Uber and Lyft’s services are utilized by many passengers for all types of travel. Whether you are taking a long drive down the highway or a quick trip up the street, rideshare services can conveniently transport you to your destination. These drivers, like all motorists, are expected to exercise reasonable care and obey traffic laws. Unfortunately, Uber and Lyft drivers still cause car accidents in Nashville.
If you suffered injuries because of an Uber or Lyft driver’s negligence, you may be entitled to compensation. Uber and Lyft require their drivers to carry liability insurance, and the companies also provide insurance coverage that we can file a claim against to help you get your injuries compensated.
If you were injured in an accident caused by an Uber or Lyft driver, seek assistance from experienced Nashville car accident lawyers by calling Howe Law at (844) 876-4357 for a free case review.
Uber and Lyft Driver Liability in Nashville
If a rideshare driver was at fault for an accident, you can often recover compensation from the negligent driver’s insurance policy. Rideshare drivers are required to carry liability insurance in Nashville. Furthermore, Uber and Lyft each have their own insurance policies that specifically cover damages caused by their drivers. However, insurance companies can dispute your claim. The process for recovering compensation can be complicated. Our Nashville car accident lawyers can help recover the full extent of damages available to you after an Uber or Lyft accident.
Can I Sue Uber and Lyft Directly?
Uber and Lyft are independent contractors and, therefore, are not directly liable for damages caused by their negligent drivers. However, there may be certain circumstances where victims can sue rideshare companies directly. For example, Uber and Lyft may be sued for negligent hiring practices. If a rideshare company failed to perform a background check and hired a driver with a poor driving record, they may be accountable for damages caused by that driver. Victims can contact our Nashville car accident lawyers for help determining if a rideshare company’s negligent hiring practices contributed to an accident.
Causes of Uber and Lyft Accidents in Nashville
You may be able to recover from an Uber or Lyft driver’s insurance policy if they were at fault for an accident. There are many forms of negligence that lead to Uber and Lyft accidents. The following are common causes of Uber and Lyft accidents in Nashville:
Distracted Driving
Distracted driving is one of the most common causes of Uber and Lyft accidents. Distracted driving occurs when a motorist takes their hands off the wheel, eyes off the road, or mind off the task of driving. Distracted driving is extremely dangerous and can lead to serious injuries. The following are forms of distracted driving frequently committed by Nashville Uber and Lyft drivers:
- Adjusting a GPS
- Adjusting a radio
- Texting
- Talking on the phone
- Talking with passengers
- Eating
Our Nashville car accident lawyers can help recover damages incurred because an Uber or Lyft driver was driving distracted.
Lack of Driver Training
Rideshare services offer limited training and have relaxed requirements for hiring drivers. Therefore, numerous passengers are transported per day by drivers who may be inexperienced or ill-prepared for the job. Inexperienced drivers are another potential cause of Uber and Lyft accidents in Nashville.
Driving Under the Influence
Uber or Lyft drivers who operate their vehicles under the influence are putting countless lives at risk. For instance, drunk drivers will exhibit slow reaction times and poor decision-making abilities behind the wheel. Accordingly, you may be compensated for injuries caused by an Uber or Lyft driver who was driving under the influence.
Reckless Driving
In Nashville, reckless driving is defined as driving with willful and wanton disregard for the safety of persons or property. Uber and Lyft drivers who cause accidents while engaged in reckless driving can be held liable for damages. Examples of reckless driving include racing other vehicles, swerving out of lanes, or attempting to elude police.
Other Traffic Violations
Uber and Lyft drivers are expected to abide by all traffic laws. Therefore, if you suffered an accident because a rideshare driver committed a traffic violation, you may be entitled to financial compensation. The following are examples of traffic violations that may lead to Uber and Lyft accidents:
- Speeding
- Improper lane changes
- Failing to use turn signals
- Running red lights
- Tailgating
- Braking abruptly
If you suffered damages in a car accident because an Uber or Lyft driver committed a traffic violation, our Nashville car accident lawyers can help pursue financial compensation.
Common Injuries Caused by Uber and Lyft Accidents in Nashville
Injuries sustained by Uber and Lyft accident victims can be serious and life-altering. The injuries incurred will likely depend on the circumstances surrounding a crash. The following injuries are commonly caused by Uber and Lyft accidents in Nashville:
- Back injuries
- Broken bones
- Burns
- Whiplash
- Strains and sprains
- Internal bleeding
- Traumatic brain injuries
Victims may be compensated for the cost of medical treatment for such injuries. However, you should not wait to see a doctor. Documentation of your injuries is required to recover compensation. Furthermore, insurance companies can use delays in treatment to complicate the settlement process.
Damages Available to Uber and Lyft Accident Victims in Nashville
Uber and Lyft accidents can potentially cause an array of physical and mental injuries. Therefore, there are multiple forms of compensation available to victims of Uber and Lyft accidents in Nashville. Victims may recover damages for the following harms related to an accident:
- Medical expenses
- Lost wages
- Property damage
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Pain and suffering
- Punitive damages
Contact our Nashville car accident lawyers for help determining which damages may be available in your case.
If You Suffered Injuries Because of an Uber or Lyft Accident in Nashville, Our Lawyers Can Help
If you were injured in an accident caused by an Uber or Lyft driver, get help recovering the compensation you deserve by calling Howe Law at (844) 876-4357 for a free case review.
