Calling a rideshare service seems safer, especially after a long night or when you are flying out of town. But rideshare drivers do not have extensive training and could be just as tired as you are.
If you are in an accident caused by an Uber or Lyft driver, call a rideshare accident lawyer in Twin Falls for immediate help. At Siegfried & Jensen, our Twin Falls personal injury lawyers offer comprehensive legal guidance to help you through the tough times. We have recovered over $1.2 billion for our clients.
Why Rideshare Accidents Happen in Twin Falls
Twin Falls in southern Idaho is a busy and growing community. People have come to rely on services like Lyft and Uber to help them get around with ease. Yet, rideshare accidents are also increasing, and often for preventable reasons like the following:
- Distracted drivers: When the rideshare driver is engaged in a heated conversation, using their phone, or eating while driving, you are at risk.
- Speeding: Some rideshare drivers try to rush to get you to where you need to go so they can pick up another ride.
- Fatigued driving: Rideshare drivers do not typically have a limit on the number of hours they can work. Some may work such long hours that they are unable to focus on driving safely.
- Reckless operation: Many people know what it is like to be on US 93 with a driver rushing by, weaving in and out of traffic, or someone running a red light. That recklessness causes serious accidents.
- Impairment: In some situations, you may learn that the driver operating the vehicle you are in is under the influence of substances, putting your life at risk.
Rideshare accidents, like any other car accident, can cause life-changing injuries. In every situation, victims must demonstrate who caused their injuries and prove their losses. You do not have to do this on your own. Instead, work with our Twin Falls rideshare accident lawyer from Siegfried & Jensen for immediate help.
For a free legal consultation with a rideshare accident lawyer serving Twin Falls, call (801) 266-0999
Determining Fault in a Rideshare Accident
One of the more confusing aspects of rideshare accidents is determining who must pay for your losses. Uber and Lyft do not hire their drivers; instead, they use independent contractors. That means they are not always responsible for the driver’s actions. There are several situations that can play out:
- App on, providing service. If the driver causes an accident while on their way to pick up a rider, or while driving that rider to their destination, and the rider booked the trip through the app, then Uber or Lyft bears some responsibility. This means the company’s $1 million in liability coverage provides protection for you.
- App on, not providing service. If the driver is waiting to pick up a ride and strikes you or causes your injuries, only the driver’s liability insurance applies.
- Third party involved. In some cases, your driver may not be the one who caused the accident. In those situations, you must file a claim against that party’s insurance coverage.
Determining fault is not always straightforward. There may be situations where disputes over fault arise or where more than one party is responsible. Hiring a rideshare accident attorney in Twin Falls can help protect your rights throughout this process.
Twin Falls Rideshare Accident Lawyer Near Me (801) 266-0999
What to Do After a Rideshare Accident
Victims of rideshare accidents should always put their health as their top priority. Yet when possible, gathering critical information can prove highly valuable. In the ideal situation, you can take the following steps to protect yourself:
- Move out of the way of further harm and call 911. That is especially true if anyone suffers injuries or there is significant damage to a vehicle.
- Check on others if you can do so safely. Do not leave the scene of the accident until police arrive.
- Take photos of any evidence in the case. That may include damage to the vehicles and injuries you have. A video of the layout of the area can also help.
- Get the name and contact information for everyone involved. That includes other drivers, other passengers, and witnesses who saw what happened.
- Get the driver’s name and contact information. Make sure you take photos of their license and insurance information.
- Go to the hospital for a full examination. Many of the injuries you could have are not obvious and may take some time to become evident.
In some situations, you may think you should file a claim with the rideshare company. Avoid doing that right now. You can alert the rideshare app to the incident, for example, but do not provide extensive details. Instead, call a lawyer.
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How We Build Your Rideshare Accident Case
Once you contact our team, you can expect us to gather evidence and build your case and claim. That starts with seeking information about the cause of your accident:
- Investigate every element of your case. We seek out data from rideshare apps, dash camera footage, and witness statements.
- Determine all of your losses. Expect our attorneys to work to gather as much information about your injuries, including your physical and emotional losses, to build a claim.
- Negotiate your claim. We make sure the insurance company takes your case seriously.
Idaho’s statute of limitations (Section 5-219) gives you two full years to file a lawsuit. We can take this step if the insurance company is unwilling to be fair.
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Schedule a Free Consultation with Our Twin Falls Rideshare Accident Attorney Now
Speak to the team at Siegfried & Jensen. Let us build a claim that matches your losses and go after all parties involved.
You are never alone when you hire us to build your case and claim. Let our rideshare accident lawyer in Twin Falls become your advocate.
Call or text (801) 266-0999 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form