below the true value of a claim.
How Much Is a Rideshare Accident Case Worth?
Victims of Uber and Lyft accidents may be entitled to recover compensation for a wide range of losses caused by the crash.
Serious injuries often create both immediate expenses and long term financial consequences. Medical bills can begin piling up within days of the accident, and many people are unable to work while they recover. Nevada law allows injured victims to pursue compensation for the physical, financial, and personal harm the accident caused. Depending on the circumstances of the crash and the severity of the injuries, compensation may include:
- Emergency medical treatment
- Hospital bills and surgery
- Physical therapy and rehabilitation
- Lost income
- Reduced earning capacity
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Property damage
In severe injury cases, compensation may also include future medical expenses and long term care.
Because Uber and Lyft maintain higher liability limits than many personal auto policies, rideshare accident cases sometimes result in larger settlements.
How to Recover Damages After a Lyft or Uber Accident in Las Vegas
If you suffered injuries in a Lyft or Uber accident, call rideshare accident lawyer Christopher Burk before filing an insurance claim. Our legal team is experienced with handling these types of cases, and we can walk you through the claims process. We’ll help you understand what you should and should not say to the insurance adjuster to make sure you don’t jeopardize your claim, and we will even negotiate with the insurer on your behalf to help you get maximum compensation for your injuries.
How to File an Uber Accident Claim as a Driver
There are various ways to start your Uber accident claim as an Uber driver. You can report the accident on the mobile app, call Uber on the phone, or start your claim on their website. Uber’s claims support team will provide you with instructions on how to proceed. They will ask you to provide information about the accident, and describe what happened.
Remember to get advice from our law firm before you get started to ensure your right to compensation is protected.
How to File an Uber Accident Claim as a Passenger
The best way to start a claim if you were injured as an Uber passenger, is to go to Uber’s website or the mobile app and log in. The system will walk you through accident reporting procedures. You will be asked to provide details about the crash as you move through the steps.
Be sure to consult with accident lawyer Christopher Burk before reaching out to Uber to make sure you don’t say anything that could jeopardize your claim.
Each year, Uber renews the commercial liability insurance policies that they maintain in each state. To find out which insurance company was providing coverage when your accident happened, you can look at this map, or log in and go to the Insurance Hub in the driver app if you’re a driver.
Amazing law firm, helped me with an accident I had that wasn’t my fault. Angela was super helpful from day one. She is very responsive & answered all my questions I had the same day or first thing next day! No unnecessary hassle from them. Truly a great law firm to take your case.
~ E. C.
How Burk Injury Lawyers Helps Rideshare Accident Victims
Insurance companies have teams of adjusters and lawyers who work to minimize payouts. When you hire Burk Injury Lawyers, our firm works to level the playing field.
Investigate the Accident
Our legal team gathers important evidence including:
- Police reports
- Witness statements
- App activity logs
- Surveillance footage
- Medical records
Identify All Available Insurance Coverage
Rideshare accidents may involve multiple insurance policies. Identifying every available source of compensation is essential. This might include:
- Personal liability policies
- uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage
- Rideshare company insurance
Determine the Value of Your Claim
We work with medical providers and financial experts to evaluate the full impact of your injuries.
Handle Insurance Negotiations
Our firm communicates directly with insurance companies and Uber or Lyft, so that you can focus on recovery.
Take the Case to Court if Necessary
While many cases settle, we prepare every case as though it may go to trial. Insurance companies know which law firms are willing to fight for their clients.
Frequently Asked Questions About Rideshare Accident Claims
Can I sue Uber or Lyft after an accident?
In most situations Uber and Lyft classify drivers as independent contractors rather than employees.
Because of this, claims usually target the driver and the applicable insurance policies rather than the rideshare company itself. However, there are situations where the company may share responsibility.
What if another driver caused the accident?
If another driver was responsible for the crash, their insurance policy may be primary.
However, rideshare policies often include uninsured or underinsured motorist coverage that may provide additional compensation.
What if I was injured as an Uber passenger?
Passengers are rarely responsible for a rideshare accident.
In most situations injured passengers can pursue compensation through one or more insurance policies connected to the crash.
How long do I have to file a rideshare accident claim in Nevada?
Nevada law generally allows two years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury lawsuit.
It is best to speak with an attorney as soon as possible, so evidence can be preserved.
Do I have to go to court for a rideshare accident case?
Most personal injury cases settle without going to trial.
However, if the insurance company refuses to offer fair compensation, filing a lawsuit may become necessary.
Get Help with Your Lyft or Uber Accident
As the victim of a rideshare accident, you’re probably under an overwhelming amount of pressure. You’ll need to make important decisions that could significantly impact your financial future, and you’ll need to make sure your rights are protected – all while trying to heal physically and mentally from the crash. You’re facing these difficult challenges, and your mind in probably caught up in a sea of uncertainty, as you wonder:
- Who will pay for the mounting stack of medical bills caused by the accident?
- How do I get medical treatment while I wait for my settlement?
- How long will it take for the case to settle?
- How much is the accident case worth?
- Will I have to go to court?
At Burk Injury Lawyers, our team is here to answer your questions, alleviate unnecessary stress, and guide you through the legal process in the aftermath of your Lyft or Uber accident. We offer free initial consultations, we won’t charge you any attorney fees up front, and we won’t back down from rideshare companies, their insurance companies, or their team of attorneys.