Did you sustain injuries in a collision involving an Uber or Lyft driver? You may have the right to compensation, but your health and recovery aren’t the priority for the rideshare company, their insurers, or others involved in the crash. You need a dedicated advocate who can protect your rights and interests.
The Paducah rideshare accident lawyers at Morgan, Collins, Yeast & Salyer have fought for Kentucky’s injured for decades and recovered over $400 million in compensation. We understand the challenges of taking on big corporations like Lyft and Uber, and we’re not afraid to defend your rights before a jury. We’re not advertisers who practice law; we’re genuine lawyers who have repeatedly proven ourselves in high-stakes cases.
Call (877) 809-5352 now or complete our contact form for a free, no-obligation consultation.
Who Is Liable in a Rideshare Accident in Paducah?
The liable party in a vehicle accident is the one whose negligence or carelessness caused the collision. For example, the Uber or Lyft driver might be liable if the crash occurred because they were speeding, distracted, intoxicated, or engaged in another act of carelessness.
However, potentially liable parties in these cases could include the following:
- The Rideshare Driver – If the Uber or Lyft driver caused the crash due to speeding, distraction, or violating other traffic laws, they may be held responsible for the resulting injuries and damages.
- Another Driver – A different motorist might be liable if they hit an Uber or Lyft driver because they weren’t following traffic laws or were acting aggressively.
- Vehicle Manufacturer – If a defect in the rideshare vehicle or another involved vehicle contributed to the accident, the manufacturer could be responsible under Kentucky’s product liability laws.
- Government Entity – When unsafe road conditions, poor signage, or inadequate maintenance contribute to an accident, the local or state government agency responsible for the roadway may be liable.
You might wonder why Uber or Lyft isn’t liable for crashes involving their drivers. That’s because these companies classify their drivers as contractors, which means the company isn’t directly liable for a driver’s actions.
However, Kentucky law requires Uber and Lyft to provide liability coverage for accidents involving their drivers. This coverage is only available if the Uber or Lyft driver is at fault for the crash, and the available coverage depends on the driver’s status at the time of the crash.
The following is how the coverage breaks down:
- Driver Is Offline – Neither Uber nor Lyft provides insurance for crashes that happen when a driver is not logged into their app. In these situations, only the driver’s personal auto insurance applies.
- Driver Is Available But Has Not Accepted a Ride – Uber and Lyft provide limited coverage when a driver is logged into the app and waiting for a ride request. If the driver’s personal policy is not enough to cover the injuries from a crash, the rideshare company’s insurance may provide up to $50,000 per person for bodily injuries, $100,000 total per accident for injuries, and $25,000 for property damage.
- Driver Is En Route to Pick Up or Is Transporting a Passenger – Once a driver accepts a ride request, and while transporting a passenger, Uber and Lyft offer up to $1 million in third-party liability coverage. The companies’ coverage during this phase also includes uninsured and underinsured motorist protection.
While Uber and Lyft provide substantial coverage in case of a crash, they have vast resources to contest your claim and avoid compensating you fairly. You’ll need help from an experienced rideshare accident attorney to win your claim and recover the resources you need.
What Damages Can Be Claimed in a Rideshare Accident?
“Damages” is the legal term for the compensation you receive after a rideshare accident to make up for your losses. Your damages could include compensation for the following:
- Current and future medical expenses
- Lost income and reduced future earnings
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Damaged personal property
Why You Need a Paducah Rideshare Accident Attorney
Rideshare accident claims often involve multiple parties and insurance policies. Without legal help, you may struggle to understand which insurer should pay or how much your case is worth. A rideshare accident attorney in Paducah can investigate the crash, gather evidence, and negotiate with the insurance companies on your behalf. They can also calculate the full value of your claim, including your future medical expenses and lost income, so you don’t settle for less compensation than you deserve.
How to Find the Right Accident Attorney for You
Your choice of which firm represents you in a rideshare accident claim can significantly affect your compensation. The following are a few tips for choosing the right attorney:
- Look for an attorney with proven experience handling rideshare accident cases.
- Ask for recommendations from your friends and family.
- Check their past case results and client reviews.
- Choose someone who communicates clearly and keeps you updated.
- Ask about their availability and commitment to your case.
- Understand their fee structure before hiring.
- Make sure they have the resources to investigate and build your claim effectively.
Morgan, Collins, Yeast & Salyer’s Experience with Car Accident Cases
Our Paducah Uber accident lawyers have decades of combined experience, including practical experience handling rideshare accident claims. We’ll handle all the legal work so you can focus on healing. Here’s what one client said about their experience with our firm:
“I had a wonderful experience with this firm. I was injured in a car wreck and they made the process as easy and seamless as it could be. I cannot recommend a firm more highly. I was awarded the full settlement without having to step foot in a courtroom.” — Bettina H.
That review is one of hundreds of positive experiences you can read from our satisfied clients. Here’s another:
“I was hurt in a crash and the other driver blamed me for causing it. Kyle (Salyer) hired experts and spent his time and money to show how the crash actually happened and how it was not my fault. If he had not gone the extra mile, I might not have gotten the money I was owed.” — B.A.
Don’t wait to speak to a lawyer about your case, as you have just one year from the accident date to file a lawsuit. Call Morgan, Collins, Yeast & Salyer now at (877) 809-5352 or complete our contact form for a free, confidential consultation.