Phoenix Uber/Lyft Accident Lawyers

If you get involved in an Uber or Lyft accident in Phoenix, you may need assistance with the insurance claims process to ensure you receive fair compensation for your injuries and losses. At Panish | Shea | Ravipudi LLP, we represent rideshare accident victims in Phoenix and throughout Arizona to help them get the financial recoveries they need to move forward. Contact our Phoenix car accident lawyers today for a free consultation about your case.

Why Choose Us as Your Uber/Lyft Accident Attorneys in Phoenix?

• We will guide you through the legal process with personalized services to ensure the best possible outcome and experience. Our testimonials showcase our commitment to clients.
• Our lawyers know how to aggressively negotiate with insurance companies and litigate cases in court, when necessary, to maximize our clients’ case results.

• Our law firm operates on a contingency fee basis. Our Uber/Lyft accident attorneys in Phoenix don’t charge for their services unless the case results in a positive settlement or verdict.

How Can a Rideshare Accident Lawyer in Phoenix Help? 

Hiring a personal injury attorney to represent you during an Uber or Lyft accident case in Phoenix can come with numerous advantages. You can have the peace of mind to focus your energy on healing and rebuilding while your lawyer takes care of complicated legal matters for you, including collecting evidence to prove your case. 

A lawyer will have experience negotiating with insurance claims adjusters that can be used to maximize your settlement from Uber or Lyft’s insurance company. If necessary, though most car accident cases reach settlements, an attorney can represent you during a personal injury trial in Maricopa County for optimal results.

How Common Are Uber and Lyft Accidents? 

Serious and fatal Uber and Lyft accidents are reported every year. Uber’s latest safety report states that 153 people died in Uber-related accidents from 2021 to 2022, which was an increase of 40 percent from 101 deaths from 2019 to 2020. Uber found that 18 percent of the fatal crashes were caused by the driver using the Uber platform and 25 percent were caused by the Uber driver along with another party.

In Lyft’s safety transparency report, 111 deaths occurred in Lyft accidents from 2020 to 2022, a 31 percent increase from the previous report (2017 to 2019). Lyft also reported 23 fatal physical assaults – a 185 percent increase from the previous two years. 2022 had the highest number of fatal Lyft accidents in a five-year period, with 50 deaths.

Top Causes of Uber/Lyft Accidents In Phoenix

Uber and Lyft accidents share the same common causes as typical car accidents in Phoenix. Although rideshare drivers are responsible for the lives and welfare of their passengers, many engage in the same careless and reckless behaviors as regular drivers. 

The most common causes of rideshare accidents include: 

• Speeding 
• Reckless driving 
• Distracted driving 
• Cell phone use behind the wheel 
• Driving while intoxicated 
• Driving while drowsy or fatigued 
• Following too closely or tailgating 
• Aggressive driving or road rage 
• Ignoring red lights or stop signs 
• Failing to yield the right-of-way 
• Poor vehicle maintenance and breakdowns

These mistakes can be made by the Uber driver as well as a driver outside of the rideshare vehicle. Either way, if you were injured as an Uber/Lyft passenger, you may be entitled to financial compensation from one or more parties.

Who Is Liable for a Phoenix Uber or Lyft Accident?

Liability, or legal and financial responsibility, for an Uber or Lyft accident is different than in a standard car accident case. Rather than only involving two drivers, a rideshare accident involves the company and its insurance provider, as well.  

While Uber and Lyft avoid liability for many accidents caused by their drivers by classifying them as independent contractors rather than employees, you can still qualify for coverage from their insurance policies if you were injured by an on-duty rideshare driver. You may be able to hold third parties liable, as well, in addition to seeking payment from your own insurer.

Uber/Lyft Accident and Injury Insurance – How Does It Work?

To file an insurance claim with Uber or Lyft after a harmful accident, contact the company to report the crash right away. You can report the accident through the app or by calling the company’s customer service number. Do not admit fault. Explain that you were involved in an accident and wish to file a claim.

Both Uber and Lyft have insurance policies that offer up to $1 million in coverage for rideshare accidents. Here’s how it works: 

• Period 0: No Coverage. If the rideshare driver is not logged into the app at the time of the accident, Uber/Lyft will not pay for a victim’s damages. Instead, the driver’s personal automobile insurance will apply.
• Period 1: Limited Coverage. If the driver is logged into the app but hasn’t yet accepted a ride, Uber and Lyft both provide limited liability coverage in the amounts of $50,000 per person and $100,000 per accident in bodily injury insurance, plus $25,000 for property damage.

• Periods 2 and 3: Full Coverage. Once a rideshare driver has accepted a ride and is on the way to pick up a passenger (Period 2) or the passenger is in the vehicle (Period 3), Uber and Lyft’s full $1 million in coverage is available to cover a victim’s bodily injuries and property damage.

As a claimant, it is important to understand the period of your ride at the time of the Uber/Lyft accident and what this means for your eligibility. You may be able to receive benefits from the rideshare company, the rideshare driver’s private insurance, another driver, and/or your own insurance provider, depending on the circumstances.

Request a Free Consultation in Phoenix Today

Uber and Lyft accident cases can be complex. If you suffered injuries in a rideshare accident in Phoenix or the surrounding area, Panish | Shea | Ravipudi LLP is here to help. We will fight to ensure you are treated fairly throughout your injury claim, with the legal advocacy that you deserve. Call us at (877) 800-1700 anytime to request a free case review.

When you meet with one of our Phoenix personal injury attorneys during a free consultation, you can receive answers to your individual questions and a personalized review of your case. We will evaluate your situation and give you advice on how to move forward. Contact us today to schedule your meeting. Our office is located at 2850 Camelback Road, Suite 315, Phoenix, AZ 85016.