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Ridesharing apps like Lyft and Uber have recently boomed in popularity, providing citizens with a simple and effective means to find a ride when they need one. Peer-to-peer car services like Uber, however, are somewhat tenuous in terms of their legal status. Before hailing your next Uber or Lyft, understand your legal rights by speaking with a Columbus Uber accident lawyer in case you’re ever involved in an Uber or Lyft accident in the area.
Negligence in Personal Injury Cases
Like any other personal injury case, a ridesharing accident is still going to hinge on the concept of negligence. Your Columbus personal injury attorney must prove that the driver who caused your accident did so out of negligence, which involves your lawyer’s ability to establish three facts in court:
- The defendant (the person being sued) had a duty to act with reasonable care. This means adhering to the rules of the road and safely operating the vehicle.
- The defendant breached this duty in some way or by some action. In some cases, this can include inaction, such as failing to engage a turn signal before changing lanes.
- The plaintiff’s (the person suing) injuries and damages were the direct result of the defendant’s breach of duty of care.
When it comes to ridesharing apps, the at-fault driver’s relationship with the ridesharing company can potentially impact the lawsuit. For example, if an Uber driver causes an accident while carrying a passenger, the law may hold this driver liable for the injuries to the passenger and the other driver or drivers. Ridesharing companies like Uber and Lyft carry insurance, but the law uses that insurance most often as a secondary measure after the driver’s own insurance.
In most cases, ridesharing companies like Uber and Lyft will deny liability if one of their drivers causes an accident when they are not transporting a passenger. Essentially, the company claims that since the driver was not directly involved in company activities at the time of the accident, the company cannot be held liable for damages they cause, as they are, at that time, just like any other driver.
Injuries and Damages in Columbus Uber Accident Cases
Just like any other car accident, an Uber accident can inflict serious wounds on victims and cause a great deal of property damage. If you file an Uber accident lawsuit, some of the types of compensation you may be eligible to collect include:
- Medical expenses for your hospital bills, prescription costs, rehabilitation fees, and any other secondary surgeries or procedures.
- Lost income, if the accident caused you to miss work. If your injuries are so severe that you are unable to resume your work, you may collect compensation for the monies you would have reasonably expected to earn for the remainder of your working life.
- Pain and suffering, both physical and mental. Injuries like burns and broken bones can be excruciatingly painful, and some injuries leave permanent, disfiguring scars that can lead to mental anguish. Your Columbus Uber accident attorney will consult with expert witnesses who will testify in court to describe the pain and suffering you experienced as a result of your accident. The judge will use this testimony to determine an appropriate amount of compensation.
- Property damage, which can include damage to your vehicle (if an Uber driver in another vehicle struck your vehicle) or your personal property, such as a smartphone, jewelry, or other items.
Car accident lawsuits may seem straightforward, but they often grow into complex and time-consuming matters. When a ridesharing company like Lyft or Uber is involved, the complexity increases tremendously. Regardless of your situation, if you’ve been involved with an Uber accident in any way in the Columbus area, reach out to a team of experienced and dedicated attorneys. Schedule a free consultation with The Dixon Firm, P.C. for more info about your potential claim.
