Injured in a Rideshare? A Provo Lawyer Breaks Down Your Legal Options
If you were injured in an Uber or Lyft accident in Provo, you may be entitled to compensation. Learn your legal options from an experienced attorney.
Rideshare apps like Uber and Lyft have made getting around Provo easier than ever. But when an accident happens, especially if you’re the passenger, the question of who’s responsible can get complicated fast. You might wonder: Can I sue Uber or Lyft? Who pays for my injuries? Do I go through the driver’s insurance or the rideshare company’s?
The matter of liability and insurance makes these cases more complex. That is why having an experienced rideshare accident lawyer can make all the difference in how your case is resolved.
If you’ve been injured in a rideshare accident in Provo, here’s what you need to know about your legal rights and how to move forward.
Step One: Identify Your Role in the Accident
Your legal options depend heavily on what role you played in the accident:
- Were you a passenger in the Uber or Lyft?
- Were you driving your own car and hit by a rideshare driver?
- Were you a pedestrian or cyclist struck by a rideshare vehicle?
- Were you the driver for Uber or Lyft at the time?
Each of these scenarios carries different legal implications and insurance coverage issues. A personal injury attorney can help sort through the specifics of your case.
Step Two: Understand the Rideshare Insurance Tiers
Rideshare companies like Uber and Lyft offer insurance coverage that varies depending on the driver’s status at the time of the accident. Here’s how it breaks down:
- App Off: If the rideshare driver isn’t logged into the app, their personal car insurance applies.
- App On, Waiting for a Ride Request: Uber and Lyft provide limited liability coverage (usually up to $50,000 per person and $100,000 per accident for injuries).
- Ride Accepted or Passenger Onboard: The rideshare company provides up to $1 million in liability coverage, plus coverage for uninsured/underinsured motorists.
If you were a passenger during the ride, that $1 million policy is likely available to cover your injuries.
Step Three: Seek Medical Care and Document Everything
After the crash, your health comes first. Even if you feel “okay,” get checked out by a doctor. Injuries like concussions, soft tissue damage, and internal bleeding may not show symptoms immediately.
Also, start gathering documentation that may support your claim, such as:
- Emergency room and medical bills
- Photos of the scene, vehicle damage, or visible injuries
- Names and contact info of the driver and any witnesses
- Receipts from the rideshare trip (via the app)
- A copy of the police report
The more you can document, the stronger your case will be.
Step Four: Be Careful Talking to Insurance Companies
Whether you’re contacted by Uber or Lyft’s insurance provider, the driver’s personal insurance company, or your own, it’s important to remember this: Insurance companies are not on your side. Their goal is to pay as little as possible.
Do not give recorded statements or sign anything until you’ve spoken with a personal injury attorney. A lawyer can protect your rights and ensure you’re not pressured into accepting a lowball settlement.
Types of Compensation an Experienced Provo Rideshare Accident Lawyer Can Secure for Victims
Depending on the nature of the accident and your injuries, you may be entitled to compensation for:
- Medical expenses (past and future)
- Lost wages if you’ve had to miss work
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Property damage (if applicable)
An experienced Provo rideshare accident lawyer can help calculate the full scope of your damages so nothing is left on the table.
What to Do If the Rideshare Driver Was at Fault but Uninsured or Underinsured
Sometimes, the rideshare driver who caused your accident may not have adequate insurance coverage, or their policy limits may be too low to fully compensate you. In these cases, your own insurance policy may come into play if you have uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage (UM/UIM).
Utah law requires rideshare companies like Uber and Lyft to provide some uninsured motorist coverage while the driver is “on a ride” or has accepted a ride request. However, there can be gaps or disputes over when this coverage applies.
If the driver’s insurance and the rideshare company’s policy don’t fully cover your damages, your personal UM/UIM coverage could help fill the gap. An experienced Provo rideshare accident lawyer will carefully review all policies involved and fight to maximize your compensation.
This step is crucial because insurance disputes over liability and coverage are common in rideshare accidents, and insurance companies may try to minimize their payout. Knowing your rights and having a skilled advocate can protect you from being left with unpaid medical bills and lost wages.
Why You Need a Local Provo Lawyer
Rideshare accidents combine the complexities of car accident law, commercial liability, and corporate insurance policies. This isn’t something you want to navigate alone, especially while recovering from your injuries.
A Provo-based attorney can:
- Investigate who was at fault and which insurance policies apply
- Gather and preserve key evidence
- Deal with the rideshare company and insurers on your behalf
- Advocate for full and fair compensation, whether through negotiation or in court
These cases often involve multiple parties and fine print that can trip up even the most careful claimants. Having a legal advocate who is well-versed in local laws and regulations ensures you’re not taken advantage of.
Utah’s Statute of Limitations
In Utah, you typically have four years to file a personal injury claim, but rideshare accident cases can progress swiftly due to corporate insurance teams. This makes it important to act quickly. By doing so, you can preserve vital evidence and strengthen your case while details are still fresh.
Taking action in a timely manner also helps ensure your rights are protected against any challenges from powerful corporations. Seeking legal advice early on is a smart strategy to effectively navigate the complexities of your situation.
Contact Flickinger Boulton Robson Weeks Today
Getting injured in a rideshare accident can leave you with more questions than answers. Between the medical bills, confusing insurance coverage, and emotional stress, it’s a lot to handle alone. But you don’t have to.
Let a Provo rideshare accident lawyer help you make sense of your options and fight for the recovery you deserve.
Contact us today at (801) 500-4000.
