Rideshare Accidents Lawyer in New Haven, CT

Rideshare Accidents in New Haven, CT

Rideshare services such as Uber and Lyft are convenient when you need a ride somewhere, whether it’s home from New Haven Union Station after a trip to the city or after a late night out at BAR pizza. With so many passengers getting rides and so many rideshare vehicles on the road, accidents happen, and those involving rideshare vehicles can be complicated. If you have been involved in a rideshare accident, you may need a New Haven rideshare accident lawyer.

At Buckley Wynne & Parese, we understand the complexities of rideshare accidents. Our attorneys have been fighting for clients’ rights for over 140 years and are committed to providing legal representation to victims who need a New Haven personal injury lawyer after an accident. Navigating the challenges of rideshare accidents requires understanding Connecticut’s personal injury laws and the insurance requirements that rideshare companies must meet.

What Is a Rideshare?

A rideshare is a transportation service that uses an app to connect drivers with passengers for on-demand trips. Rideshare drivers typically use their personal vehicles and offer an alternative to taxis or public transportation. Uber and Lyft are two of the most commonly used rideshare companies.  In 2024, Uber drivers completed 11.27 billion trips, gaining popularity because of its accessibility and user-friendly app.

Causes of Rideshare Accidents

Uber and Lyft drivers have the same responsibility as any other driver to operate their vehicle safely and obey traffic laws. In some cases, drivers can become distracted or act carelessly, leading to an accident. A study conducted by the University of Chicago found that motor vehicle accident fatalities have increased by 3% since the arrival of ridesharing.

Some common causes of rideshare accidents include:

• Distracted driving. Since rideshare drivers need to monitor an app to see where to pick up passengers and then follow navigation directions to their destination, this can take their attention away from the road.
• Navigating unfamiliar areas. Uber and Lyft drivers may start their shift on familiar New Haven roads, but they often have to bring passengers to other areas. Even when following directions, driving on unfamiliar roads can increase the risk of driving errors such as running through stop signs or going the wrong way on a one-way street.
• Driving fatigued. Some rideshare drivers work full-time for Uber or Lyft, but it is a second job for many. A late night of driving passengers following a full day of work can lead to tired driving and an increased risk of an accident.
• Unsafe Passenger Pickup. Drivers in unfamiliar areas may stop suddenly in traffic when they see their next passenger or when they realize it is time to drop them off. This can endanger their passenger and other drivers.
• Speeding. Rideshare drivers make more money with more passengers. The National Safety Council estimates that speeding contributed to 29% of all fatal traffic accidents in 2023.

Common Rideshare Accident Injuries

Like any motor vehicle accident, the injuries sustained in a rideshare accident vary.  The severity of the injuries depends on many factors, such as the speed of the vehicles, the impact, and the types of vehicles involved. Some of the most common injuries include:

• Whiplash. This common neck injury occurs when your head suddenly jolts forward and then backward. It causes stiffness, pain, and headaches.
• Traumatic brain injury. A traumatic brain injury or TBI is often the result of a direct blow to the head. It can cause long-term cognitive impairment and physical disabilities.
• Spinal cord injuries. An injury to the back or spinal cord can be anything from a minor sprain to life-altering paralysis.
• Fractures. A variety of fractures is possible. Closed or simple fractures, open or compound fractures, or compression fractures are all possible depending on the severity of the crash.
• Soft tissue injuries. These injuries may include strained tendons, ligaments, and muscle strains.

Liability Challenges in a Rideshare Accident

Determining liability in a rideshare accident can be difficult because of the number of parties that may be involved. Rideshare accidents differ from regular car accidents because they may involve multiple insurance policies.

Liability in a rideshare accident may fall to the rideshare driver, the rideshare company, or another driver involved in the accident. It could also be determined that the auto manufacturer carries a portion of the liability or that the party responsible for maintaining the vehicle is liable. Challenges in determining liability include:

• Multiple insurance policies
• Status of the driver’s app
• Connecticut’s modified comparative negligence rules

If you have been involved in an accident, a New Haven rideshare accident attorney may be able to help determine the party or pirates that should be held responsible.

What to Do After a Rideshare Accident

If you are involved in an accident while riding in an Uber or Lyft, it’s important to know what to do. Following a crash, you should:

• Get to a safe place if possible and call 911
• Write down names and contact information for any witnesses
• Get the name of your driver and take a picture of their rideshare app that shows the status
• Contact the rideshare company
• Contact your insurance company
• Consult with a Connecticut rideshare accident attorney

Time is a critical factor if you’ve sustained injuries in a rideshare accident. Connecticut General Statutes § 52-584 states that the statute of limitations for rideshare personal injury claims is two years from the date of the accident. This makes it even more important to consult with an attorney who is familiar with Connecticut rideshare accident laws.

Understanding Rideshare Auto Insurance

Connecticut law requires rideshare drivers to carry their own auto insurance, but the rideshare company must also carry insurance for its drivers. The insurance policy that covers you in an accident depends on the status of the driver’s app.

If the app is off, the driver’s personal insurance policy applies. If the app is on and the driver is waiting for a ride request, the rideshare company’s limited liability coverage applies. If the driver’s app is on and they have accepted a ride request, even if they haven’t picked up the passenger yet, the rideshare company’s full liability policy applies.

In Connecticut, the at-fault driver is financially responsible for an accident, but this does not necessarily mean you will get a fair settlement from their insurance company. This is why an attorney who is familiar with local laws may be able to help.

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Hire a Rideshare Accident Lawyer

The complexity of a rideshare accident case often makes it necessary to hire a rideshare accident lawyer when seeking compensation for damages. Their experience may help ensure that you receive the support you need.

An attorney can negotiate with insurance companies, gather evidence to help prove liability, file the paperwork needed in a timely manner, and prepare an argument to prove the liable party’s negligence was responsible for your injuries.

When you have an experienced attorney by your side, they may be able to handle the details of your case while you focus on recovering from your injuries.

FAQs

Q: How Much Are Most Rideshare Accident Settlements?

A: The amount of a settlement after a rideshare accident depends on the circumstances of the accident, who is liable, and the severity of the injuries. If only minor injuries were sustained, the settlement would be smaller. An accident resulting in significant injuries requiring ongoing medical treatment will yield a larger settlement.

Q: Do I Get Compensation if My Uber Crashes?

A: You may be eligible for compensation if your Uber crashes, but it depends on the circumstances. If you are injured in the crash, you may be covered by Uber’s insurance that provides up to $1 million in liability coverage. The process of filing a rideshare accident claim is complex and may require an experienced attorney.

Q: How Long Does an Uber Accident Settlement Take?

A: The time it takes to settle an Uber accident claim depends on the complexity of the case. Factors that affect the time it takes to resolve a claim include the severity of injuries, liability determinations, and negotiations with insurance companies. Most Uber accident cases are settled out of court, but if they do go to court, it can significantly lengthen the process.

Q: What Damages Can I Claim in a Rideshare Accident?

A: In Connecticut, if you are injured in a rideshare accident, you may be able to file a claim to seek damages for medical expenses, including the cost of travel to doctors’ appointments, lost wages, and the loss of future earning capacity. You can also seek compensation for pain and suffering, property damage, and future medical expenses, such as ongoing physical therapy.

Contact a Rideshare Accident Lawyer

If you or a loved one has been injured in a rideshare accident, you may need the help of an attorney. Contact the legal team at Buckley Wynne & Parese for help. We understand that injuries can have a long-lasting effect on your life and the lives of your family members, so we can work hard to help you get the compensation you deserve.