Uber/Lyft Accidents: Immediate Actions You Must Take for Fair Compensation

With Las Vegas being a bustling hub for tourists and locals alike, many people rely heavily on rideshare services like Uber and Lyft for convenient transportation. However, just like in any vehicle, passengers face the risk of serious injuries in the event of an accident. This raises important questions: What should you do if you’re injured in an Uber or Lyft accident? And how does Nevada law affect your right to seek compensation?

What to Know About Rideshare Accident Liability in Nevada

Rideshare companies such as Uber and Lyft operate under unique legal structures that can impact your ability to pursue compensation after an accident. In Nevada, rideshare drivers are often classified as independent contractors rather than traditional employees, which affects insurance coverage and liability in the event of a collision.

When a rideshare driver is “on the clock,” their company’s insurance policy might cover passenger injuries. However, determining fault and securing adequate compensation can be complex. To navigate these challenges, it’s crucial to understand how Nevada law applies to rideshare claims.

What Are Your Legal Options for Compensation?

If you’ve been injured in an Uber or Lyft accident, you might wonder about your options for recovery. Under Nevada law, passengers have the right to file claims against the rideshare company’s insurance policy, the driver’s personal insurance, or other involved parties depending on the circumstances.

According to a report by NBC Los Angeles, accidents involving rideshare services have been on the rise across major cities, with Las Vegas seeing its fair share of cases. The process of obtaining compensation for medical bills, lost wages, and other damages can be challenging without professional guidance.

What to Do Immediately After a Rideshare Accident: Call 911

When involved in any car accident, especially one with an Uber or Lyft vehicle, prioritizing safety and immediate action is essential. The first step you should take is to call 911, especially if there are visible injuries or if you or someone else suspects an injury. This critical action not only ensures medical help is on the way but also initiates the documentation process crucial for any potential claims.

Why Calling 911 After a Rideshare Accident is Crucial

In any accident, dialing 911 is about more than just getting help; it creates an official record, known as a “paper trail,” that can be essential for insurance and legal purposes. When police officers arrive, they will assess the accident scene, interview those involved, and compile a report with their findings. This report serves as an unbiased account, capturing details that could support your case if you need to file a claim against Uber, Lyft, or any involved party’s insurance.

Having emergency medical personnel on-site also ensures immediate medical attention for those who need it. Even if injuries aren’t immediately apparent, symptoms like shock or hidden trauma may emerge later. Taking proactive steps at the accident scene can make a significant difference in recovery and potential claims.

Q: What if I don’t see any visible injuries? Should I still call 911?

A: Yes. Often, accident-related injuries may not be immediately visible or may seem minor at first but can worsen over time. Calling 911 helps ensure that you have an official report, which could be invaluable if injuries or damages become apparent later.

Related Rideshare Accident Statistics

Rideshare accidents have become more common with the rise of services like Uber and Lyft. According to recent studies, rideshare vehicles are involved in a growing number of accidents, sometimes causing serious injuries. For more details on the impact of rideshare accidents, consider checking out recent reports on ABC7 or NBC LA for statistics on rideshare safety trends and accident rates.

Always Seek Medical Attention After a Ride-Share Accident

If you’ve been involved in an Uber or Lyft accident, even if it doesn’t seem serious at first, it’s essential to seek medical attention as soon as possible. While you may feel fine or notice only minor injuries, symptoms of potentially serious injuries can sometimes be delayed. Seeking a medical check-up promptly not only ensures your health and safety but also creates crucial documentation of your injuries, which may be invaluable if you pursue compensation.

Why It’s Important to Get Checked by a Doctor

Some injuries, such as internal bleeding, concussions, or even fractures, may not present immediate symptoms but can become life-threatening if left untreated. According to a report by NBC LA, even minor accidents have the potential to cause lasting physical harm, especially when adrenaline masks the pain. Therefore, medical professionals can assess potential hidden injuries early on, giving you the best chance at a full recovery.

FAQ: What if My Injuries Don’t Seem Severe?

Q: Should I still see a doctor if I feel okay after the accident?

A: Yes, absolutely. Many accident-related injuries, especially whiplash or traumatic brain injuries, may not cause noticeable symptoms right away. Delayed symptoms are common, so seeing a doctor immediately ensures you catch any hidden issues before they worsen.

Documenting Your Injuries for Legal Purposes

Seeking medical attention also establishes an official record of your injuries, which can be helpful if you decide to seek compensation later. According to ABC7 News, having documented injuries is a vital part of any legal claim. Without this documentation, it can be challenging to prove that your injuries directly resulted from the accident.

Take Action for Your Health and Legal Rights

Whether you need immediate medical intervention or a simple check-up, prioritizing medical attention after an Uber or Lyft accident is a proactive way to protect both your health and your potential rights to compensation. In addition to safeguarding your well-being, these records are an essential part of building a strong foundation should you need to seek legal remedies in the future.

Get Everyone’s Information

In the aftermath of an Uber or Lyft accident, if you do not require emergency medical attention, taking a few key steps can help protect your rights and build a strong case if you need to file a claim. One of the first steps is to gather contact and insurance information from all drivers involved in the accident.

Why Collect Information from All Drivers?

In many accidents, determining which driver is at fault is not immediately clear. This is especially true in rideshare accidents involving multiple parties. For this reason, it’s crucial to document the information of every driver and vehicle involved, regardless of who appears to be responsible initially.

Don’t Overlook Potential Witnesses

In addition to driver details, consider identifying potential witnesses who may have seen the accident or have insight into what happened. Witnesses can include bystanders or even other passengers in your rideshare vehicle. Be sure to collect their contact information, as they may provide valuable support for your case if a dispute arises about fault or liability.

Reporting an Accident to the Rideshare Company

In Nevada, Uber and Lyft are officially classified as “transportation network companies” (TNCs). Most drivers working for these companies are independent contractors using their personal vehicles to transport passengers. This setup can sometimes create confusion, particularly when it comes to securing compensation following an accident involving an Uber or Lyft ride.

What Happens If You Are Injured in an Uber or Lyft Accident?

If you use the Uber or Lyft app to book a ride and experience an injury due to your driver’s negligence, both Uber and Lyft provide commercial liability coverage. This insurance coverage can reach up to $1 million per person or a maximum of $2 million per accident. This coverage exists to protect passengers in the event of an accident.

For example, if an Uber or Lyft driver causes an accident that leads to passenger injuries, the rideshare company’s insurance policy will cover the injuries up to the policy limits. Similarly, if a rideshare driver is involved in an accident while active on the app but without passengers—say, they strike a pedestrian—the TNC will typically provide contingent liability coverage. In such cases, this coverage can reach up to $50,000 for personal injury if the driver’s personal insurance does not fully cover the claim.

For more insights on TNCs and the insurance coverage provided in rideshare accidents, you can read relevant coverage by NBC Los Angeles and Fox 11 Los Angeles.

Why Reporting Your Accident is Crucial

Reporting an accident to Uber or Lyft is a critical step in securing the benefits of their insurance policy. Filing a report ensures that your case is properly documented and that you have access to the necessary coverage. Whether you’re a passenger, pedestrian, or another driver impacted by a rideshare driver’s negligence, your accident must be reported promptly to ensure full protection under the applicable TNC insurance.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What should I do if I’m injured in a rideshare accident?

A: If you’re injured during an Uber or Lyft ride, prioritize seeking medical attention. Then, make sure to report the incident to the rideshare company through their app or customer service. Filing a report ensures that the rideshare company’s insurance can assist with covering medical costs and other damages.

Q: What if I’m a pedestrian hit by an Uber or Lyft driver?

A: If the driver was logged into the app but not carrying passengers, the TNC provides contingent liability coverage that can cover up to $50,000 for personal injuries, should the driver’s personal insurance fall short.

An Overview of Ridesharing Accidents, Personal Injury Claims, and Nevada Law  

Whether a crash involves an Uber or a Lyft, a ridesharing accident claim can be especially complicated for the people involved in it. It is crucial that you understand how Nevada law works. Here are the two key things to know ridesharing accident claims in Las Vegas: 

1. Car Accident Liability Laws are Similar: As a starting point, it is useful to know that the law is not fundamentally different for collisions involving ridesharing vehicles. Liability is still based on fault, Nevada’s comparative negligence standard (N.R.S. § 41-141) can still apply, and the statute of limitations is the same. Ridesharing accident victims still have the right to seek financial compensation for the full extent of their damages from the at-fault party, including for vehicle repairs, medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other types of damages. An injury crash should still be reported to law enforcement—such as the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department (LVMPD)—and the incident should be investigated by an experienced attorney. 
2. Insurance Coverage Issues Make These Cases Different: While much of the law is the same, ridesharing accident cases are also quite different in practice. The primary issue: Insurance coverage.  Ridesharing companies are required to provide insurance for their drivers, but the coverage varies significantly depending on the driver’s status at the time of the accident. Major disputes can arise between insurance providers. There are typically three periods to consider: 1) When the driver is not logged into the ridesharing app, 2) When they are logged in but have not yet accepted a ride request, and 3) when they are actively transporting a passenger. Each period has different levels of insurance coverage provided by the ridesharing company, which can complicate claims.

Contact an Experienced Las Vegas Personal Injury Lawyer

Sorting out liability for an Uber or Lyft accident is often complicated due to the involvement of multiple drivers and the specific laws governing TNCs in Nevada. So if you have been injured in an accident involving an Uber or Lyft driver, it is in your best interest to work with an experienced Las Vegas personal injury attorney. Call Heidari Law Group, P.C., today at 702-772-1500 or contact us online to schedule a free case evaluation. With a law office in Las Vegas, we are well-positioned to handle ridesharing accident claims in Clark County and throughout all of Southern Nevada.

***Disclaimer: This webpage has been crafted by Heidari Law Group solely for educational purposes. The content of this article aims to offer a broad comprehension of the law and does not constitute specific legal advice. By accessing this site and perusing its contents, no attorney-client relationship is established between you and any member of Heidari Law. Additionally, it’s important to note that the legal landscape is subject to continuous change, rendering some of the information provided herein potentially outdated or no longer applicable.