Mesa Rideshare Accident Lawyer

When it comes to rideshare accidents, matters aren’t always as simple as filing a claim with the driver’s insurance. If you’ve been involved in a rideshare accident in Mesa, Arizona, you may be facing complex legal challenges as you navigate insurance claims, fault determination, and the process of seeking compensation. That’s why you need a Mesa rideshare accident lawyer.

At Luis P. Guerra, L.L.C., our experienced team is here to help you through every step of the process to make sure you get the compensation you deserve.

Ridesharing is very common all throughout the Valley of the Sun. In fact, Mesa (as part of the Greater Phoenix Metro area) was one of the earliest cities where Uber and Lyft thrived after launching due in large part to its proximity to Arizona State University’s main campus.

Due to the state’s favorable laws and regulations and the city’s conducive weather, Uber began testing its autonomous vehicles, until a tragic accident occurred in which its self-driving test vehicle struck and killed a pedestrian in Tempe, thereby suspending the program indefinitely.

Surrounded by the 101, the 60, and the 202, Mesa experiences a mix of traffic from freight and trucking routes, commuters, out-of-towners, and local residents. This has led to an increased risk of experiencing a rideshare accident and other personal injury cases.

When you’re involved in a rideshare accident, one of the most pressing questions is who’s at fault. Just like any car accident, fault can lie with the rideshare driver, another driver, or even a third party, but rideshare accidents come with extra layers of complication because there are often multiple insurance policies at play. You could be dealing with the driver’s personal insurance, the rideshare company’s commercial policy, or even your own insurance.

In addition, Arizona’s comparative negligence rule also kicks into play here. If you’re partially at fault for the accident — maybe the driver was speeding, but you weren’t wearing a seatbelt — your compensation might be reduced depending on how much blame is assigned to you.

One of the complexities of rideshare accidents lies in the insurance policies. Rideshare companies like Uber and Lyft offer specific coverage for accidents involving their drivers, but this coverage varies depending on the driver’s status at the time of the accident. These status variables include:

1. Offline. If the driver isn’t logged into the rideshare app, they’re considered off-duty, and only their personal auto insurance applies. This is usually the least favorable scenario for the injured party, as personal insurance limits are typically lower than commercial policies.
2. Online, waiting for a ride. If the driver’s logged in but hasn’t accepted a ride yet, the rideshare company’s insurance policy may cover you, but only in a limited capacity. The driver’s personal insurance may also be applicable if the rideshare coverage is insufficient.
3. Active ride. If the driver is actively transporting a passenger, the rideshare company’s insurance comes into play, offering the highest coverage limits. Both the driver’s and the company’s policies may cover damages.

Navigating the insurance issues in a rideshare accident can be difficult, but at Luis P. Guerra, L.L.C., we understand Arizona’s insurance laws and how rideshare companies operate. With our team by your side, you can be sure that you receive the maximum compensation for your injuries and damages.

If you’ve been involved in a rideshare accident, you may be entitled to several types of compensation to help you recover from the financial, physical, and emotional impact of the incident. Some of these damages could include:

• Medical expenses. These can cover hospital bills, surgeries, doctor visits, ongoing therapy, and rehabilitation.
• Lost wages. This is compensation for income you’ve lost due to the time you’ve missed from work while recovering.
• Loss of earning capacity. This can be sought if your injuries prevent you from working in the future or if they limit your ability to earn money.
• Pain and suffering. This is compensation for physical pain, emotional distress, and the impact the injuries had on your overall quality of life.
• Property damage. This is reimbursement for any personal property, like a phone, laptop, or vehicle, that was damaged in the accident.
• Punitive damages. If the at-fault party acted recklessly or their actions were extremely negligent, punitive damages may be awarded to punish their actions.

After a rideshare accident, understanding the damages you can pursue is important when ensuring you receive the compensation you deserve. Whether it’s covering medical costs or compensating for lost wages or pain and suffering, the team at Luis P. Guerra, L.L.C., can help you navigate the complexities of your claim and maximize your recovery. Learn more about the Average Uber and Lyft Accident Settlement Amount in Arizona.

Rideshare accidents can quickly become a complex web of legal challenges, and you might find yourself dealing with several insurance companies, arguing over fault, and facing aggressive tactics to minimize your compensation. At Luis P. Guerra, L.L.C., we can help protect your interests by handling all the legal intricacies. Our team has the experience and the knowledge needed to fight for the compensation you deserve after a rideshare accident.

Q: Can I File a Direct Claim Against the Rideshare Company?

A: Typically, you can’t file a direct claim against the rideshare company directly unless their driver was acting outside the scope of their employment or if they were grossly negligent. However, the company’s insurance may cover some damages depending on the circumstances, like if the driver is logged into the app or actively transporting passengers.

Q: Does the Severity of My Injury Affect My Compensation Amount?

A: Yes, the severity of your injury plays a significant role when determining compensation. Severe injuries, like broken bones, brain trauma, or long-term disabilities, usually lead to higher compensation for medical bills, pain, suffering, and lost wages. The more serious the injury, the higher the potential for compensation, especially if facing long-term recovery or permanent disability.

Q: What Happens if the Rideshare Driver Doesn’t Have Enough Insurance?

A: If the rideshare driver doesn’t have enough insurance, you may be able to file a claim through your own insurance policy. Arizona law requires rideshare drivers to have specific insurance coverage, but in cases of insufficient coverage, your personal auto policy or the rideshare company’s insurance may help bridge the gap to cover medical expenses and other damages.

Q: Can I Pursue Compensation if I Was a Passenger in the Accident?

A: Yes, as a passenger in a rideshare accident, you have the right to pursue compensation for your injuries. You can file a claim against the at-fault driver’s insurance, whether it’s the rideshare driver or another motorist involved, and depending on the circumstances, you could also file a claim against the rideshare company’s insurance if their driver was at fault.

If you’ve been injured in a rideshare accident in Mesa, Arizona, having a knowledgeable attorney on your side can make all the difference when it comes to the outcome of your case. At Luis P. Guerra, L.L.C., we’re committed to protecting your interests while ensuring that you receive fair treatment after a rideshare accident.

Contact us today to schedule a consultation.