Indianapolis Rideshare Accident Lawyer

Indianapolis Uber and Lyft Accident Attorney

Uber, Lyft, and other ridesharing vehicles make it more convenient and economical for people to get around Indianapolis. However, with the popularity of ridesharing, the number of accidents involving these vehicles is on the rise. If you have been injured in a rideshare accident, it is in your best interest to speak with an experienced Indianapolis rideshare accident lawyer. Contact Fountain Law Firm, P.C. today to learn about your right to take legal action. 

Why Choose Fountain Law Firm, P.C.?

For more than 20 years, personal injury victims in Indianapolis have turned to Fountain Law Firm, P.C. for assistance. They know they can count on our firm to work tirelessly to achieve results. Some of the reasons our clients have chosen us are:

  • Our lead attorney, Merry Fountain, has personal experience as an automobile accident victim. You can rely on her for dedicated advocacy in your rideshare accident claim.
  • We handle all our cases on a contingency fee basis. You don’t pay us anything until we recover financial compensation for you.
  • We have a comprehensive understanding of how to handle complex rideshare accident cases and can develop a legal strategy to fight for the financial compensation you deserve.
  • We provide personalized attention to every client. We intentionally maintain a smaller caseload to provide you with the one-on-one attention you deserve.

If you were involved in a rideshare accident, contact an Indiana car wreck lawyer for a free initial consultation.

Learn More About Rideshare Accident Lawsuits:

How Do I Report a Lyft or Uber Accident Near Indianapolis? 

If you are involved in an Uber or Lyft accident, it is essential to report the accident as soon as possible and call 9-1-1.  Obtain the name of your driver.  When police respond to the accident scene, provide factual statements about the accident but avoid giving opinions about how the accident occurred. 

You can also report the accident directly on the Uber or Lyft app. However, even if you report the accident on the app, you still want to contact the authorities so you can get a police report. The accident report can be valuable evidence for your rideshare car accident claim.

What Makes an Uber/Lyft Accident Different from a Regular Car Accident?

Rideshare companies, or transportation network companies (TNC), are regulated under different laws than regular drivers because they provide rides for commercial purposes. For example, TNCs must obtain a permit from the Indiana Department of Revenue before they can operate in the state. 

TNC drivers must submit to local and federal background checks. Drivers who commit traffic violations or certain crimes can be prohibited from working for a TNC. Additionally, there are requirements for rideshare drivers, including the type of vehicle they must use and minimum insurance coverage requirements. Violating these rules can subject the company and/or driver to liability that regular drivers would not be subject to.

Additionally, Uber and Lyft accident cases are relatively new, and the issue of liability can be complicated, depending on the particular circumstances surrounding the accident. Although Uber and Lyft have insurance policies with million-dollar limits for liability and uninsured motorist coverage, this coverage only applies in certain situations. Furthermore, there may be a company-specific insurance procedure for each rideshare service. Other traffic accidents can be more straightforward without all of these complicating factors. 

What Are the Common Causes of Rideshare Accidents?

While rideshares are commonly advertised as a safe form of transportation, rideshare companies have a business model that sometimes incentivizes unsafe driving practices. Drivers are paid by ride, so they want to finish as many rides as possible. Rideshare driving is also a flexible way to earn extra money, so many rideshare drivers work this as a second or third job.

These factors lead to many rideshare accidents caused by:

  • Speeding
  • Distractions
  • Inattention
  • Inexperienced driving
  • Drowsy driving
  • Aggressive driving

How Does Auto Insurance Work for Uber and Lyft Drivers?

One of the complicating factors involved in rideshare accidents is which insurance policy applies. Different insurance policies apply at different times during the transaction, depending on whether:

  • A driver is available for a ride and has the app turned on.
  • A driver has accepted a ride request and is en route to pick up the passenger or the driver is transporting the rideshare passenger.
  • The driver is not logged into the rideshare app.

Who Is Covered by the Rideshare Company’s Insurance Policy?

You may be eligible for compensation under Uber or Lyft insurance policies if you were:

  • A passenger or driver injured in an accident for which an Uber or Lyft driver was at fault
  • A passenger of an Uber or Lyft vehicle injured in a crash, regardless of who was at fault
  • An Uber or Lyft driver injured in a collision for which another driver was at fault

What Are the Insurance Policy Limits If I’m Involved in a Rideshare Accident?

If an accident occurs while the driver is available or waiting for a ride request, Uber and Lyft insurance covers third-party liability in the following amounts, as required by state law:

Despite high limits, you cannot expect the claim process to be easy. The insurance providers for these companies often deny claims. Therefore, it is in your best interest to work with a knowledgeable rideshare accident lawyer who can pursue the compensation you deserve.

What Should I Do If I Was Injured in a Rideshare Accident Near Indianapolis? 

After an accident, it is essential that you take care of your health. If you notice immediate injuries, call 9-1-1 and request an ambulance. If you do not receive care immediately, schedule a medical appointment as soon as possible so you can begin receiving proper medical care and begin your road to recovery. 

Other steps you can take to protect your legal claim include:

  • Request the at-fault driver’s contact, vehicle, and insurance information.
  • Report the accident to authorities and on the rideshare app.
  • Take pictures of the accident scene and the damage to any vehicles involved in the crash.
  • Ask any witnesses for their contact information.
  • Keep all of your medical records and other proof of your financial damages.
  • Contact an Uber accident lawyer as soon as possible.

I Was in an Accident While Driving for a Ridesharing Service. What Should I Do?

Just because you were driving for Uber or Lyft does not mean that you are responsible for the accident. You should still take steps to preserve the scene and protect your legal rights, including:

  • Report the accident to authorities and the rideshare company immediately.
  • Document the scene with your cellphone.
  • Seek prompt medical attention. 
  • Gather information about all of the individuals involved in the accident, including any witnesses.
  • Contact an experienced attorney who can advise you of your legal options and whether to accept a settlement offer.

Why Do You Need an Indianapolis Lyft and Uber Accident Attorney?

A Lyft and Uber accident attorney can act as your advocate after an accident. Legal issues can prove to be more complex in rideshare accident cases. Insurance companies are motivated by profit and do not have your best interests in mind. 

Your rideshare accident lawyer works for you and can zealously protect your legal rights by:

  • Investigating the accident
  • Identifying all liable parties and applicable insurance policies
  • Ensuring you receive prompt medical treatment and coordinating your medical care 
  • Assessing the full value of your claim
  • Handling communication with insurance companies and others on your behalf
  • Advising you of your legal rights and options at each phase of the case
  • Negotiating for fair compensation on your behalf 

If you have experienced an accident with one of these rideshare service vehicles – either as a passenger or in another vehicle involved in the collision — you would seek counsel in the same way you would in any car accident. Hiring a knowledgeable personal injury attorney is always important, but it is even more necessary when the accident involves one of the popular rideshare services because their legal policies are still new and can be difficult to understand. For example, Uber states that it provides $1,000,000 per accident in insurance coverage, but the amount available to passengers can vary depending on many different factors. Also, it is still unclear based on their policy whether the company is legally responsible, or liable, for the actions of its drivers. This means that only a knowledgeable personal injury lawyer with experience in car accident lawsuits will know how to proceed.

Get in Touch with Your Nearby Rideshare Accident Firm

At Fountain Law Firm, P.C., we have the knowledge, skills, and resources to effectively pursue the maximum compensation available in auto accident cases. Contact an experienced Indianapolis injury lawyer as soon as possible if you have been injured in a rideshare accident. Call us at (317) 917-7873 for a free case review.