(435) 767-7777
(435) 767-7777Dedicated Auto Accident and Injury Attorneys in Orem, Utah
At Swenson & Shelley Law, our St. George Uber and Lyft accident lawyers know that Utah residents of all ages take advantage of rideshare services for multiple reasons.
Rideshare services offer on-demand transportation that can be easily requested via a smartphone app for trips to and from the airport, a night on the town, or to an event where parking may be scarce. Whatever the reason, all riders have one thing in common: They expect to get where they’re going safely.
Unfortunately, our Washington County Uber and Lyft accident attorneys also know rideshare drivers are just as likely to be involved in a traffic collision as any other driver — especially when negligence is a factor.
If you have been injured in an accident caused by a rideshare driver or as a passenger in an Uber or Lyft vehicle, we can help you understand your legal rights and options to hold the driver and potentially the rideshare company liable for your damages. Contact us today to learn more.
What are the Most Common Causes of Uber & Lyft Accident in Utah?
The most common causes of Utah rideshare accidents are similar to those of other motor vehicle accidents, but some factors are unique to rideshare services.
They include:
- Distracted Driving
Uber and Lyft drivers count on their cellphones or other electronic devices to make a living. This means they reach for their devices while behind the wheel, accept rides, manipulate navigation systems, and communicate with riders through the messaging feature. This definition of distracted driving can increase the risk of an accident.
- Driver Fatigue
With very little oversight from Uber or Lyft, rideshare drivers often work long hours — some late into the early mornings — and may experience fatigue, impairing their ability to drive safely.
- Driving Under the Influence
While riders expect their Uber or Lyft driver to be sober behind the wheel, that is not always the case. Because of the lack of oversight, rideshare drivers may consume alcohol and drugs and get behind the wheel without anyone knowing until it is too late.
- Speeding & Reckless Driving
Drivers may exceed the speed limit to reach their destination more quickly or engage in aggressive driving, like tailgating and failure to yield, to accept more riders in a shorter timeframe, which can all lead to accidents.
- Passenger Distractions
Uber and Lyft encourage riders to rate their drivers. This rating system leads some rideshare drivers to accommodate all types of requests from riders, including music preferences, engaging in conversations, or allowing rowdy riders to behave erratically – all of which can lead to taking the driver’s attention away from driving.
- Other Drivers
Accidents involving rideshare vehicles can also be caused by the actions of other drivers on the road, including running red lights, making illegal turns, or driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
If you have been injured in an Uber or Lyft accident in Utah, contact our experienced St. George rideshare accident attorneys today to discuss your claim during a free consultation. We can help you understand who is liable for your damages and help you pursue the proper insurance coverage to achieve the best outcome for your claim.
Who is Liable for the Damages that Result from an Uber or Lyft Accident in Utah?
When rideshare drivers are involved in an accident, the circumstances of the crash and the injured parties may allow the liability to shift from one insurance company to another.
When the rideshare driver uses a personal vehicle and has yet to activate the rideshare app, the driver’s insurance coverage can be pursued for the damages when they are proven liable for the crash.
In Utah, the required liability coverage must include:
- $25,000 Per Person for Bodily Injury.
- $65,000 Per Accident for Bodily Injury.
- $15,000 Per Accident for Property.
- At least $3,000 in Personal Injury Protection for Medical Expenses.
Where the driver has enabled the app but has not yet accepted a ride request, the rideshare company has limited liability insurance up to $100,000 per crash.
If the rideshare driver has accepted a ride request but has yet to pick up the passenger or has a passenger on board, Uber and Lyft carry insurance coverage up to $1 million, which will apply to the crash because the driver was actively employed when the collision occurred.
If you have been hurt or lost a loved one in a rideshare accident in Utah, whether they were the driver, a passenger, or another third party, you do not have to interpret the complexity of which insurance coverage to pursue for your damages. We can help.
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Contact Our St. George Uber and Lyft Accident Attorneys Today
Call our St. George Uber and Lyft accident attorneys at Swenson & Shelley Law today at (435) 767-7777 or contact us online to schedule a free, no-obligation consultation where you can learn immediately whether your claim is eligible to move forward with legal action.
We do not charge any fees upfront for our services. Instead, you pay us only if we secure payment for you. That makes getting legal help accessible and allows you to focus on your recovery. Contact us now to learn more.
