We’ve all been there: late for a meeting, needing a ride home after a night out, or simply wanting to avoid the hassle of parking. Since their rise to prominence in the early 2010s, ridesharing services like Uber and Lyft have become a ubiquitous part of our lives.
But what happens when your convenient ride takes an unexpected, terrifying turn? Suddenly, you’re not just dealing with the pain and medical bills of a car accident, you’re also facing the daunting prospect of fighting with Uber or Lyft to get the support you need.
At Slater & Zurz, we know you have questions about seeking compensation after an Uber or Lyft accident in Ohio, and we’re here to help you navigate these complexities.
Can I Sue Uber and Lyft After an Accident?
The short answer is yes: you can potentially sue Uber or Lyft after an accident in Ohio. However, these cases aren’t your average fender-bender claims — suing a rideshare company throws a few curveballs your way, and things can get complicated fast. Here’s why:
- The driver’s status: Uber and Lyft drivers are considered independent contractors, not employees. This can make things tricky when figuring out who’s ultimately responsible for your injuries — it might be the driver, the rideshare company, or even both.
- Insurance coverage limits: Uber and Lyft carry insurance for passengers, but there are limits to what they’ll pay. If your injuries are severe or your medical bills are sky-high, those limits might not be enough. A car accident lawyer can help you pursue claims against other parties or even the rideshare company itself.
- Determining negligence: Accidents happen fast, and it’s not always clear who’s to blame. Was it the Uber or Lyft driver? Another driver on the road? A dangerous intersection? A car accident attorney will thoroughly investigate the accident to gather evidence for your case.
What You Need to Sue Uber or Lyft
Taking legal action against a rideshare giant like Uber or Lyft can be a David vs. Goliath situation. Before you jump into a lawsuit, there are a few things you need to know:
- Your injuries matter: The more serious your injuries, the stronger your case. We’re talking about broken bones, concussions, spinal cord injuries — anything that requires major medical treatment or has long-term effects. These kinds of injuries show just how much the accident has impacted your life, which is key to getting you the compensation you deserve.
- You need proof: It’s not enough to say the Uber or Lyft driver messed up. You need evidence to back it up. Think police reports, witness statements, photos of the accident scene — anything that shows the driver was careless and caused your injuries.
- Keep good records: Hold onto everything: medical bills, accident reports, emails with insurance companies, you name it. These documents paint a clear picture of what happened and how much you’ve suffered because of the accident.
- Hire a car accident attorney: Rideshare accident cases are tricky. There are specific laws and regulations that apply, and Uber and Lyft have their own teams of lawyers ready to fight back. That’s where we come in. At Slater & Zurz, we know the ins and outs of these cases, and we’ll use our expertise to fight for your rights and get you the best possible outcome.
Exploring Alternatives: Is Suing Always Necessary?
We get it — nobody wants to get tangled up in a lawsuit. The good news is there are other ways to get the compensation you deserve after an Uber or Lyft accident.
Here are a few paths your car accident attorney might consider before heading to court:
- Negotiating with insurance companies: Often, we can reach a fair agreement with the rideshare company’s insurance provider without filing a lawsuit. That’s because our experienced attorneys know how to present your case in a way that gets results. We’ll fight to get you the maximum compensation for your medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering, all while keeping things as stress-free as possible.
- Mediation: Sometimes, having a neutral third party can help smooth things over. A mediator acts like a referee, helping you and the insurance company find common ground and reach an agreement. It’s a less formal and often faster way to resolve things without the drama of a courtroom.
- Arbitration: You might have agreed to an arbitration clause in the terms and conditions when signing up for Uber or Lyft. This means that instead of going to court, your case will be decided by an arbitrator. It can be a quicker process, but it also has its own set of rules — which is why having a car accident attorney there to protect your rights is so important.
The bottom line? Our team will explore every option for the best possible outcome. Whether it’s through negotiation, mediation, or arbitration, we’ll fight tirelessly to get you the compensation you deserve so you can focus on healing and moving forward.
Call us at 330-762-0700 for a free consultation today.
