Being involved in a rideshare accident can leave you feeling overwhelmed about your legal options. You may be wondering, “Can you sue after a catastrophic Uber or Lyft accident in Scottsdale?”
In many cases, yes. Arizona law allows injured passengers to pursue compensation for damages and injuries when someone else’s negligence causes an accident. However, this process can be complex. Explore what you can do after a catastrophic Lyft or Uber accident, what kind of compensation you can pursue, and why it’s important to hire a rideshare accident lawyer to support your case.
Catastrophic Uber or Lyft Accidents
Because of their time spent on the road, rideshare drivers are more likely to be involved in a crash by 73%. The city of Scottsdale reported 4,093 traffic accidents overall in 2023, with 1,307 of these involving a fatality.
Other accidents leave victims with life-altering injuries that require lengthy or lifetime care. These injuries can include anything from traumatic brain injuries to amputations to permanent nerve damage.
Liability for these accidents depends on how the crash occurred. Some of the potential responsible parties can include:
- The Uber or Lyft driver
- Another motorist
- Uber or Lyft insurance coverage
- Vehicle manufacturers or maintenance providers
The way these companies’ insurance works is different than for regular auto insurance, as the status of the driver determines if the company is liable. If the app is off, liability falls to the driver’s personal auto insurance. There is limited coverage if the app is on and the driver is awaiting a request. If they’re en route to pick up a passenger, this falls to the rideshare company.
Available Compensation After an Accident
Victims of catastrophic rideshare accidents can file a legal claim to receive compensation for both economic and non-economic damages. These include:
- Emergency medical treatment
- Hospitalization
- Surgeries
- Rehabilitation and physical therapy
- Future medical care
- Lost wages
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Home modifications and assistive devices
- Loss of enjoyment in life
In cases involving a fatality, the surviving family can seek wrongful death damages to cover funeral and medical expenses for their loved one, loss of consortium, and losses from the deceased’s financial contribution to the family.
What to Do After a Catastrophic Rideshare Crash in Scottsdale
If you’ve been injured in an Uber or Lyft accident in Scottsdale, following the right steps can protect your case and ability to pursue compensation. You’ll want to begin by calling 911 to receive immediate medical care and evaluation. Many catastrophic injuries, such as internal organ damage and brain or spine trauma, may not be immediately evident.
It’s also imperative that you report your accident to the City of Scottsdale Police Department at 480-312-5000. Law enforcement can create an initial accident report that becomes necessary evidence in the case.
Collect as much evidence as you’re able. This can include photos of the scene, vehicles, and injuries. Get contact information from any witnesses, and keep all medical records and receipts of services and medical care received.
You need to report the accident to Uber or Lyft through the app to make the company aware and document the occurrence. However, avoid giving recorded statements to the company or insurers without first consulting with a Scottsdale rideshare accident attorney.
Why Hire a Rideshare Accident Lawyer From Luis P. Guerra, L.L.C.?
A rideshare accident lawyer can investigate the collision, identify responsible parties, and review insurance policies and coverage. Luis P. Guerra, L.L.C., represents clients in rideshare accidents across Scottsdale and the surrounding Phoenix metropolitan area. We help you preserve important evidence, calculate long-term damages, and negotiate with insurers while you focus on medical treatment and recovery.
Our team takes pride in keeping our clients informed about their legal rights and walking them through the process of seeking compensation for injuries. When necessary, we’re prepared to take your case to court if a settlement cannot be reached through negotiations.
FAQs
Q: How Hard Is It to Sue Uber?
A: It can be challenging to pursue a legal claim against Uber, as claims often involve multiple insurance policies, questions about the driver’s status in the app, and questions about who was at fault. Extensive evidence is necessary to prove liability, requiring GPS data, trip records, witness statements, and medical documentation. It’s important to hire a rideshare lawyer who can help you gather necessary evidence and create a compelling case that supports your recovery.
Q: How Much Is the Average Uber Passenger Accident Settlement?
A: How much an average Uber passenger accident settlement is, is hard to determine because every case is so different. Settlements vary by injury severity, medical expenses, lost income, and liability, among other factors. A minor injury case may resolve for a modest amount, but a catastrophic injury with permanent damage comes with a much greater need for medical care and financial assistance.
Q: What Evidence Is Needed to Sue Lyft?
A: The evidence needed to file a legal claim against Lyft includes the police report, photographs of the crash scene and vehicle damage, and medical records. You’ll also want to provide bills or other records of the financial damages experienced. Rideshare companies especially value electronic evidence, which shows when the driver picked up the passenger and whether they completed the trip.
Q: Does Uber Usually Settle Out of Court?
A: Many Uber cases settle outside of court through negotiations instead of going to trial. But that doesn’t always mean the case settles quickly. Insurers need time to investigate every aspect of the case, review medical records, and evaluate damages before they make a settlement offer. Accidents involving catastrophic injuries take even longer because it can take longer to determine the full extent of the victim’s medical needs.
Contact Luis P. Guerra, L.L.C., Today
If you’ve been wondering, “Can you sue after a catastrophic Uber or Lyft accident in Scottsdale?” the answer is yes. If you or someone you love experienced a catastrophic injury during an Uber or Lyft ride, there is help available. Luis P. Guerra, L.L.C., can review the accident, gather necessary evidence, and help you pursue compensation for medical bills and long-term care expenses.
Contact us today to schedule a consultation and learn more about your rights and how to move forward after a serious accident.
