Chattanooga Uber & Lyft Accidents Lawyers
Look to our Chattanooga Uber and Lyft accident attorneys after you suffer harm in a rideshare accident
Plenty of locals and tourists alike use rideshare services like Uber and Lyft to get around the city of Chattanooga. However, what happens if the car in which you are a passenger is involved in an accident? You may be concerned about how you will pay for your medical bills, lost wages, and property damage. The Uber and Lyft accident lawyers at Wagner & Wagner Attorneys at Law are here to help. We work to hold the right people and parties responsible after you’re injured in a rideshare accident.
How can we help?
- How do Uber & Lyft work?
- What types of injuries can occur in a Chattanooga Uber and Lyft accident?
- What are Uber and Lyft’s insurance policies?
- What is the value of my Chattanooga Uber and Lyft accident claim?
- What should I do after a rideshare accident in Chattanooga?
- Do you have a Chattanooga Uber and Lyft accident lawyer near me?
How do Uber & Lyft work?
Uber and Lyft are both ride-sharing services that operate through mobile applications. Users download the Uber or Lyft app from the App Store or Google Play Store, and create an account with their personal information and payment details (like credit card information).
When a user needs a ride, they open the app, set their pickup location and destination, and request a ride. The app then sends the request to nearby drivers. Nearby drivers receive the ride request on their own app and have the option to accept or decline it based on their availability and proximity to the user's location.
Once a driver accepts the ride request, the user receives confirmation along with details about the driver, such as their name, photo, and vehicle information. The user can track the driver's location and estimated time of arrival through the app. When the driver arrives, the user gets into the vehicle and is taken to their destination.
What types of injuries can occur in a Chattanooga Uber and Lyft accident?
In Uber and Lyft accidents, passengers, drivers, pedestrians, and occupants of other vehicles involved can sustain a range of injuries, varying from minor to severe. Some common types of injuries that can occur in Uber and Lyft accidents include:
- Whiplash is a common injury in rear-end collisions, where the head is suddenly jerked forward and then backward, causing strain to the neck muscles and ligaments.
- Head injuries can range from minor concussions to traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) depending on the severity of the impact. These injuries can result from hitting the head on the dashboard, window, or other objects inside the vehicle.
- Fractures and broken bones can occur in any part of the body during a collision, including arms, legs, ribs, and pelvis, due to the force of impact.
- Soft tissue injuries include sprains, strains, and tears to muscles, ligaments, and tendons. These injuries can cause pain, swelling, and limited mobility.
- Internal injuries may not be immediately apparent but can be serious and even life-threatening. These include internal bleeding, organ damage, and abdominal injuries caused by blunt force trauma.
- Spinal cord injuries can result in paralysis or loss of function below the site of the injury. These injuries can have long-term effects on mobility and quality of life.
- In addition to physical injuries, individuals involved in Uber and Lyft accidents may also experience psychological trauma such as anxiety, depression, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and emotional distress.
- In severe accidents, fatalities can occur, resulting in the loss of life for passengers, drivers, pedestrians, or occupants of other vehicles involved in the collision.
Individuals involved in Uber and Lyft accidents need to seek medical attention promptly, even if they don't initially feel injured, as some injuries may not manifest symptoms immediately.
What are Uber and Lyft’s insurance policies?
Uber and Lyft offer insurance policies that cover injuries and damage caused to others or their property while ridesharing. These include:
- When the app is off, meaning the driver is not on the company clock, their personal car insurance will apply.
- If the app is on and the driver is waiting for a ride request, Lyft’s insurance covers:
- $50,000/person for bodily injury
- $100,000/accident for bodily injury
- $25,000/accident for property damage
- If the app is on and the driver is on their way to pick up a passenger or has passengers in the car:
- “At least $1,000,000 for third-party auto liability
- First party coverages, which may include uninsured motorist coverage, underinsured motorist coverage, PIP, MedPay, and/or Occupational Accident coverage.
- If a driver obtains comprehensive and collision coverage on their personal auto policy, Lyft then maintains contingent comprehensive & collision coverage up to the actual cash value of the car ($2,500 deductible)”
- When the app is off, meaning the driver is not on the company clock, their personal car insurance will apply.
- If the app is on and the driver is waiting for a ride request, Uber provides coverage in the following amounts:
- $50,000/person for bodily injury
- $100,000/accident for bodily injury
- $25,000/accident for property damage
- When the app is on and the driver is en route to pick up a passenger or already has passengers in their car:
- “Insurance that covers at least $1,000,000 for property damage and injuries to riders and third parties involved in an accident where you’re at fault
- Insurance that covers the cost to repair your car, up to the actual cash value, with a $2,500 deductible, contingent on your personal insurance including comprehensive and collision coverage.”
Our Chattanooga Uber and Lyft accident lawyers can help explain what insurance policies are active and when, as well as how they apply to your specific case.
What is the value of my Chattanooga Uber and Lyft accident claim?
Determining the value of a personal injury claim resulting from an Uber or Lyft accident in Chattanooga depends on various factors. Here are some key elements, though, that will influence the value of your claim:
- The severity of injuries sustained in the accident greatly affects the value of your claim. This includes medical expenses, ongoing treatment costs, and potential future medical needs.
- If the accident resulted in missed work or diminished earning capacity due to injuries, these losses can be factored into the claim.
- Damage to your vehicle or other property as a result of the accident is also included in the claim.
- Both Uber and Lyft provide insurance coverage for accidents that occur during ridesharing trips. The value of your claim may depend on the insurance policies and coverage limits of the parties involved.
- Determining who was at fault in the accident is vital. If the driver of the Uber or Lyft vehicle was negligent, their insurance may be responsible for covering damages. However, if another party was at fault, their insurance may also come into play.
- Non-economic damages such as pain and suffering, emotional distress, and loss of enjoyment of life may also be considered in the valuation of your claim.
To get a more accurate estimate of the value of your specific claim, it's best to consult with a car accident attorney at Wagner & Wagner who has experience handling Uber and Lyft accident cases in Chattanooga. They can assess the details of your situation and guide you on how to proceed with your claim.
What should I do after a rideshare accident in Chattanooga?
If you're involved in a rideshare accident in Chattanooga, it's essential to take certain steps to protect your well-being and your legal rights. Here's what you should do after a rideshare accident:
- First, check yourself and others involved in the accident for injuries. If anyone requires medical attention, call 911 immediately.
- Notify the police about the accident. They will document the scene, gather information from both parties involved, and file an official accident report, which can be important for your insurance claims and legal proceedings.
- Obtain the necessary information from all parties involved, including names, contact details, insurance information, and vehicle license plate numbers. Make sure to get information about the driver and their rideshare company.
- Only if it's safe to do so, take photographs or videos of the accident scene, including vehicle damage, road conditions, traffic signs, and any visible injuries. This documentation can serve as valuable evidence later on.
- If you were a passenger in the rideshare vehicle, notify the rideshare company (Uber or Lyft) about the accident as soon as possible. They can guide you on how to proceed and initiate the insurance claims process.
- Even if you don't feel seriously injured immediately after the accident, seek medical attention promptly. Some injuries may not be apparent right away, and a medical evaluation can ensure that you receive proper treatment and document any injuries related to the accident.
- Consult with a personal injury attorney who has experience handling rideshare accident cases in Chattanooga, like those at Wagner & Wagner. Our attorneys can help protect your rights, navigate the claims process, negotiate with insurance companies, and pursue legal action if necessary.
- Notify your own insurance company about the accident. However, be cautious when providing statements or signing documents, especially if the other party's insurance company contacts you. We strongly advise consulting with an attorney before discussing the details of the accident with insurance adjusters.
By following these steps, you can better manage the aftermath of a rideshare accident in Chattanooga and work towards securing the necessary support and compensation for your injuries and damages.
Do you have a Chattanooga Uber and Lyft accident lawyer near me?
Wagner & Wagner Attorneys at Law are located at 701 Market Street, Suite 310 in Chattanooga, right off Dallas Road. If you are unable to come to our offices due to your injuries, we can schedule a phone or video consultation or come visit you at home or in the hospital.
Chattanooga Uber and Lyft accident lawyers working to protect your rights
If you or a loved one were injured in an Uber or Lyft accident, talk to Wagner & Wagner Attorneys at Law today. Our Chattanooga Uber & Lyft accident lawyers will protect your rights to compensation for your injuries, damages, and losses. We will work to secure compensation for things like your medical expenses, lost wages, and other related bills. To schedule a free consultation, call our Chattanooga offices or fill out our contact form today.