Ridesharing services like Uber and Lyft have gained popularity for their affordability and convenience. However, many users may not be fully aware of their legal rights in the event of an accident involving these platforms. It is essential for Ohio residents using these services to understand how an accident with a ridesharing vehicle differs from a typical car accident.

Uber and Lyft both provide substantial liability insurance coverage for their drivers. Nonetheless, navigating the details of these policies can be complex, and disputes over claims or liability denials by these companies can lead to inadequate settlement offers or outright claim rejections. To protect your rights and avoid being burdened with medical costs from accident-related injuries, enlisting professional legal help is essential.

At Brandon J. Broderick, Attorney at Law, our Ohio-based legal team brings extensive experience and a proven record of achieving favorable outcomes for our clients. Our honest and direct approach to client relationships, coupled with our unwavering commitment to their needs, has made us a top personal injury law firm in Ohio. With our support, you can focus fully on your recovery and time with family, knowing your case is in capable hands. Contact us today for a free legal consultation, we are available day or night to assist you.

Use our quick links below for answers to the most common questions we hear regarding Uber accidents:

Is Hiring a Lawyer Necessary After an Uber Accident in Ohio?

Ridesharing companies like Uber and Lyft often look for ways to minimize their liability in accident scenarios, potentially offering low settlements or refusing to pay, especially if the victim lacks legal representation. By hiring Brandon J. Broderick, Attorney at Law, you gain access to experienced Ohio Uber accident attorneys and professionals skilled in determining the best course of action. Our attorneys will collect evidence, interview potential witnesses, and negotiate vigorously to secure the compensation you deserve.

You do not need to handle communications with Uber or the other parties involved; Brandon J. Broderick's team will manage all interactions. If a fair agreement cannot be reached through negotiations, we are fully prepared to take your case to trial and achieve a favorable outcome.

Your Losses Should Be Fully Compensated

Severe injuries from auto accidents often necessitate ongoing medical care. If your injury is severe enough to prevent you from working, this adds financial strain to an already burdensome situation due to rising medical costs. Should your injury result in a permanent disability or even temporary pain that hinders your ability to enjoy your usual activities, you are entitled to compensation for all your losses, not just for immediate medical expenses.

Brandon J. Broderick’s team of Uber and rideshare accident attorneys in Ohio will fight to secure the maximum possible settlement on your behalf, ensuring that your needs are fully addressed both now and in the future.

Insurance Coverage for Uber and Lyft in Ohio

Ridesharing services like Uber and Lyft operate under a layered insurance model that varies based on the driver's status at the time of an incident. Below, we detail the insurance thresholds for each stage of a rideshare trip in Ohio.

Stage One: Personal Insurance Coverage When Not Seeking Ridesharing Customers

When the driver is not logged into the ridesharing app to seek passengers, their personal auto insurance is responsible for covering all liabilities. This coverage is entirely separate from any insurance provided by Uber or Lyft.

Stage Two: Insurance Coverage While Searching for Ridesharing Customers

Once the driver logs into the app and is actively searching for passengers, ridesharing company insurance kicks in. The coverage provided during this period is as follows:

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

This coverage is secondary to the driver’s personal insurance but serves as the primary in the absence of personal insurance or its insufficiency.

Stage Three: Insurance Coverage While Picking Up or Transporting Passengers

This stage begins the moment a driver accepts a ride request and is en route to pick up the passenger, continuing until the passenger is dropped off. During this phase, Uber and Lyft provide more robust coverage, which includes:

  • $1 million combined single limit for bodily injury and property damage per accident
  • Contingent collision and comprehensive coverage, which applies if the driver also carries personal collision and comprehensive insurance, potentially covering vehicle damages regardless of fault.

What Insurance Coverage Applies When an Uber Driver is Waiting for a Passenger?

In Ohio, a significant portion of an Uber driver's time on duty, approximately 40% to 60%, is spent waiting for ride requests. This period, known as "deadheading," involves the driver being stationary with the rideshare app active but not engaged in passenger transport. Understanding the insurance implications during this phase is very important for drivers.

Comprehensive Insurance Coverage While Deadheading

While personal insurance is the primary coverage for many Uber drivers during this idle phase, both Uber and Lyft provide supplementary commercial insurance that meets Ohio’s legal minimum requirements once the personal coverage reaches its limits. Due to the unique risks associated with ridesharing, many drivers choose to enhance their insurance. This additional coverage helps to manage potential claim disputes and ensures adequate protection while the vehicle operates under commercial use.

Once the limits of a driver’s personal insurance are reached, Uber’s additional coverage comes into effect, providing a critical safety net under the following conditions:

  • Bodily Injury Liability: Coverage extends up to $75,000 per injury, with a total of $150,000 per accident.
  • Uninsured Motorist Protection: This includes coverage of up to $25,000 per individual and $50,000 per accident, essential for incidents involving underinsured parties or in the event of a hit-and-run.
  • Fatal Injury Protection: Provides up to $100,000 per accident, catering to the most severe cases.
  • Property Damage: Offers up to $25,000 for any property damage incurred during an incident.

This enhanced insurance is activated the moment the driver’s personal policy is deemed insufficient, covering all phases of the rideshare operation when the app is active but no passengers are aboard. For Uber drivers in Ohio, staying informed about these coverage details is vital to ensuring comprehensive protection throughout their service periods.

Compensation Types for Uber and Lyft Accidents in Ohio

Uber accident victims in Ohio might wonder about the average settlement amount for ridesharing accidents. In personal injury cases, compensation is not only awarded for economic losses but also for the impact on the victim's quality of life. The severity of the injury significantly influences the compensation amount.

It's important to know that you are not required to accept the insurance company's initial offer. Insurance providers often propose low settlements, particularly right after the accident. Before agreeing to a settlement, you should thoroughly evaluate the extent of your injuries, the expected duration of your recovery, and the potential timeline for returning to work.

To gain a clear understanding of what to expect in your specific Uber accident case in Ohio, it is advisable to consult with an experienced local attorney, such as Brandon J. Broderick, Attorney at Law. This consultation can provide you with the insights needed to make an informed decision about your compensation claim.

What are Economic Damages?

Emotional suffering and punitive damages are categorized separately from economic losses in Ohio. When filing an Uber accident claim, you can seek compensation not only for immediate medical expenses but also for future ones. Recovery from a significant injury may extend over years, necessitating ongoing therapy, rehabilitation, or home adaptations.

Examples of compensable medical costs include:

  • Hospital stays and medical care
  • Residential care facilities
  • Surgical procedures
  • Medical devices and equipment
  • Consultations with medical experts
  • Rehabilitation services

Calculating long-term economic damages can be complex, requiring the expertise of medical professionals to assess the severity of your injuries and project the duration of your recovery.

Loss of wages represents another key aspect of economic damages. If your injury impedes your ability to work, it is necessary to document how much income you have lost and the estimated future losses to secure appropriate compensation. Additionally, you may be eligible for reimbursement for necessary household services, like housekeeping, which you are unable to perform yourself, alongside other monetary compensations.

What are Non-Economic Damages?

Non-economic damages are intended to compensate an injured victim for their suffering, and, in tragic circumstances where the victim passes away, the surviving relatives may also claim for loss of companionship or consortium.

"Pain and suffering" encompasses the mental and physical distress an accident and its subsequent injuries inflict on a person. Victims can receive compensation for both physical pain and emotional distress, which in many cases can be significant.

Recognizing the complexity and potential size of these claims, Uber and Lyft maintain extensive insurance coverage for such incidents in Ohio. However, having substantial coverage does not automatically lead to these companies acknowledging their responsibility easily.

An experienced Ohio Uber accident attorney like Brandon J. Broderick, Attorney at Law, can be instrumental in pursuing compensation for non-economic damages. With their expertise, they can robustly advocate for your rights and articulate the full extent of the compensation you deserve, ensuring that you receive a fair settlement.

Differences Between Uber, Lyft, and Taxi Services

Uber, launched in 2009 in San Francisco, was established with the aim of rivaling traditional taxi services, and it has since pioneered an entirely new category of business. Ridesharing services such as Uber and Lyft significantly differ from conventional taxi services in aspects like liability, accidents, and insurance frameworks.

Taxi and cab drivers typically operate under specific insurance plans that provide varying levels of coverage tailored to their professional needs. In contrast, Uber and Lyft drivers utilize their own vehicles and are classified as independent contractors rather than employees of the ridesharing companies. This distinction is critical because it affects the insurance responsibilities and liability. Taxi drivers, who usually do not own the vehicles they drive, are consistently covered by their company’s business insurance throughout their shifts, ensuring continuous coverage regardless of their status between fares.

Steps to Take After an Uber Accident in Ohio

Being involved in a ridesharing accident can be a distressing experience. To safeguard your health and legal rights, it's essential to follow these steps after an accident in Ohio:

Ensure Safety and Seek Medical Attention

  1. Immediate Medical Care: After any car accident, it’s important to seek medical attention, even if your injuries appear minor initially. Injuries like whiplash might not manifest immediately.
  2. Check for Injuries: Quickly assess yourself and others involved for injuries. If anyone is seriously injured, dial 911 without delay.
  3. Move to Safety: If it’s safe to do so, move to a location away from traffic to prevent further accidents or injuries.

Report the Accident, Take Photos, and Document the Scene

  1. Report the Accident: Contact local law enforcement to report the accident. An official police report is vital for any insurance or legal actions that may follow.
  2. Document the Scene: Take extensive photos of the accident scene, capturing any road hazards, street signs, and all vehicles involved, with a focus on damages and any markings identifying the car as part of a rideshare service.

Gather Information and Notify Your Ridesharing Company

  1. Exchange Information: Collect names, driver’s license numbers, insurance details, and vehicle descriptions from all drivers involved.
  2. Witness Details: If there are any witnesses, obtain their contact information and ask for a brief account of what they observed.
  3. Notify Your Ridesharing Company: Use the app to report the accident directly to Uber or Lyft. Ensure you follow their specific procedures for documenting and reporting accidents.

Keep Detailed Records

  1. Record Your Trip and Incident Details: Maintain a comprehensive record of the trip, the driver, and the accident. Gather the names and contact information of any passengers, drivers, or witnesses present, take screenshots of the ride details in the app, and note any other potential witnesses.

How to Report and File an Accident Report With Uber in Ohio

If you’ve been involved in an accident while riding in or driving for Uber in Ohio, it’s important to report the incident as soon as possible. Filing an accident report with Uber ensures that your injuries and damages are documented and initiates the insurance claims process. Timely reporting is key to protecting your rights and ensure a timely resolution.

Reporting an Accident Through the Uber App

After addressing immediate safety concerns and collecting necessary information, you can report the accident directly through the Uber app by following these steps:

  1. Open the Uber App: Log into your account if you are a passenger or driver.
  2. Navigate to Help: Go to the app’s main menu and select the “Help” section.
  3. Select Trip Issues and Refunds: Choose the trip associated with the accident.
  4. Report a Safety Issue: Scroll to “Report a safety issue” and select “I was involved in an accident.”
  5. Provide Accident Details: Enter specific information about the accident, including the time, location, injuries, and damages. Upload any supporting documentation, such as photos or a police report.

Once the report is submitted, Uber’s insurance provider may contact you to request further details or documentation. To streamline the claims process, organize all relevant records, including medical bills, repair estimates, and correspondence related to the incident.

How Long Do I Have to File a Lawsuit After an Uber or Lyft Accident in Ohio?

If you've been involved in an Uber or Lyft accident in Ohio, understanding the time limits for taking legal action is essential. These time limits, referred to as the statute of limitations, determine how long you have to file a lawsuit. Missing the deadline can result in losing your ability to seek compensation for your injuries and damages.

Statute of Limitations for Uber and Lyft Accidents in Ohio

In Ohio, the statute of limitations for filing a personal injury lawsuit after an Uber or Lyft accident is typically two years from the date of the accident. This time frame applies to most personal injury claims, including those involving rideshare vehicles. If you don’t file your lawsuit within this two-year period, your case may be dismissed, and you could lose the chance to recover any compensation.

For example, if you were injured in a rideshare accident on September 1, 2024, you would have until September 1, 2026, to file a lawsuit. Failing to act before this deadline generally means forfeiting your legal rights unless an exception applies.

  • Wrongful Death Claims: In cases where a rideshare accident results in a fatality, the statute of limitations for filing a wrongful death lawsuit is two years from the victim's date of death.

Filing a Claim Before a Lawsuit

Before pursuing a lawsuit, you will typically go through the insurance claims process. Both Uber and Lyft provide insurance coverage for their drivers, but the type and amount of coverage depend on the driver’s status during the accident. If you're unable to resolve your claim through insurance negotiations, it’s vital to keep the two-year deadline in mind while preparing to file a lawsuit.

Understanding the statute of limitations and acting promptly can help protect your rights and ensure you have the opportunity to seek the compensation you deserve.

Can I File a Lawsuit Against Uber or Lyft After an Accident?

Yes, you can file a lawsuit against Uber or Lyft after an accident, but the circumstances of the crash and the parties involved will determine your legal options. In some cases, you may need to sue the rideshare driver directly or explore claims against other negligent parties, such as another motorist.

Filing a lawsuit against Uber or Lyft can be more complex than a traditional car accident claim due to the involvement of large companies and their insurers. Rideshare companies often aim to distance themselves from liability by classifying drivers as independent contractors rather than employees. This distinction can complicate efforts to hold the company directly responsible. Working with an experienced attorney is essential to navigating these challenges. They can help you investigate the accident, determine liability, and ensure you pursue the appropriate claims for compensation, whether against the driver, Uber, Lyft, or another at-fault party.

Involved in an Uber Accident in Ohio? The Law Offices of Brandon J. Broderick Can Assist You Today

The success of Brandon J. Broderick’s law firm is deeply rooted in a compassionate approach to clients and their needs. This commitment has earned the firm a reputation as one of Ohio’s most trusted Uber accident attorneys. With decades of experience in personal injury law, our attorneys are adept at managing even the most challenging cases, consistently securing successful outcomes. We are dedicated to standing by our clients’ sides, supporting them through their recovery after an injury.

Don't face Uber or Lyft alone. We are always ready to assist you and your family. Contact us today for a free consultation. We look forward to working with you and providing the support you need.

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