Cleveland Rideshare Accident Lawyer
Ridesharing accidents can be just as damaging as typical car crashes, but less straightforward when it comes to the insurance claim process. Complicated ridesharing rules can make it difficult to obtain the compensation you need as an injured victim. Hiring a lawyer is the best way to protect your rights and ensure your strongest possible claim to damages. Elk & Elk Cleveland personal injury attorneys have experience handling rideshare accident injury claims throughout Ohio. Contact us at (216) 313-9774 to arrange a free consultation at our Cleveland office.
Why Choose Our Firm?
- We have more than 50 years of combined personal injury law experience.
- We have successfully recovered more than $1 billion in damages for clients.
- We have the resources to hire experts and other personnel to maximize success rates.
- We will not charge anything for legal fees unless and until we win.
Why Do You Need a Rideshare Accident Lawyer?
Uber and Lyft both have $1 million insurance policies to cover third-party damages – meaning injuries and damages for rideshare passengers. However, these policies will only apply after the claim has exhausted the limits of the driver’s personal insurance policy. If the rideshare driver did not cause your accident, your insurance claim will go to the party that did cause the crash.
Insurance settlement negotiations can be highly complex after rideshare collisions. Hiring an experienced Cleveland car accident attorney can give you clear and reliable information about your rights to damages. An attorney will take over the confusing claims process on your behalf, fighting for maximum compensation through all applicable parties. Uber or Lyft may pay you out of their policies, or you may be able to recover through someone else’s insurance provider. Let a lawyer handle your claim while you focus on healing.
How to File a Rideshare Accident Claim
After an ordinary car accident in Ohio, your insurance claim will go to the provider of the at-fault party. A ridesharing accident claim will take a similar route, but it may also involve the company’s liability. First, you or your attorney will need to determine the at-fault party for the wreck. Ridesharing accidents can happen for a number of reasons.
- A distracted or negligent rideshare driver
- A negligent third-party driver
- A broken or defective vehicle part
- A poorly designed or maintained roadway
If the rideshare driver is solely at fault for the accident, you will seek initial damages from the driver’s individual insurance company. Uber or Lyft’s insurance policy may cover the rest of your damages if the rideshare driver does not have enough insurance. If a third-party driver was responsible, your claim will go to that person’s insurer. The same is true if a product manufacturer or the City of Cleveland contributed to your accident.
Most ridesharing accident claims will not go directly to Uber or Lyft. Both companies avoid liability for the actions of their drivers by classifying them as independent contractors instead of employees. If your accident somehow involved the negligence of the rideshare company, such as a glitch with the app or lack of safe hiring procedures, you may have a claim against Uber or Lyft. In most cases, however, you will report your accident to the company (through the app or via phone call), but seek damage recovery from the at-fault party’s insurance provider.
Get Help for Your Ridesharing Accident Claim – Contact Elk & Elk
Navigating a complicated ridesharing accident claim while dealing with personal injuries is much easier when you hire an attorney. An attorney will take over the claims process for you, identifying the proper defendant and filing your claim in a timely manner. You can focus on your physical recovery while your lawyer handles your financial one. Start your Uber or Lyft accident claim with a free consultation at Elk & Elk. Call (216) 313-9774 or contact us online today.