If you travel by Uber or Lyft in Henderson, NV but get hurt in an accident, you may be able to sue your rideshare driver or their employer. Or, if you are driving and a rideshare driver crashes their car into yours, you may be able to seek damages from the at-fault motorist. In either of these scenarios, partner with a Henderson car accident lawyer to go over your legal options.
For those who want to pursue compensation after a rideshare crash, H&P Law can help. Our Henderson personal injury lawyer can evaluate your case. Contact us today to learn more.
Liability in Rideshare Accidents in Henderson
In an at-fault state, a driver who causes an auto accident can be required to pay any costs associated with their crash. Nevada is considered an at-fault state. In a typical auto crash, the at-fault driver may have to cover the damages, but ridesharing incidents are different in several ways.
With Uber, a driver has insurance from the ridesharing company itself. How the insurance is applied may depend on whether the driver was working at the time of the crash. For instance, if an Uber driver crashed into another vehicle while they were traveling to pick up a passenger, the other motorist may be able to file a claim based on the ridesharing company’s auto insurance policy.
Like Uber, Lyft offers auto insurance to its drivers. With Lyft’s auto insurance coverage, the company’s drivers are protected if their app is on, and they are able to receive requests en route to pick up passengers or during a ride.
Who to Hold Accountable for a Ridesharing Accident
In many instances, ridesharing drivers can be held accountable for accidents. If a motorist causes a crash while they are driving for Uber or Lyft, they are covered under their respective rideshare company’s insurance coverage. Both Uber and Lyft offer $1 million in third-party auto liability protection, which may be used to cover all of the costs of a crash.
If a driver is not logged in to their ridesharing app and gets into an accident, you can file a claim with their insurance provider. As an example, a driver who spends most of their day working for Uber may be involved in a parking lot accident while they are off the clock. If the driver is responsible for the accident, anyone they harmed can submit a claim through this individual’s insurance company.
In Nevada, automotive liability insurance is required with various minimum coverages. Yet, a ridesharing driver may not be logged into their app, cause an accident, and not have enough coverage to cover the entire cost of the collision. At this point, anyone who got hurt in the crash may need to file a personal injury lawsuit against the motorist to receive compensation for their losses.
How Much Time You Have to File a Ridesharing Accident Lawsuit in Henderson
The window for filing a personal injury claim in Nevada is two years, per Nevada Revised Statutes §11.190. If you are injured in an Uber or Lyft collision, consult with a Henderson rideshare accident attorney right away. That way, you can avoid missing out on your opportunity to pursue compensation from the at-fault driver.
A rideshare accident lawyer in Henderson can help you determine the value of your case. They will account for your losses and the costs associated with them. Your attorney may be able to help you get the following types of damages:
- Economic: These can be documented, and they may include medical bills, property damage, and lost wages.
- Non-Economic: These are subjective, and they may be awarded for pain and suffering.
- Punitive: These are rarely awarded, and a judge or jury only chooses to do so if they want to deter an at-fault party from acting negligently once again.
How much money you should ask for in a ridesharing collision case depends on the severity of any injuries that you suffer and other factors. A rideshare accident attorney in Henderson from H&P Law can help you calculate your damage. For more information, reach out to us.
What to Do If You Are Involved in an Uber or Lyft Accident in Henderson
Uber and Lyft want their drivers to travel safely. Despite their best efforts, ridesharing collisions happen every day. If you are involved in a rideshare crash, here are things that you should do to protect yourself throughout the incident:
- Call 911. Medical personnel can come to the accident scene to treat your injuries, and police officers can collect information about what happened.
- Get the rideshare driver’s contact information. Ask the driver for their full name, driver’s license information, auto insurance information, and details about their ridesharing company, and write down their vehicle’s license plate number, make, and model.
- Take photos and videos. Capture photos and videos of the crash scene — this is your only opportunity to do so, and it is important to make the most of it.
- Collect information from witnesses. If anyone saw your collision happen, ask for their contact information since these individuals may be able to serve as witnesses if you proceed with a personal injury lawsuit.
- Go to a doctor. Meet with a doctor, follow their instructions to treat your injuries, and track your medical expenses.
- Notify your auto insurance company. If you were traveling in your car and got hit by an Uber or Lyft driver, tell your auto insurer, but do not accept any responsibility for your crash.
- Report the accident to the rideshare company. Submit a claim with the rideshare business’ insurance provider.
- Contact an attorney. Connect with a lawyer who specializes in Uber and Lyft accident claims, and they can help you determine if you should file a personal injury lawsuit.
If you want legal help in the days and weeks after your Uber or Lyft collision, H&P Law can assist. Our ridesharing accident lawyer is proven to perform in the courtroom and can help you settle or win your claim. To request a case consultation, get in touch with us.
