Hartford Uber Accident Attorney
Representing Victims of Rideshare Accidents in Hartford, CT
Uber and Lyft are the very definitions of disruptive technologies. Before they arrived, the only way to get around Hartford was by public transportation or taxi. With the rise of ridesharing companies, however, consumers can use an app to request a ride to their destination. This convenience has led to explosive growth for rideshare platforms. Nearly 100 million people use the Uber app each month.
If you were injured in a crash, contact Tehrani Law Group today. Our Hartford Uber accident lawyer is prepared to seek compensation from the people responsible for your injuries.
How Rideshare Companies Work
Rideshare companies like Uber and Lyft have made the “gig” economy trendy. Drivers use their own personal vehicles to shuttle people around Hartford, and the company’s app connects drivers and consumers.
For the consumer, rideshare companies offer many advantages over taxi cabs. Instead of standing on the side of the road with your hand up, you log into the app and find a ride. You can also leave a review for the ride and even pay on the app, which means there is no need for cash.
The rates are competitive, too. In fact, many taxi companies have complained that they can’t compete with companies like Uber.
How Lyft and Uber Screen Drivers
Uber and Lyft are selective about who can drive for them. For example, Uber performs a background check on each potential driver, looking for moving violations, drunk driving incidents, and violent crimes. Even better, drivers are continually monitored for problems, and rideshare companies will suspend or revoke a driver’s privileges if they are a danger behind the wheel.
There are questions about how thoroughly these rideshare companies screen their drivers, however. According to CBS News, Uber only checks someone’s criminal history for the past 7 years. Screening for revoked or suspended licenses goes back only 3 years.
Uber and Lyft drivers are independent contractors, not employees. That sometimes matters legally.
Uber Accidents Cause Serious Injuries
An Uber or Lyft accident causes serious injuries like any other motor vehicle crash. Accident victims can struggle with:
- Head injuries
- Concussions and traumatic brain injuries
- Whiplash
- Back injuries
- Herniated discs
- Pinched nerves
- Burns
- Fractures
- Chest injuries
- Organ damage
- Spinal column injuries
These accidents are expensive to treat. Many victims will struggle for months with rehabilitation to try and recover from the incident. By working with our firm, we can help you get back on your feet faster, continue providing for your family, and hold those negligent parties accountable for your losses.
Taking the time to discuss your case with our Hartford Uber accident attorney will help assign value to your case and help you maximize your compensation.
Suing Those Responsible for the Accident
It isn’t unusual to get into a collision while riding in a Lyft or Uber. Ultimately, who you sue will depend on who is at fault for your injuries.
For example, if your Lyft or Uber driver causes a crash, you make a claim on their insurance policy. These accidents often stem from speeding, passing illegally, or tailgating. Uber drivers have $1 million in insurance to cover claims brought by injured passengers.
By contrast, if you are riding in an Uber and get hit by another motorist, the other motorist is probably to blame. They might have run a red light or sideswiped your Uber while you were in the back seat. You would make a claim on their insurance policy. Fortunately, rideshare companies carry excess insurance coverage. This will cover losses if the at-fault driver doesn’t have enough insurance.
And if you are struck by an Uber or Lyft driver? This happens, too. Uber drivers can make a mistake behind the wheel like any other motorist. You can also make a claim on Uber or Lyft’s insurance. The amount available will depend on whether the driver had accepted a ride already or not:
- Accepted ride or has a passenger in the car: $1 million in insurance.
Has logged into the app but has not yet accepted a ride: $50,000 in bodily injury liability, up to $100,000 per accident, and $25,000 in property damage liability coverage.
Why You Need a Hartford Uber Attorney
No matter how much insurance is available, getting a claim approved is difficult. Uber’s insurers are not eager to settle. They might even blame you for the accident or deny your injuries are serious. An experienced attorney can help with your claim by:
- Establishing who is at fault. This issue is often hotly contested. We can interview witnesses or visit the accident scene.
- Negotiating a settlement. We are skilled negotiators with many successful settlements under our belt. We can counter any insurance tricks and fight to obtain the maximum compensation for your injuries.
- Filing a lawsuit. If we can’t settle, then our legal team can march into court and litigate your personal injury claim.
Call Tehrani Law Group Today
We offer a free consultation, which you can schedule by calling or sending an email. Our firm knows how difficult these times can be and we are here to help you and your loved ones recover the deserved compensation needed to get back on your feet. Schedule a consultation with us or call (860) 261-6770.