Uber Accidents Attorney in Indianapolis

Rideshare services like Uber and Lyft have transformed transportation in Indianapolis, making it easier for people to get around with just a tap on their phone. They’ve also created a complex new area of personal injury law, with accident victims often needing an Indianapolis Uber accidents attorney.

Whether you were in an Uber or Lyft, if you’ve been involved in a rideshare accident in Indianapolis, understanding your rights is crucial to securing fair compensation. A personal injury attorney from Crossen Law Firm can help you navigate an insurance claim, take legal action, and seek compensation from the at fault party. Contact us at 317-401-8626.

Why Having an Indianapolis Attorney for Uber Accidents is Important

After an Uber or Lyft accident, victims face a challenging legal landscape. Rideshare companies and insurance companies focus on minimizing liability, not ensuring you receive maximum compensation. An experienced Uber accident lawyer in Indianapolis understands the complexities of rideshare accident cases.

The legal team at Crossen Law Firm specializes in Indianapolis car accidents–especially cases involving rideshare services. Our attorneys have extensive experience dealing with Uber and Lyft and their insurance companies. We understand how rideshare companies’ insurance coverage works and how to maximize your compensation.

A dedicated rideshare accident lawyer can:

• Identify all potentially liable parties
• Determine which insurance policies apply
• Calculate appropriate compensation for your injuries
• Handle communications with insurance companies
• Prepare your case for trial if needed

As experienced Lyft accident attorneys, we’ve successfully helped numerous victims seek compensation after a rideshare accident involving a rideshare vehicle. Our accident lawyer team specializes in complex cases where multiple parties share responsibility.

How Uber Accidents Are Different from Regular Car Accidents

Rideshare accidents differ from typical car accidents in several key ways. The primary distinction is the complex insurance structure when a rideshare driver is involved in an accident. Unlike regular auto accidents where typically one or two insurance policies apply, rideshare accident claims may involve multiple policies depending on the driver’s app status when the accident occurs.

For example, a Lyft or Uber accident may include the Uber or Lyft driver’s personal car insurance, insurance policy through the ridesharing company, other driver’s insurance, and passengers’ insurance.

Another crucial difference is determining liability. In regular car accidents, liability falls on the at-fault driver. However, in rideshare accident cases, liability might extend to the rideshare companies depending on circumstances. This complexity makes having an experienced uber accident lawyer essential when you need to seek compensation or potentially sue Uber or Lyft.

Additionally, rideshare drivers are classified as independent contractors rather than employees, creating another layer of complexity when establishing liability.

Why Uber Accidents Happen

Uber or Lyft accidents in Indianapolis happen for many of the same reasons as other car accidents, but certain factors make them more prevalent:

• Distracted Driving: Rideshare drivers must constantly interact with their app, checking for the next ride request, increasing accident risk in an Uber or Lyft vehicle.
• Unfamiliar Roads: Uber and Lyft drivers often operate in areas they’re not familiar with.
• Driver Fatigue: Many rideshare drivers work long hours or drive for multiple ridesharing services.
• Pressure to Complete Trips Quickly: The business model incentivizes completing many trips.
• Passenger Distractions: Interactions with passengers can divert attention from the road.

When an Indianapolis rideshare accident occurs, a qualified accident lawyer can help determine which of these factors contributed to your incident and build your case accordingly.

Why Uber Drivers Are More Prone to Speeding

Rideshare drivers may be more likely to speed than other motorists for several reasons related to the unique pressures and incentives of the rideshare industry, including:

• Earnings Pressure: Uber or Lyft drivers earn based on completed trips, not hourly wages.
• Rating Systems: Concerns about timelines can lead to speeding to maintain high ratings.
• App-Based Estimates: Drivers strive to meet estimated arrival times after accepting a ride request.
• Surge Pricing Incentives: During high-demand periods, drivers may speed to capitalize on higher fares.

How the Driver’s App Status Determines Uber’s Liability

The rideshare driver’s status within the app when an accident happens determines liability and coverage.

When the app is off:

The driver’s personal car insurance provides the only coverage. While personal insurance coverage limits vary by policy, typical examples might include:

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

These are just examples, as personal insurance coverage limits vary significantly depending on the driver’s selected policy.

When the app is on, and the driver is waiting for a ride request:

While the driver’s personal insurance applies first, Uber and Lyft provide limited liability coverage:

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

When a ride has been accepted, and the driver is en route:

The ridesharing company’s coverage increases to include:

• $1 million in third-party liability coverage
• Uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage (essential for accidents with uninsured motorists)
• Contingent comprehensive and collision coverage

When a passenger is in the vehicle

The highest level of the ridesharing company’s insurance applies, including the same coverage as above.

What Types of Insurance Uber Provides for Their Drivers

Driver’s Personal Insurance: When the app is off, the driver’s personal insurance policy is the only coverage available.

Contingent Liability Coverage: When the driver is logged in but hasn’t accepted a request, rideshare companies provide contingent liability coverage.

Primary Commercial Insurance: When the driver has accepted a ride or has a passenger, Uber and Lyft provide more substantial coverage.

The insurance company responsible depends on when the accident occurred in relation to the rideshare trip. A rideshare accident lawyer understands these complex policies and can ensure the appropriate coverage applies to your case.

What Types of Compensation You Can Recover

If you’ve been injured in an Uber or Lyft accident in Indianapolis, you may be entitled to various forms of financial compensation:

Medical Expenses

• Emergency medical treatment
• Hospital stays
• Surgeries and procedures
• Physical therapy
• Future medical care for serious injuries including spinal cord injuries

Lost Income

• Wages lost while recovering
• Reduced earning capacity

Pain and Suffering

• Physical pain
• Emotional distress
• Loss of enjoyment of life

Property Damage

• Vehicle repair or replacement for any vehicle involved

Other Damages

• Loss of consortium
• Permanent disability
• Wrongful death damages for fatal accidents

There are no set amounts of compensation for rideshare accidents, as each settlement varies dramatically based on the specific details of your accident, the severity of your injuries, and the impact on your quality of life. Rideshare accident settlements typically range from $10,000 for minor injuries to well over $1 million for catastrophic injuries like paralysis or traumatic brain injuries. Your Uber accident lawyer will document all damages to ensure you receive the maximum compensation possible for your rideshare accident.

FAQs

What Is Uber’s Optional Injury Protection for Their Drivers?

Uber offers an optional injury protection insurance program providing additional coverage beyond standard insurance, including medical expenses, disability payments, and survivor benefits.

How Long Do I Have To Contact Uber After an Accident?

Report incidents to Uber within 24-48 hours. In Indiana, the statute of limitations for personal injury claims is two years from the date of the accident.

How Do I Report an Uber Accident?

• Ensure safety and seek medical attention
• Document the accident scene
• Report through the Uber app
• Contact Uber’s support team
• Obtain police reports
• Notify your personal insurer
• Consult with a rideshare accident attorney

Reach Out to an Indianapolis Uber Accidents Attorney Today

If you’ve been injured in a rideshare accident in Indianapolis, don’t face the complex claims process alone. Every personal injury attorney at Crossen Law Firm understands these unique challenges.

Our rideshare accident lawyers have extensive experience handling Uber accident claims in Indianapolis. We know how to determine liability, identify all applicable insurance policies, and build compelling personal injury cases for maximum monetary compensation.

When you work with us after a rideshare accident, we will:

• Investigate your rideshare accident thoroughly
• Identify all potentially liable parties, including rideshare companies
• Handle all communications with insurance companies
• Calculate the full value of your damages including medical bills
• Fight for maximum compensation for your serious injuries

As an experienced attorney team specializing in rideshare accidents, we’ve helped countless clients who thought they couldn’t sue Uber or Lyft for their injuries. The accident lawyer team at Crossen Law Firm knows how to navigate the complexities of cases involving Uber or Lyft drivers and their employers.

Don’t let rideshare companies or insurance providers minimize your claim. Contact us today for a free case review to discuss your Indianapolis rideshare accident and learn how we can help you seek compensation you deserve: 317-401-8626.