Utah Uber & Lyft Accident Lawyer
Uber, Lyft, and other rideshare services are popular transportation options in Utah. While convenient, their widespread use has also led to an increase in rideshare accidents. These collisions–involving vehicles, pedestrians, cyclists, and more–can result in severe injuries for passengers, drivers, and bystanders.
Furthermore, liability and insurance coverage issues involving multiple parties often complicate Uber and Lyft accident claims. Our Utah Uber accident lawyers at Feller & Wendt, LLC™ have decades of experience handling these kinds of vehicle crashes and know the nuances of rideshare law.
Contact Feller & Wendt, LLC™, for a free consultation by calling 801-499-5060 or completing our contact form.
Who May Be Liable for a Utah Uber or Lyft Accident?
Rideshare accident claims can be complex because they often involve multiple parties and overlapping insurance policies. Potentially liable parties include:
- Rideshare drivers for negligent or reckless driving (such as speeding, distracted driving, or tailgating).
- Rideshare companies for inadequate background checks or ignoring previous complaints against drivers.
- Third parties, such as manufacturers who made defective parts or even government entities that didn’t adequately maintain roads or other public infrastructure.
Utah’s comparative negligence statute also affects compensation. Under state law, if you’re found partially at fault, your recovery is reduced by your percentage of liability. For example, you can only collect damages from another party if you are less than 50 percent responsible for your crash.
Whose Insurance Covers Rideshare Accidents in Utah?
Utah follows a no-fault insurance system, which means your first step after a rideshare accident should be to file a claim through your own or a household family member’s personal injury protection (PIP) coverage, regardless of who caused the crash. However, if your medical expenses exceed $3,000 or your injuries meet Utah’s legal threshold for severity (e.g., permanent disability, disfigurement, or impairment), it’s possible to pursue a liability claim against the at-fault party.
If a rideshare driver was at fault, the insurance policy you make a claim against depends on their status at the time of your crash. One of three scenarios may apply:
- The driver was not logged into the app: The at-fault driver’s personal insurance policy covers these claims.
- The driver was logged in but did not have a passenger: Uber or Lyft covers up to $50,000 for injuries, $100,000 per accident, and $25,000 for property damage.
- The driver was en route or was already was transporting passengers: Uber or Lyft policies pay up to $1 million.
What Types Of Compensation Are Available After a Utah Rideshare Accident?
You can pursue economic and non-economic damages after a Utah Uber or Lyft accident. Economic damages address financial harm, while non-economic damages compensate you for other problems. You can seek:
Economic Damages
- Current and future medical expenses
- Rehabilitation and physical therapy
- Lost wages and future earnings
- Home nursing and other care
- Property damage
Non-Economic Damages
- Pain and suffering
- Loss of consortium
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Scarring and disfigurement
Also, in a wrongful death claim, you can also pursue damages such as funeral and burial expenses, loss of support and guidance, and loss of benefits.
Why Choose Us as Your Utah Rideshare Accident Lawyer
Our personal injury lawyers in Utah have over 70 years of combined experience. We are skilled negotiators who ultimately settle most of our cases before going to court. Even more cases settle before reaching a jury.
We have the experience and resources to handle the complexities of rideshare accident cases. We’ll also always be transparent in our process and treat you and your family with respect. When you partner with Feller & Wendt, LLC™, it’s our family protecting yours.
Our team provides unmatched client service and will stay in touch with you throughout your claim. We leave no stone unturned in seeking fair compensation. Our case results total over $85 million in awards, and we have over 550 five-star reviews.
We have native Utah lawyers and staff who know the state, its people, and its laws. It’s not always an easy decision to pursue compensation against another party, but we also firmly believe that you and your family don’t deserve to bear the burden of an accident that wasn’t your fault.
Common Causes of Utah Uber and Lyft Accidents
Rideshare accidents occur under several conditions that victims can’t control. One or more factors can contribute to a crash, including:
- Driver negligence: Like anyone else on the road, Uber and Lyft drivers sometimes engage in negligent or reckless driving, including speeding, distracted driving, running red lights, or not obeying other traffic laws.
- Rideshare app errors: App malfunctions leading to incorrect routes or driver distractions may contribute to an accident.
- Poor vehicle maintenance: Poorly maintained tires, brakes, and other parts can impede drivers’ ability to control their vehicles.
- Weather and road conditions: Inclement weather or road hazards such as work zones can impact safe driving.
Our Utah car accident lawyers have significant experience determining accident causes. We will use the evidence we gather to reach a fair claim resolution before pursuing a lawsuit.
Steps To Take After a Utah Uber or Lyft Accident
There are several important steps to take after an Uber or Lyft car accident to protect your health and preserve evidence:
- Put safety first: Prioritize your safety by calling 911 and moving to a safe location if possible.
- Document the accident: Gather evidence like pictures and videos and take notes of your observations.
- Contact Uber or Lyft: If you are a passenger in a rideshare accident, click on your trip in the app to report the collision. If a rideshare driver hits you, you can file a report through Uber’s serious incident form or Lyft’s accident and collision report.
- Consult with a lawyer: Partner with our experienced Utah rideshare accident attorneys.
Utah Rideshare Accident FAQs
A rideshare accident can be confusing and overwhelming. At Feller & Wendt LLC™, our knowledgeable legal team is always ready to answer your questions.
1. What if the Rideshare Driver Doesn’t Have Insurance?
If PIP doesn’t cover your medical and other expenses, you can also turn to your uninsured motorist coverage, collision, or MedPay. An experienced Utah rideshare accident attorney can advise you of your options.
2. Can I Sue Uber or Lyft Directly?
You can sue Uber or Lyft if company policies–like inadequate background checks, for example–contributed to your accident.
Courts have widely agreed that rideshare drivers are independent contractors, not employees. That can make it difficult to hold rideshare companies responsible for drivers’ negligent actions. Still, you can make a claim against Uber or Lyft insurance policies that cover their working drivers.
3. How Long Do I Have To File a Rideshare Accident Claim in Utah?
Under the Utah personal injury statute of limitations, you usually have four years from your rideshare accident date to file a lawsuit. Or, if you are filing a wrongful death claim, you have two years from the date of death. Partner with our respected Uber and Lyft accident lawyers quickly so we can start collecting evidence and file your claim before you lose your right to seek compensation.
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Partner With the Experienced Utah Rideshare Accident Lawyers at Feller & Wendt, LLC™
You and your family don’t have to shoulder the burden of a rideshare accident alone. If someone else caused your injuries, our Utah Uber accident lawyers will identify possible sources of compensation, aggressively protect your rights, and fight for justice.
Our commitment to our clients is unwavering. Request a free, no-obligation consultation by completing our contact form or calling 801-499-5060.
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*This information provided by Feller & Wendt, LLC™ is for informational purposes only and should be in no way construed as legal advice.
