Memphis Rideshare Accident Lawyers

Were you injured or was a loved one killed in an accident while you were a rideshare passenger? Were you hit by a rideshare driver when you were driving, walking, or cycling? If so, the Memphis rideshare accident lawyers at Gold Law Firm can help you get compensation for your injuries and damages.

When you use rideshare services, you should be able to expect a professional driver who will do everything they can to get you to your destination safely. However, rideshare accidents are increasingly common and can lead to life-threatening injuries and catastrophic damages. Let us help you during this difficult time.

We live and work in Memphis, and we’ve seen rideshare services, such as Lyft and Uber, pop up all over the place. It’s incredibly convenient to use these services when you want to get home safely after a night on Beale Street or need a ride to work while your car is in the shop. However, when rideshare accidents happen, you are suddenly faced with an inconvenient mess of red tape, in addition to your injuries. Rideshare drivers are independent contractors, and complicated rules determine who is responsible for payment when they’re in accidents. Don’t face this daunting process alone. Let the experienced attorneys at Gold Law Firm take on this complicated process, so you don’t have to hassle with trying to get these rideshare companies and their drivers to own up to their responsibilities.

At Gold Law Firm, we will help you understand your rights, fight with insurance companies, and get you the compensation you deserve. With over two decades of experience, we’ve helped thousands of clients just like you get help and fair compensation when they were in accidents that weren’t their fault. If you were injured in a rideshare accident, we are ready to do the same for you. To set up a free consultation, contact us today by calling or texting (901) 244-5003, filling out our email form, or using our live chat.

How can a lawyer help with your rideshare accident case?

It’s frightening when you’re in a rideshare accident caused by a negligent driver. The accident can cause serious and even fatal injuries. You might also be worried you’ll lose your job if you must stay in the hospital for several days or have injuries that prevent you from returning to work. On top of your physical suffering, it’s not easy to figure out who’s responsible for paying your medical bills. Depending on the circumstances, either the driver’s insurance or the rideshare company’s insurance could be liable for damages. They might even try to blame each other, prolonging the time it takes for you to get justice. Don’t let them take advantage of this complicated situation.

If you or a loved one were involved in a rideshare accident, you might be entitled to compensation from multiple parties. You’re already dealing with enough. Let us take care of the exhausting process of negotiating with the rideshare company, the driver, and their insurance companies, so you can spend your time on healing.

Gold Law Firm: On the cutting edge of rideshare accident litigation

When you choose an attorney, you want to know they care about your wellbeing and will do everything they can to support you and your family. Our lawyers at Gold Law Firm are trusted across Memphis for not only helping our clients win their cases but also giving our clients the support they need in troubled times. Check out our client testimonials and reviews to see what some of our previous clients have to say about how Gold Law Firm helped them.

The skilled rideshare accident attorneys at Gold Law Firm have helped our clients recover millions of dollars for their injuries. We know how to handle insurance companies and the drivers and companies they represent, and we care about helping our clients get justice. We know how daunting the process can be, so we won’t take an up-front fee or charge you an out of pocket. We won’t get paid unless we help you win your case.

Who is responsible for damages in a rideshare accident?

If you’ve been in a rideshare accident, figuring out which insurance company is responsible is a puzzling undertaking because it depends on several circumstances. Rideshare drivers are independent contractors. The regulations dictating when they are “on the clock” and acting on behalf of the rideshare company can be difficult to understand, especially if you are trying to figure it out quickly after a crash.

Both of the top rideshare companies, Uber and Lyft, state that drivers are covered by their insurance until they indicate they are available for a rideshare request. Under Tennessee law, drivers must have a policy that recognizes them as a Transportation Network Company (TNC) driver. Once the driver accepts a ride request, the driver is available for different kinds of coverage, depending on whether the driver has already picked up a passenger.

• When the driver is waiting for a ride request: Both Uber and Lyft cover up to $100,000 if required by state law or if the driver’s insurance doesn’t cover the incident. Tennessee law allows personal auto insurance companies to exclude coverage when their policyholder is acting as a TNC driver. This means that the law does not require the driver’s insurance to pay any claims during the times that the rideshare company’s insurance covers them.
• When the driver has accepted a ride request: Both Uber and Lyft offer continuous coverage from the time the driver starts on their way to pick up a passenger until the end of the trip.
  • Uber would cover at least $1,000,000 if their driver was at fault. Uber includes at least $250,000 if another driver was at fault and fled the scene or doesn’t have sufficient insurance (called Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist coverage). Uber also covers damage to their driver’s car, up to cash value and minus a $1,000 deductible.
  • Lyft covers at least $1,000,000 if their driver was at fault or if another who was uninsured or underinsured was at fault. Lyft’s policy does not expressly outline their coverage in the case of a hit and run. Lyft also covers damage to their driver’s car, up to cash value and minus a $2,500 deductible, whether the damage was caused by a crash or non-collision event, such as vandalism.

What kinds of compensation are available in rideshare accidents?

If you were a rideshare passenger at the time of the crash or were hit by a rideshare driver while driving, walking, or cycling, you are entitled to compensation for your injuries. You shouldn’t have to worry about paying expenses for injuries or damages that weren’t your fault. An experienced attorney can help you recover damages for:

• Current or future medical expenses
• Property damage
• Replacement, if your car or bike was destroyed
• Lost wages
• Pain and suffering

In some cases, these crashes can be so severe that they cause fatalities. If your loved one was killed in a rideshare collision, no amount of money would ever be enough to make up for your loss. However, you might be entitled to compensation to help ease your financial burden during this difficult time. In the case of death, compensation might include:

• Medical bills
• Lost wages
• Funeral and burial expenses
• Loss of companionship or a caretaker

What are some common causes of rideshare accidents?

Although rideshare drivers aren’t always at fault when they’re in an accident, they experience multiple distractions that can lead to negligent driving. They sometimes have to drive in unfamiliar neighborhoods, which could mean they have to reference GPS and repeatedly take their eyes off the road. Additionally, most rideshare drivers are driving to make money to support themselves, so they might drive recklessly to fit in as many rideshare jobs in as little time as possible.  Some common causes of rideshare accidents include:

• Distracted driving
• Drowsy driving
• Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs
• Speeding
• Failure to obey traffic lights or signs
• Aggressive driving
• Other drivers besides the rideshare driver
• Road hazards

If a driver or another party fails to take proper precautions, they can easily cause an accident that could injure you or your loved ones. If this happens, you shouldn’t have to pay out of pocket for their carelessness or recklessness. Turn to an experienced attorney for help right away.

Contact us

If you or a loved one were injured or killed in a rideshare accident, the experienced personal injury lawyers at Gold Law Firm want to help you get justice. We know it’s scary and frustrating when you are harmed by someone else’s negligence. Let us help you start your recovery process by answering your questions, guiding you through the process, and fighting for full compensation on your behalf. Contact us today to set up a free consultation with our skilled and compassionate attorneys. Call or text (901) 244-5003, fill out our email form or chat live.