Columbus Rideshare Accident Lawyer | Uber and Lyft Accident Attorney in Columbus, Ohio
GB Law represents Uber and Lyft passengers who have been injured in ridesharing accidents in Columbus, Ohio.
The Columbus rideshare accident lawyers at GB Law have experience representing those who have been injured in accidents involving Uber and Lyft drivers, including but not limited to:
- Pedestrians
- Other car drivers
- Bicyclists
- Motorcyclists
We provide our clients with advice and support while fighting for justice and fair compensation.
The Nationwide Uptick in Rideshare App Services
A 2018 study from the University of Chicago and Rice University linked the arrival of ridesharing apps (Uber/Lyft) with the uptick in fatalities nationwide. The study found that whenever Uber and Lyft launched in a city, accidents increased.
Accidents, injuries, and fatalities increase because ridesharing vehicles like Uber and Lyft add more cars in cities and billions of miles driven on roads.
Uber reported its drivers made 6.36 billion trips in 2021.
Many people who would have taken public transportation, walked, or biked, now take rideshare vehicles.
Uber and Lyft combined own nearly 98% of the rideshare market in the US. – Vox.com
In cities where Uber and Lyft have launched, bus and subway ridership has decreased, and car accidents have increased.
How Do Lyft and Uber Accident Lawsuits Differ from Other Car Accident Cases?
Uber and Lyft Insurance Policies
Insurance claims can be complicated if you were injured by a rideshare driver.
Whether or not Lyft or Uber’s insurance policy will apply will depend on whether the rideshare driver is waiting for a ride request, en route to pick up a passenger, or on a ride.
Lyft and Uber provide supplemental liability insurance coverage to drivers when the app is on and have tweaked their coverage over the last decade based on several lawsuits. When the driver is not driving for Lyft or Uber, they are covered by their own personal insurance coverage.
A low level of liability coverage for accidents becomes active when the app is on. This is known as the “available or waiting for a ride request” period. Once the driver is en route to pick up a passenger, a $1 million third-party liability kicks in.
Once you, the passenger, have been picked up by an Uber vehicle and are in the vehicle, Uber’s insurance policy also covers you up to $1 million in damages. This means there is $1 million in insurance coverage available for bodily injuries and property damage where another party is responsible for an accident.
In the event the rideshare driver is determined to be at fault, contingent collision and comprehensive coverage may cover the vehicle owner (with a deductible).
Determining the At-Fault Party
Determining the at-fault party is one of the key issues in regular car accident injury cases. While finding who caused the accident is important in rideshare cases, too, it can be more complex, especially in an accident involving several parties.
While most Columbus car or auto accidents involve two parties (the accident victim and at-fault driver), you’re dealing with at least three:
- The victim
- The driver working for Uber or Lyft
- The rideshare company itself
You may also have to deal with yet another party if you were an Uber passenger who was injured by another motorist.
Our team of rideshare accident attorneys in Columbus works with the best investigators, medical experts, forensic specialists, and accident reconstruction experts to prove fault, hold the at-fault party accountable, and determine damages in order to recover the maximum compensation available for our clients.
Injuries Caused in Columbus Uber or Lyft Rideshare Accidents
Common rideshare accident injuries may include:
- Concussions and traumatic brain injuries
- Bone fractures
- Spinal injuries
- Catastrophic injuries
- Wrongful death
These serious injuries can make it difficult to navigate a claim with Uber or Lyft. Hiring an accident lawyer may help you get the compensation you deserve.
Contact our Columbus Lyft and Uber accident lawyers to get a free consultation.
What Should I Do After an Uber or Lyft Accident in Columbus?
Report the Accident and Call the Police
If you are a passenger in a rideshare vehicle and are involved in an accident, you should ask the Lyft or Uber driver to pull over and safely get out of traffic. Make sure everyone is safe.
Next, report the accident to the local police or Ohio State Highway Patrol by calling 911.
Under Ohio law, police are required to come to the scene if the accident causes a fatality, an injury requiring medical care, or more than $1,000 in property damage.
Take Photos
If you are able to, take photos of the vehicle damage, any stationary objects that were struck (like trees, medians, or poles), and skid marks.
Also, take pictures of the license plates of any vehicles involved as well as driver’s licenses and insurance cards. If you are unable to take photographs, you can ask a witness or third party to help.
Get Medical Attention
Getting medical treatment immediately following an accident is important for your physical health and having a documented record of receiving medical attention. This record will be important for your legal claim later.
Report the Accident to Uber or Lyft
Uber’s emergency hotline for emergencies is 800-353-8237, and Lyft’s phone number is 1-844-307-8651.
These numbers are only to be used for emergencies. Provide details of the accident, such as the:
- Time of the accident
- Location
- Parties involved
Do not admit fault or speculate on whether the driver is at fault.
Rideshare companies will likely do their own review and investigation of the incident. Treat any conversation as if you are speaking to an insurance company representative.
Talk to a Columbus Uber and Lyft Accident Lawyer
You may receive a settlement offer from Uber or Lyft for your injuries. Do not accept any offer without first talking to a skilled and knowledgeable personal injury attorney. You may be entitled to far more compensation than is initially offered.
Once you accept any offer, you permanently waive rights to any future claims.
Why Choose GB Law’s Columbus Rideshare Accident Attorneys
Top Personal Injury Law Firm in Columbus, Ohio
GB Law is a personal injury law firm with more than 40 years of experience handling personal injury claims. We are based in Columbus but handle cases throughout Ohio, and have a reputation in the legal community as one of the top personal injury law firms.
Recovered $200 Million for Clients
Our award-winning trial lawyers are able to get results. We’ve helped numerous injury victims by recovering more than $200 million in verdicts and settlements.
No Attorney Fees Unless We Obtain a Settlement or Win Your Case
There are no attorney fees if we review your case. You pay no attorney fees or expenses unless we get a settlement offer you are happy with or we win your case in court. If we win or settle your case, we will take a percentage of the settlement amount awarded.
Our Columbus Rideshare Accident Lawyers Can Help: Contact Us for a Free Consultation Today
If you have been injured in an Uber or Lyft rideshare accident, our Columbus Uber and Lyft accident lawyers can help.
To discuss your potential case with one of our attorneys, and your rights to compensation for lost earnings, medical expenses, and pain and suffering, call us today at 614-222-4444 or fill out a case evaluation form.