Ridesharing applications like Uber and Lyft have grown in popularity as cost-effective and convenient options for people who need transportation. The majority of people who use ridesharing services like Uber or Lyft do not worry about the well-being of others in the event of a car accident, despite the fact that the service's decreased cost makes it a more economical choice. It is essential that customers of Uber and Lyft are aware of the differences between a typical car accident and one involving a vehicle from one of these services.

Even though both Uber and Lyft offer comprehensive liability insurance to their drivers, it can be challenging to comprehend the particulars of each policy. Whenever an accident occurs, either company will dispute the claim or deny liability, leading to claim denials or inadequate settlement offers. Protecting your rights requires professional legal representation. The medical expenses associated with your injury should not be your responsibility.

As a Connecticut Uber accident attorney with years of experience preparing cases and a proven track record of success, Brandon J. Broderick, Attorney at Law, can help you pursue the compensation to which you are entitled. Because of our honest and forthright approach, genuine rapport with clients, and unfaltering dedication to their needs, we have grown into one of the top personal injury law firms in Connecticut. Now that we are on your side, you can put all your energy into healing and spending time with your loved ones.

Below, you will find answers to the most frequently asked questions from individuals who have been involved in a ridesharing accident in Connecticut.

Do I Need to Hire a Lawyer After an Uber Accident in Connecticut?

Accidents are precisely that: accidents. Because accidents are unanticipated, as a passenger in an Uber or Lyft, you most likely will not even think that you might ever be involved in one.

After an accident, trying to recover from injuries while also making ends meet can be incredibly exhausting. Maintaining open lines of communication and offering first-rate client service are top priorities at Brandon J. Broderick, Attorney at Law. You will always be informed when working with us. We are with you every step of the way, and we will never disappoint you.

With Decades of Experience, We Are Able to Handle Complex Negotiations and Court Proceedings

Ridesharing businesses like Uber and Lyft will take advantage of any opportunity after an accident that could be used in their favor. This could lead to a very low settlement offer or a complete refusal to pay, particularly if you do not have legal representation.

By working with Brandon J. Broderick, Attorney at Law, you will have access to a knowledgeable expert who can choose the best course of action. To secure the compensation that you are due, he will gather proof, speak with potential witnesses, and negotiate with the defendant.

Uber and the other party do not require any communication from you. Brandon's team will handle all communications. In addition, if our team is unable to reach an agreement through negotiations, we will not hesitate to go to trial and win.

Your Losses Should Be Compensated in Full

Severe auto accident-related injuries may require ongoing medical care. If your injury is severe enough, you may become incapable of working. This becomes particularly stressful when the rising cost of medical care is considered.

If the injury causes a permanent disability or even temporary pain that prevents you from engaging in your favorite activities, you are entitled to compensation for all of your losses, not just your immediate medical expenses.

Brandon J. Broderick's Uber accident attorneys in Connecticut will fight for the maximum possible settlement on your behalf.

Insurance Protection Provided for Uber and Lyft in Connecticut

There are a number of coverage-variable steps within ridesharing services. Below, we will share each insurance threshold for various stages.

Stage One:

Since the driver is not actively looking for ridesharing customers, his or her personal insurance will cover all liabilities.

Stage Two: 

The driver is proactively utilizing the ridesharing application to locate individuals who require ridesharing services. Insurance coverage from the ridesharing company is automatically applied while the driver is searching for work via the application.

  • $25,000 in property damage per accident
  • $50,000 bodily injury per involved 
  • $100,000 in bodily injury per accident

Stage Three: 

The third stage is triggered when the driver is in the process of picking up a passenger or is actively carrying one. The following insurance coverage is provided:

  • $1 million for bodily injury and property damage, contingent collision, and comprehensive coverage (with a $2,500 deductible).

What Coverage is Offered While the Uber Driver is Waiting For a Passenger?

On Average Uber drivers stand by and wait for passengers for forty to sixty percent of the time that they are working. The term "deadheading" refers to an Uber driver who remains motionless while maintaining an active application in anticipation of a trip request. In situations involving accidents that occur while a driver is on duty but not driving a vehicle, determining the appropriate insurance coverage becomes a difficult task.

Commercial coverage provided by both Lyft and Uber satisfies the legal minimum requirements after the driver's personal insurance is applied. On certain occasions, Uber drivers might be required to carry additional insurance coverage. Uber operates under the assumption that the driver's insurance will be sufficient to cover any financial obligations arising from injuries sustained in an accident or injuries inflicted upon others. However, many drivers decide to supplement their ridesharing insurance policies to prevent insurance companies from denying their claims while the vehicle is being used for business purposes.

Uber's policy is effective upon the expiration of the driver's insurance coverage. Uber's insurance policy provides coverage for bodily injury up to a maximum of $75,000 per injury per accident, with a per-accident cap of $150,000. This coverage is applicable when a driver's application is operational but lacks any active transportation. Their uninsured motorist coverage provides coverage for bodily injury liability ($25,000 per individual; $50,000 per accident) and fatal injuries ($100,000 per accident). Property damage is also covered up to $25,000. If Uber has been involved in a hit-and-run incident, this coverage is also applicable.

What Type of Compensation Is Available for Uber and Lyft Accidents in CT?

Uber accident victims may be interested in the average settlement amount for ridesharing accidents. In personal injury settlements, two types of compensation may be awarded: damages to a person's economic well-being and to their quality of life. However, the severity of the injury can significantly impact the amount of compensation awarded to the victim. 

Always remember that you are not obligated to accept the settlement offer from the insurance company. You should never forget this. It is common for the insurance provider to make a low offer, especially when it does so so soon after the accident. Before you can determine whether the settlement amount will cover all of your expenses, you must first determine the type of your injuries, the length of your recovery, and the date you can return to work.

You can learn more about what to expect in your specific Uber accident by speaking with an experienced CT Uber accident attorney, like Brandon J. Broderick.

What are Economic Damages?

It is crucial to keep in mind that emotional suffering and punitive damages are not regarded as economic losses. When filing an Uber accident claim, you have the option to ask for reimbursement for both your current medical expenses and future expenses. It could take years for you to recover from a serious injury and no longer require therapy, rehabilitation, or housing modifications.

Examples of medical costs include:

  • Hospitalization and medical care
  • Surgery
  • Medical experts
  • Medical equipment
  • Rehabilitation
  • Residential care

Calculating long-term economic damages can be difficult. You will need the help of medical professionals who can assess the severity of your injuries and predict how long it will take you to heal. Due to their ability to offer guidance on the best course of action, an Uber accident lawyer is essential in this circumstance. 

Loss of wages from employment is another form of economic harm. If your injury prevents you from working, you must prove how much money you have already lost and will continue to lose in order to be compensated. You might be eligible for reimbursement for other household services, like housekeeping, that you are no longer able to perform on your own, in addition to monetary compensation.

What are Non-Economic Damages?

Non-economic damages are a little more challenging to quantify. A victim of an injury may be awarded non-economic damages to compensate them for their suffering. In addition, if the victim passes away, the surviving parties may also make a claim for loss of companionship or consortium.

When we talk about "pain and suffering," we are talking about the mental and physical toll that an accident and the injuries it results in have on a person. Injury victims receive compensation, which on occasion can be a sizable sum, for both their physical and psychological suffering.

As a result, both Uber and Lyft will have sizable insurance coverage for events of this kind. They are aware of the possibility of such claims and are ready for them. That does not, however, imply that they will accept responsibility for their deeds.

An experienced Connecticut Uber accident attorney like Brandon J. Broderick will be able to defend and explain the estimated amount you are seeking in addition to helping you get compensation for non-economic damages because of their prior experience.

What is the Difference Between Uber, Lyft, and Taxi Services?

Uber was established in San Francisco in 2009 with the objective of contending with local taxi services. A completely new business category has emerged as a result of the company's success. Ridesharing services like Uber and Lyft are very different from traditional taxi services in terms of liability, accidents, and insurance.

Taxi and cab drivers, in contrast to ride-sharing services, have unique insurance plans with various levels of coverage. Drivers for companies like Uber and Lyft use their own vehicles and are independent contractors rather than company employees. Taxi cab drivers typically do not operate their own vehicles, and while on the job, they are always covered by business insurance.

What Should I Do Following an Uber Accident in Connecticut?

Whether it happened in a taxi or an Uber/Lyft, as soon as possible after an occurrence, you want to make sure you're secure and protected. After that, you can worry about other people and the future.

Seek Medical Advice

After a car accident, you should typically seek medical attention, regardless of how minor your injuries seem to be. Whiplash and other injuries may take some time to manifest themselves after a car accident. By seeing a doctor, you want to ensure your health. The medical records may be useful for your accident claim. 

Gather every detail

Remember to keep a detailed record of the trip, the driver, and your Uber accident. Gather the names and contact information of any other passengers, drivers, or witnesses who may have been present, take a screenshot of the app and the ride, and note any other possible witnesses.

Take photos

Take as many photos of the accident scene and other documentation as you can. It is important to take pictures of any potentially hazardous or poor road conditions, as well as any signs identifying the car as an Uber. Ensure that you take photographs of all vehicle damage.

How Do I Report and File an Accident Report in CT With Uber After an Accident?

On Uber's website, there is a form that must be filled out in order to file an accident report. You must visit their website to obtain additional information about filing a report regarding the incident. If you have been involved in an accident and have been injured, before filing a claim with Uber, you should contact a Connecticut Uber accident attorney. An accident attorney can explain your legal rights and the potential compensation to which you are entitled if you have been injured in an accident.

After filing a claim against Uber, their insurance representatives or legal team may contact you to request a recorded statement or persuade you to accept an incredibly low settlement offer. If you have legal counsel, he or she can represent your interests and negotiate on your behalf with Uber. A qualified Uber accident attorney knows how to best present your case, gather evidence, and demonstrate the severity of your injuries and how they affect your daily life.

Am I Able to File a Lawsuit Against Uber or Lyft After an Accident?

If you were not at fault, you can file a lawsuit against Lyft or Uber for compensation for injuries sustained as a passenger or as a consequence of an accident involving one of their vehicles.

Generally, lawsuits are filed when parties cannot reach an agreement.

If You Have Been Involved in an Uber Accident in Connecticut, The Law Offices of Brandon J. Broderick are Ready and Able to Help You Today

The success of Brandon J. Broderick’s law firm can be attributed to his compassionate approach to clients and their needs. As a result, we have gained a reputation as one of Connecticut’s most reputable Uber accident attorneys. With decades of experience in personal injury law, our attorneys can handle even the most difficult personal injury and accident cases and win. We are always by our clients sides and love to represent them and help them recover after they have been injured.

We have many office locations in Connecticut, including Bridgeport, Danbury, Hartford, New Haven, Norwalk, Norwich, Stamford, and Waterbury. Never fight Uber or Lyft by yourself. We are always available and ready to assist you and your family. Contact us today for a free consultation. We look forward to working with you and helping you.

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