Rideshare accidents present unique legal challenges. When you’re injured in an Uber or Lyft vehicle, determining liability requires careful investigation. The driver, the rideshare company, other motorists, or vehicle defects may all play a role in your accident. Hire a Phoenix rideshare accident lawyer to get the compensation you deserve. Contact or call 602-595-5559 for a free consultation.
Why Choose Triumph Law Group for Your Rideshare Accident Claim
You need an attorney who understands rideshare accident cases. Triumph Law Group brings experience and results to your case. Our team includes attorneys with 8 to 22 years of personal injury litigation experience, including experience with Uber and Lyft accidents. We maintain a 98% success rate and have recovered millions for injured clients in motor vehicle accident cases.
In car accident cases, we’ve recovered $1.25 million for a seriously injured client and $600,000 for another motor vehicle accident victim. These results demonstrate our ability to negotiate substantial settlements and take cases to trial when necessary.
We’re available 24/7 to answer your questions, offer bilingual services in English and Spanish, and we never charge upfront fees. Our founding partner, Triumph Curiel, earned Super Lawyers Rising Star recognition in 2019, 2020, and 2021. Attorney Liz Wylde received the Order of the Barristers award for excellence in oral advocacy and served as Editor of the Arizona State Law Journal. When your case goes to trial, you’ll have experienced trial attorneys representing you in the courtroom.
Types of Rideshare Accidents We Handle
Our attorneys handle all types of rideshare accident cases:
- Rideshare driver negligence
- Other motorist collisions involving rideshare vehicles
- Rideshare vehicle defects
- Pedestrian accidents involving rideshare vehicles
- Rideshare driver intoxication
- Rideshare driver distracted driving
- Rideshare vehicle maintenance failures
We also handle bicycle accidents and motorcycle accidents involving rideshare vehicles, as these vulnerable road users face heightened injury risks.
Understanding Rideshare Accident Claims
Arizona law requires rideshare companies to maintain insurance coverage. The coverage depends on the driver’s status at the time of the accident:
- Phase 1: App Off or Waiting for Ride Request: The driver’s personal insurance applies. Rideshare companies do not provide coverage during this phase. This is similar to standard auto insurance requirements for private vehicles.
- Phase 2: Ride Accepted, En Route to Pickup: Rideshare companies provide contingent liability coverage up to $50,000 per person and $100,000 per accident. Uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage is also available.
- Phase 3: Passenger in Vehicle: Rideshare companies provide primary liability coverage up to $1,000,000 per accident. This coverage applies regardless of the driver’s personal insurance.
Understanding which phase applies to your accident is critical. It determines which insurance policies may cover your damages and how much compensation you can recover. These requirements are established under Arizona Revised Statutes 28-4038.
Why Rideshare Accident Cases Are Complex
Rideshare accidents differ from standard car accidents in several important ways:
Multiple Insurance Policies
Your claim may involve the driver’s personal insurance, the rideshare company’s insurance, and potentially other parties’ coverage. Navigating these policies requires knowledge of how they interact. This complexity mirrors issues we handle in commercial vehicle accidents.
Rideshare Company Liability
Rideshare companies argue they’re not employers but rather platforms connecting drivers and passengers. This classification affects liability and available damages. Our attorneys understand how to hold rideshare companies accountable when appropriate. We’ve successfully navigated these issues in numerous Uber accident claims and Lyft cases.
Driver Classification Issues
Whether a driver is an employee or an independent contractor affects insurance coverage and liability. This distinction varies by state and can significantly impact your case. The National Association of Insurance Commissioners also provides guidance on these classifications.
Passenger Vulnerability
As a passenger, you have limited control over the vehicle. You cannot influence the driver’s decisions or prevent accidents. This vulnerability strengthens your position in many cases. This is similar to the protections afforded to passengers in truck accident cases and other motor vehicle collisions.
Our Approach to Rideshare Accident Cases
We investigate rideshare accidents thoroughly. Our process includes:
Immediate Investigation
We gather evidence while it’s fresh. This includes accident scene photos, witness statements, police reports, and vehicle damage documentation. Our investigation protocols align with National Highway Traffic Safety Administration standards for accident documentation.
Insurance Policy Analysis
We identify all applicable insurance policies and coverage limits. We determine which policies apply based on the driver’s status at the time of the accident. Our team has extensive experience with rideshare insurance coverage complexities.
Liability Determination
We investigate who caused the accident. This may involve the rideshare driver, another motorist, vehicle defects, or road hazards. Our approach mirrors the investigation methods we use in motorcycle accident cases and other personal injury matters.
Damage Calculation
We calculate your full damages, including medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and future medical needs. We work with medical experts to ensure accurate valuation of your claim.
Negotiation and Trial Preparation
We negotiate aggressively with insurance companies. If settlement discussions fail, we prepare your case for trial. View our case results to see the settlements we’ve recovered for injured clients. Our Phoenix personal injury lawyers have successfully tried hundreds of cases.
Compensation in Rideshare Accident Cases
If you’re injured in a rideshare accident, you may recover compensation for:
Economic Damages
- Medical expenses (past and future)
- Lost wages
- Rehabilitation costs
- Medical equipment and home modifications
- Transportation costs
Non-Economic Damages
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Scarring and disfigurement
- Loss of consortium
Punitive Damages
In cases involving gross negligence or intentional misconduct, punitive damages may be available. Arizona law permits punitive damages under Arizona Revised Statutes 34-226.
What to Do After a Rideshare Accident
If you’re injured in a rideshare accident, take these steps:
- Seek Medical Attention: Your health is the priority. Get medical treatment immediately, even if injuries seem minor. Document all injuries and treatment with your healthcare provider.
- Document the Scene: Take photos of vehicle damage, accident scene conditions, and visible injuries. Get contact information from witnesses. This documentation is critical for accident claims.
- Report the Accident: File a police report. Request a copy for your records. The police report provides official documentation of the accident.
- Preserve Evidence: Keep all medical records, receipts, and documentation related to your injuries and expenses. Preserve any communications with the rideshare company or insurance carriers.
- Contact Our Office: Call 602-595-5559 for a free consultation. We’ll explain your rights and discuss your case. Our Phoenix rideshare accident attorneys are available 24/7.
- Avoid Settlement Pressure: Don’t accept settlement offers without consulting an attorney. Insurance companies often offer less than your claim is worth. We can review any settlement offer and advise you on whether it’s fair.
Contact Triumph Law Group Today
If you’ve been injured in a rideshare accident, contact Triumph Law Group for a free consultation. Call 602-595-5559 or use our contact form. We’re available 24/7 to discuss your case and explain your legal options. Our firm and our team of lawyers can get you the compensation you deserve.
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