What Happens if Your Uber or Lyft Driver Gets into an Accident in Indiana?

Sustaining injuries in a rideshare accident can be extremely damaging for Indiana victims. That is why Uber or Lyft accident victims should learn what can happen after a collision and how to improve their chances of recovering compensatory damages.

After an Uber or Lyft accident in Indiana, several things should happen. Most notably, victims should call the police and seek medical attention right away. Next, Indiana rideshare accident victims should hire an attorney to help them initially file an insurance claim for compensation. If negotiations with a rideshare company’s liability insurance are unsuccessful, your attorney can help you pursue litigation against a negligent Uber or Lyft driver. Your experienced lawyer can help you assess which route is the most viable option and will allow you to recover the compensatory damages you deserve.

Our lawyers are dedicated to helping Indiana rideshare accident victims in the aftermath of a damaging collision. For a free case evaluation with the Indiana Uber and Lyft accident attorneys at Wruck Paupore, call us today at (219) 322-1166.

What Should Happen Immediately After an Uber or Lyft Accident in Indiana?

Immediately after sustaining injuries in an Uber or Lyft accident in Indiana, there are several steps victims should take. For example, it’s crucial to call the police and seek immediate medical attention. Taking these necessary steps is necessary both legally and for your medical well-being. It is also important as a part of your claim for compensatory damages, whether as part of the insurance claim settlement process or in a personal injury lawsuit.

After a rideshare accident in Indiana, it is critical to document the circumstances of the collision. Indiana victims can do so by calling the police right away. Indiana law enforcement officials may note in a police report whether an Uber or Lyft driver was logged on and completing a ride at the time of your accident. This can provide substantial support to your claim against a rideshare company’s insurance. Crash reports can also be invaluable to Milwaukee Uber accident attorneys when building a case in a lawsuit against a negligent Uber or Lyft driver in Indiana.

Victims should also seek immediate medical attention. After sustaining injuries, it’s crucial that a doctor assesses you. Your medical records are very important in your claim against Uber or Lyft’s liability insurance, asserting your need for substantial compensatory damages. Suppose you choose to file a lawsuit against a negligent Indiana rideshare driver. In that case, your medical records can be incredibly helpful to your attorney.

Read More: What Should You Not Say to an Insurance Adjuster

What Are Your Options for Compensation After an Uber or Lyft Accident in Indiana?

Suppose you’ve been recently injured in an Uber or Lyft accident in Indiana. In that case, our lawyers will take the necessary steps to help you recover compensatory damages. First, our attorneys will seek recovery against the relevant insurance companies. If you are a passenger in an Uber or Lyft and injured in an accident, the accident may have been caused by the driver of your vehicle if another driver. The accident may also have been caused by partial negligence of your driver and other drivers, all of whom may be responsible to pay for your injuries.

If a rideshare company’s liability insurance and any other insurers refuse to pay the full value of your losses in a settlement, we will move forward with litigation against a negligent Uber or Lyft driver and all other responsible parties.

More Info: How is Fault Determined After a Car Accident in Indiana?

Filing an Insurance Claim

After an Uber or Lyft accident, it can benefit Indiana victims to seek recovery against a rideshare company’s liability insurance. Generally, Indiana rideshare companies carry considerable liability insurance in case of an accident involving a passenger or pedestrian. At the present time, both Uber and Lyft provide for $1,000,000 of liability insurance and Underinsured/Uninsured Motorist coverage which is applicable where their drivers are actively involved in carrying passengers. This provides coverage for the negligence of your rideshare driver, but also provides additional coverage in the event that another driver caused the accident and did not carry adequate insurance.

Read More: What Should You Do if an Insurance Company Delays Your Claim?

The insurance claims process in these cases can be complex, including preserving electronic evidence that the rideshare driver was logged in and carrying a passenger at the time of injury. It also includes developing theories of liability against other potentially at fault parties and presenting medical and liability evidence in a compelling way. In our experience, it’s crucial that injured victims hire an Indianapolis Uber and Lyft accident attorney to obtain the best recovery.

Filing a Lawsuit

Often, injured rideshare accident victims in Indiana are entitled to substantial compensation for their injuries. This often leads victims to file a car accident lawsuit, especially when insurance companies refuse to meet their obligation to pay what is owed. Generally, victims will sue the responsible Uber or Lyft driver, not the rideshare company itself. That’s because Uber and Lyft drivers are usually considered independent contractors in Indiana. However, because there is likely to be substantial insurance available, the importance of this distinction is often minimized.

Victims generally have two years from the date of injury to file a lawsuit for compensatory damages against a negligent Uber or Lyft driver in Indiana. However, it is important that victims retain legal counsel as soon after an accident as possible in order to preserve evidence and start building a case for the maximum monetary recovery.

Read More: What is the Statute of Limitations on Personal Injury Claims in Indiana?

Who is Liable if Your Uber or Lyft Driver Gets into an Accident in Indiana?

When determining liability, your Indiana Uber and Lyft accident attorney needs to know each detail regarding a collision. This will help your lawyer decide if a rideshare company’s liability insurance will apply or if you will need to file a lawsuit.

In Indiana, a rideshare company’s liability insurance will only apply under certain circumstances. For example, suppose you were an Uber or Lyft passenger at the time of a collision or were injured by an Uber or Lyft driver while they were carrying another passenger. In that case, it’s possible to collect up to $1 million in an insurance settlement. However, insurance companies are notorious for underpaying victims, and having a skilled attorney by your side will help you in recovering the maximum amount owed.

Liability insurance reduces substantially in accidents where an Uber or Lyft driver was logged onto their application but was not completing a ride. The following is the minimum liability insurance coverage provided by Lyft and Uber for such accidents in Indiana:

• $50,000 per person for bodily injury
• $100,000 per accident for bodily injury
• $25,000 for property damage per accident

While Uber and Lyft’s liability insurance can apply in certain circumstances, it’s important that victims understand that this is third-party liability insurance. It does not mean that a rideshare company is truly at fault for a collision. Remember, Uber and Lyft drivers are independent contractors, so their negligent actions are not a parent company’s fault in Indiana. Therefore, if you plan to sue an individual Uber or Lyft driver for an accident, your lawyer must compile evidence to support your claim and prove a driver’s negligence.

To determine liability, your Fort Wayne Uber and Lyft accident attorney will analyze a collision’s circumstances and evaluate whether a the rideshare driver was at 100% at fault or partially at fault along with other persons. As part of our representation, we will fully investigate the incident, collect evidence, and build the best case for recovery, whether it is based on the rideshare driver’s negligence or some other person’s carelessness.

Call Our Indiana Attorneys if You’ve Been Injured in an Uber or Lyft Accident

If you’ve been injured in an Uber or Lyft accident in Indiana, you should hire a lawyer you can trust. For a free case evaluation with the Hammond Uber and Lyft accident attorneys at Wruck Paupore, call us today at (219) 322-1166.