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West Valley City Rideshare Accident Lawyer

Rideshare accidents often involve multiple insurance policies and companies, making them complex to resolve. For personalized assistance, contact Flickinger Boulton Robson Weeks at (801) 500-4000 and let us simplify the process for you.

If you take a rideshare in West Valley City, you expect to get to your destination safely. But what if the car you’re in gets into an accident? Suddenly, you’re shaken up, injured, and left wondering who will pay for your medical bills and time off work.

Things get even more stressful when the rideshare company or insurance companies start arguing over who’s responsible. They might even try to offer you a quick settlement that doesn’t cover all your expenses. This can turn your whole life upside down. You may need time off work or expensive medical treatment, and figuring out which insurance policy covers your injuries can be confusing.

But you don’t have to handle this alone. A West Valley City rideshare accident lawyer can help you understand your rights, hold the right people accountable, and fight for the compensation you deserve.

 

Our personal injury attorneys at Flickinger Boulton Robson Weeks, including Daniel Woods and Bruce Franson, have years of experience helping injured clients and have won multi-million-dollar settlements, including a $128 million settlement. Our job is to handle the legal side so you can focus on healing and getting your life back on track.

Common Causes of Rideshare Accidents

Rideshare drivers work in a unique environment that blends traditional taxi service with modern technology. While rideshare platforms offer convenience, collisions involving rideshare vehicles happen for many reasons in West Valley City. Below are some prevalent causes:

Distracted Driving

Drivers must manage map apps, text messages from riders, and phone notifications, all while trying to remain focused on the road.

When a driver’s attention shifts to confirm a new ride request or send a quick response, catastrophe can happen. Even glancing away for a moment can cause a crash, especially on busy roads or near shopping areas.

Fatigue

Many rideshare drivers juggle the job alongside other employment or personal obligations. Exhaustion is particularly dangerous if the driver works late into the night or tries to extend shifts to earn extra money.

Fatigue prolongs reaction times and reduces awareness, making accidents more likely. A driver who pushes beyond reasonable limits puts both riders and other vehicles at risk.

Speeding

In a hurry to pick up or drop off passengers for more frequent fares, some drivers push the speed limit.

Speeding not only reduces reaction times, it also heightens the force of an impact if a crash occurs. For passengers, the difference between traveling at a safe speed and being driven recklessly can mean the difference between a minor collision and severe injuries.

Driver Inexperience

Rideshare platforms often have basic driver requirements, but not all are trained in defensive driving or navigating high-traffic conditions. If a driver is new to the city or relies too heavily on GPS, they may make sudden turns or lane changes that can confuse or endanger other motorists.

Poor Vehicle Maintenance

Rideshare drivers typically use personal cars, which they are responsible for maintaining. Problems such as worn tires, fading brakes, or malfunctioning signals can contribute to accidents. If these failures happen during a ride, the risk of collisions rises significantly.

Being aware of these causes underlines why so many rideshare accidents happen. If you suspect one of these factors caused your injuries, gathering evidence and having a legal advocate on your side is key for establishing fault and pursuing a fair settlement.

Utah Laws Governing Rideshare Services

Rideshare companies like Uber and Lyft operate under a regulatory framework that includes both state rules and local rules. In Utah, there are specific laws dictating how these services must function to protect the public.

Driver Requirements

Drivers in Utah must hold a valid driver’s license, proof of insurance, and pass background screenings. Rideshare services may enforce additional standards, like minimum vehicle age or type, but the basic requirement remains that drivers meet state licensing rules and maintain necessary personal coverage.

However, not all personal policies include coverage for commercial or rideshare use, which can complicate insurance issues when accidents happen.

Insurance Coverage Periods

Utah recognizes different coverage tiers depending on the driver’s status in the app. For instance, if the driver is offline, their personal insurance applies.

Once they go online and wait for a request, a limited liability policy from the rideshare company may kick in if the driver’s personal coverage refuses or does not fully compensate.

When the driver accepts a trip and has a passenger, the rideshare company’s more extensive insurance is usually active. Passengers involved in a crash may tap into these commercial policies for injury compensation.

Local Regulations

Although the state sets broad guidelines, West Valley City can impose local rules to manage traffic flow and ensure public safety. Some places require specific permits for commercial drivers or limit pickup areas near important city hubs. If drivers do not comply with these local regulations, it can further complicate liability.

Understanding these laws is crucial when determining how to proceed after a rideshare accident. Whether you are a passenger or another motorist, verifying which coverage period was in effect is often vital to determining which insurer is primarily responsible for paying your claim.

Determining Liability in a Rideshare Accident

Sorting out who is legally responsible after a rideshare accident can be more complicated than a typical car crash. This is because multiple insurance policies may intersect: the driver’s personal auto policy, the rideshare company’s commercial policy, and potential coverage from other drivers involved.

The Rideshare Driver

If the driver acted negligently by speeding, texting, or ignoring traffic signals, they can be held liable.

However, their personal insurance might not cover collisions during periods the rideshare app is active unless they hold a special policy. The rideshare company’s policy might step in, depending on the driver’s status.

The Rideshare Company

Rideshare companies often argue drivers are independent contractors, thereby limiting direct liability.

Yet if the driver was carrying a passenger or en route to pick one up, the company’s insurance may cover some or all accident damages. Verifying the driver’s exact status at the time of collision is critical: Did they just log in, actively transport a passenger, or finish a trip?

Other Motorists

Sometimes, another motorist hits the rideshare vehicle. If that driver bears primary fault, their insurer could owe compensation. Disputes commonly arise about the extent each driver contributed to the crash, especially if multiple vehicles or reckless behaviors are involved.

Comparative Negligence

Utah uses modified comparative negligence. If you contributed to the accident in any way, your award may be reduced by your fault percentage. If that percentage is 50 percent or higher, you may be barred from recovering damages. This concept can significantly affect the final settlement, especially if the rideshare driver and another driver both share blame.

Sorting out faults demands a thorough investigation. A West Valley City rideshare accident lawyer will examine the driver’s trip logs, insurance details, witness statements, and any relevant black box data to establish who should pay for injuries and losses.

Steps to Take After a Rideshare Accident

An unexpected crash can leave you shocked and uncertain about what to do next. Taking the right steps soon after the collision can make a difference in both your medical recovery and your potential legal claim.

Seek Medical Attention

Your health comes first. Even minor aches might indicate deeper problems like whiplash or internal injuries. Contact emergency services if needed. Keep all medical records and follow up with your doctor to ensure continuity of care.

Notify Law Enforcement

Dial the police so they can create an official report. Officers may assign fault or note witness observations that can help clarify what happened. Request a copy of this report later, as it often forms a foundation for insurance claims.

Document the Scene

Take photographs of vehicle damage, road conditions, your injuries, and any traffic signals or signs in the area. Exchange contact and insurance information with the rideshare driver. If bystanders witnessed the accident, ask for their names and phone numbers.

Inform the Rideshare Company and Your Insurance

Report the incident to the rideshare platform through its in-app system or customer service. Also inform your own auto insurer in a timely manner. Focus on the basic facts rather than elaborating details until you consult an attorney.

Collect and Preserve Evidence

Keep track of medical invoices, receipts, and any other costs. Jot down how you feel each day to show the progression of injuries. This documentation helps prove damages if an insurance dispute arises.

Consult a West Valley City Rideshare Accident Lawyer

Legal counsel can guide you through the complexities of determining which insurance policy applies, proving fault, and negotiating for fair compensation. An attorney understands local traffic patterns and legal processes in West Valley City, giving you an edge in building a strong claim.

Compensation Available for Rideshare Accident Victims

Rideshare accidents can leave victims with devastating injuries, emotional distress, and financial burdens that might linger for years.

Utah personal injury law allows you to pursue compensation when someone else’s negligence caused you harm. Understanding the categories of damages helps you calculate an amount that genuinely addresses your situation.

Medical Costs

You can usually get compensation for emergency treatment, hospital stays, surgery, medicine, and physical therapy. If your injury is serious, you might also need special rehabilitation. Keep all receipts and prescriptions. If you need ongoing medical care or equipment like crutches or a wheelchair, you can include those expected costs in your claim.

Lost Wages and Future Earnings

If your injury keeps you from working or forces you to work fewer hours, you may be able to get money for lost wages. If you have to switch jobs or can’t go back to your old job, you may also ask for compensation for lost future earnings. An economic expert can be tapped to estimate how much money you might lose over time.

Pain and Suffering

Physical pain, emotional strain, and mental anguish often accompany major collisions. You may also face anxiety or post-traumatic stress whenever you think about riding in a car again. Though these damages are intangible, Utah law recognizes their importance. The value depends on the intensity and duration of suffering, making evidence like therapy records and personal journals helpful.

Property Damage

If the accident damaged your personal belongings, including your smartphone or laptop, you can list their repair or replacement cost. This category usually is less significant but still worth counting in your claim.

Loss of Consortium

Serious accidents sometimes affect your family relationships, especially a spouse’s emotional and physical closeness. Known as loss of consortium, these damages compensate loved ones who have been deprived of companionship or support because of your injuries.

Punitive Damages

While rare, punitive damages might be awarded if the at-fault party displayed reckless disregard for safety, such as driving under the influence with an extremely high blood alcohol level. These damages do not focus on your recovery but on penalizing the defendant to discourage similar behavior.

Calculating Damages

Gathering thorough documentation is key. This includes medical bills, pay stubs, and even daily journals describing pain levels. An attorney can help compile these details and negotiate with insurance companies from a position of strength.

By capturing the full scope of both your tangible costs and emotional toll, you stand a stronger chance at a settlement or verdict that covers present and future needs.

Dealing with Insurance Companies in Rideshare Accident Claims

Insurance carriers might present themselves as supportive, yet their financial motive often drives them to minimize payouts. When a rideshare crash happens, multiple insurers can be involved. Here are some ways to safeguard yourself:

Stay Cautious with Statements

Insurance adjusters often request recorded interviews under the guise of hearing your side. Anything you say can be used to dispute fault or lessen your damages. It is wise to avoid giving a statement at all until you consult a West Valley City rideshare accident lawyer who can guide you in responding.

Identify Coverage Tier

Rideshare companies use different coverage phases. If the driver was logged off the app, personal insurance might apply. If the driver was online waiting for a request, limited liability coverage typically applies.

Once the driver accepts a ride or has passengers, more robust commercial coverage might be active. Determining which coverage was in effect is vital to making a successful claim.

Reject Low Offers

Sometimes insurance companies offer you a quick settlement that barely covers your immediate medical costs. Accepting too soon can backfire, especially if your injuries worsen or you need additional procedures. Discuss any proposal with legal counsel before signing an agreement that waives future claims.

Document Thoroughly

Keep thorough records of medical visits, bills, and accident-related expenses. A consistent account of how your injuries limit you daily or cause emotional hardships can strengthen your negotiation stance. If adjusters see you have a firm grasp of your damages, they may be more inclined to make a fair offer.

Consult an Attorney

An experienced lawyer who knows rideshare accident law in Utah helps interpret policy details, shield you from pressure tactics, and build a strong case for maximum compensation.

How Our Firm Helps Rideshare Accident Victims in West Valley City

When you have been injured in a rideshare crash, you should not face the legal, medical, and financial struggles alone. Flickinger Boulton Robson Weeks understands the confusion and burdens you face. We approach every client with compassion, personalized attention, and strong legal knowledge. Here is what you can expect when working with us:

Initial Comprehensive Assessment

First, we take the time to listen to you. We ask questions about how your accident happened and how it has affected you physically and emotionally. We also look at any evidence you have, such as pictures of the crash scene or witness statements.

This helps us figure out how strong your claim is and what steps we should take next. We make sure to explain everything clearly so you feel comfortable asking questions at any time.

Detailed Investigation

We collect important information to prove who was at fault. This may include checking the rideshare driver’s trip logs, looking at phone records, or reviewing traffic camera footage from West Valley City.

Sometimes, we work with accident experts or engineers to understand exactly how the crash happened. Our goal is to gather strong evidence that proves the rideshare driver, another driver, or both should be held responsible.

Dealing with Insurance Companies

Rideshare accidents often involve multiple insurance policies. The driver’s personal insurance may refuse to pay because they were using the rideshare app. The rideshare company’s insurance may argue about the seriousness of your injuries.

We handle all communication with the insurance companies to avoid confusion and make sure your rights are protected. Our team takes care of phone calls, paperwork, and negotiations, so you can focus on healing. With our experience in securing large settlements for serious injury cases, we know how to fight back against lowball offers or unfair blame.

Accurate Damage Calculation

A big part of our job is making sure you get full compensation for your injuries. We work with doctors to estimate future medical costs and physical therapy expenses. If you’ve missed work, we calculate how much income you’ve lost. We also consider emotional suffering and how the accident has affected your quality of life.

By providing a detailed breakdown of your losses, we push insurance companies to offer a fair settlement instead of just a small payout.

Local Focus and Personalized Attention

Since we focus on cases in West Valley City and nearby areas, we understand the local roads, courts, and challenges.

We also make sure to give each client personal attention, so you always feel heard and supported.

Litigation-Ready When Necessary

Not all cases settle easily. If the insurance company refuses to be fair, we are ready to take your case to court. We bring in expert witnesses, build a strong argument, and fight for your rights.

Many times, just being prepared for trial convinces insurance companies to offer a better settlement, saving you time and stress while still ensuring the best possible outcome.

Frequently Asked Questions About Rideshare Accidents

It is best practice to inform your personal auto or health insurance about the collision. Some policies require immediate notification. Also, if the rideshare driver’s coverage or the company’s policy does not fully compensate for your injuries, you may rely on your own insurer for additional coverage.

When a driver’s personal policy refuses to pay for a crash that happened while the app was on, you can seek benefits from the rideshare service’s commercial coverage. Determining which policy covers you can be confusing, so talking to a lawyer helps clarify your options.

No. Always be cautious with immediate offers. Often these initial amounts fail to account for ongoing medical care, long-term therapy, or lost wages. Consulting an attorney before accepting any money ensures you do not waive valuable rights in haste.

In Utah, most personal injury lawsuits must be initiated within four years of the accident date. Some exceptions may apply if governmental bodies are involved or special circumstances exist.

Contact a West Valley City Rideshare Accident Lawyer

If you or a loved one has been hurt in a rideshare accident, you may feel uncertain about medical bills, dealing with multiple insurance policies, and how to establish who is truly at fault. Flickinger Boulton Robson Weeks is here for you.

Our attorneys are prepared to investigate your case, negotiate with adjusters, and if necessary, fight for you in court. We know how confusing it can be to wade through complexities of rideshare insurance and shifting liability, but our team stands ready to offer both legal guidance and emotional support.

Call us at (801) 500-4000 to schedule a free consultation. We will carefully evaluate the details of your claim, discuss your treatment and financial concerns, and outline a plan tailored to your needs.

With a record of successful settlements, including multi-million-dollar results, Flickinger Boulton Robson Weeks has proven our dedication to clients in West Valley City and beyond. Let us carry the legal burden while you focus on healing. You do not have to face insurance companies or complicated laws alone.

Call today for a free consultion!

What Type of Vehicles WERE INVOLVED?

Accidents involving different types of vehicles are handled differently. For example, an accident involving a UTA bus may be much more complex than a single-car accident.

At Flickinger • Boulton • Robson • Weeks, we can help with any type of motor vehicle accident, including:

Bicycle

Bicycle Accidents

Motorcycle

Motorcycle Accidents

Boat

Boating Accidents

RV or Camper

Recreational Vehicle Accidents

Bus

Bus and Mass Transit Accidents

Pedestrian

Pedestrian Accidents

Car

Automobile Accidents

ATV or UTV

ATV or UTV Rollovers

Commercial Vehicle

Commercial Vehicle Accidents

Semi Truck

Semi Truck and Trailer Accidents

OUR HEROES

“When there has been a serious auto accident and all you can do is concentrate on getting your critically injured family member well again, you need someone who will have your back. That someone is Mark Flickinger. He is qualified, capable, confident and will fight for your best interests. His staff are supreme and articulate. Together they made our lives good again and will always be our heroes.”
– Karen S.