Being injured as the result of an Uber or Lyft accident can be a distressing experience. Accidents involving ridesharing drivers have the potential to cause serious injuries. However, many victims of such accidents are unsure how to obtain compensation for the harm they endured.
After your Uber or Lyft accident, the team at our law firm can help review your case and identify the proper course of action. We will help guide you through your complicated recovery process. Further, we will build your claim and negotiate for the full range of payment you are owed.
Seek guidance from our experienced Uber and Lyft accident lawyers by calling Howe Law today at (844) 876-4357 for a free case assessment.
Can You Sue Uber or Lyft After an Accident in Gadsden, AL?
Uber and Lyft drivers are considered independent contractors, as opposed to standard employees. Therefore, Uber and Lyft usually cannot be held liable for crashes that stem from their drivers’ carelessness. Still, there are very rare occasions where these ridesharing companies can be sued.
For instance, Uber and Lyft may be held accountable for collisions related to their negligent hiring practices. If one of these companies knowingly hired a driver with a dangerous driving history, then they may be sued after that driver causes an accident.
Thankfully, outside of suing Uber or Lyft, there may be multiple other options for pursuing payment after your accident in Gadsden. For instance, both ridesharing companies carry insurance policies to cover damages caused by their drivers. Further, you may be able to sue a third-party motorist if they played a role in causing your crash. Our Uber and Lyft accident lawyers can investigate your case and determine the appropriate route to monetary damages.
Why Do Uber and Lyft Accidents Happen in Gadsden, AL
There are various forms of negligence that can lead to Uber and Lyft accidents. The following are all potential causes of such accidents in Gadsden:
Distracted Driving
A high number of Uber and Lyft accidents happen as the result of negligent maneuvers committed by distracted drivers. There are three forms of distraction that can occur. First, drivers may be manually distracted by activities that take their hands from the wheel. Also, drivers may be visually distracted when they remove their eyes from the road. Finally, they may be cognitively distracted by any activity that diverts their attention from the task of driving.
Some activities like texting, viewing a ridesharing app, and speaking with passengers may involve multiple forms of distraction. Thankfully, if your Uber or Lyft accident occurred because of a distracted driver’s carelessness, then you may be entitled to payment for the damages you incurred.
Speeding
Speeding is another significant factor that contributes to Uber and Lyft accidents. Drivers may exceed the speed limit to reach their destinations faster or to fulfill more rides in a short time, often jeopardizing the safety of passengers, pedestrians, and other motorists. When an accident occurs as a result of speeding, injured parties may have grounds for filing a lawsuit to seek compensation for their damages and injuries.
Running Red Lights
Running red lights is a reckless behavior that poses a severe threat to public safety. Some rideshare drivers might attempt to beat traffic signals to save time but doing so can lead to devastating accidents. Innocent road users may suffer injuries or property damage due to the negligence of the driver, and they may seek legal remedies to recover their losses.
Defective Vehicle Parts
Defective parts in vehicles can also play a role in Uber and Lyft accidents. Whether it’s faulty brakes, tires, or other critical components, defective parts can lead to sudden failures on the road, resulting in accidents and injuries. In such cases, injured parties may be able to pursue product liability claims against the manufacturers, seeking compensation for their injuries and damages.
Drunk Driving
Drunk driving is a severe form of negligence and a major cause of accidents across the globe. Some rideshare drivers might choose to operate their vehicles under the influence of alcohol or drugs, significantly impairing their judgment and reaction times. When an accident occurs due to the driver’s intoxication, injured parties have the right to pursue legal action against both the driver and potentially the rideshare company if they were aware of the driver’s history of intoxicated driving.
Improper Left Turns and Illegal Lane Changes
Improper left turns and illegal lane changes are hazardous maneuvers that can lead to severe collisions. Rideshare drivers, like any other motorists, must follow traffic rules and exercise caution when changing lanes or making turns. Failure to do so can result in accidents, and victims can sue the driver for their negligence.
Poor Vehicle Maintenance
Poor vehicle maintenance is another potential cause of Uber and Lyft accidents. Rideshare drivers are responsible for ensuring that their vehicles are in proper working condition before accepting passengers. Neglecting maintenance tasks such as checking brakes, tires, and lights can lead to accidents that might have been preventable with proper care and attention. Injured parties can explore legal options to seek compensation for the damages resulting from the driver’s failure to maintain their vehicle adequately.
Negligent Hiring Practices
Negligent hiring practices on the part of Uber and Lyft can also contribute to accidents. Rideshare companies are responsible for vetting their drivers and ensuring they have the necessary qualifications and a clean driving record. If a driver’s history of accidents, traffic violations, or criminal behavior goes unnoticed during the hiring process and they cause an accident while on duty, the company may be held liable for negligence in hiring. Victims can pursue legal action against the rideshare company to seek compensation for their injuries and losses resulting from the accident.
Call Our Uber and Lyft Accident Attorneys for Help After Your Collision in Gadsden, AL
In the aftermath of your ridesharing accident in Gadsden, get support from our experienced Uber and Lyft accident attorneys at Howe Law by dialing (844) 876-4357.
