Indianapolis Uber/Lyft Accident Lawyer

Rideshare companies like Uber and Lyft have become a major part of many people’s lives. Unlike taxis, drivers are not required to have any special licenses or endorsements. While this has created job opportunities for the average driver, the lack of training, knowledge, and dedication to the work can create hazards for the unsuspecting rider. Even if a rider knows that they are getting into a regular driver’s car, an Uber/Lyft rider does not waive their safety and wellbeing when getting into that car.

When a rider is injured in a motor vehicle accident in a rideshare vehicle, or a rideshare crashes into them, an Indianapolis Uber/Lyft accident lawyer could help them seek compensation.

The Dangers of Rideshare Drivers

Unlike taxi drivers, who require special licenses that they renew each year and are governed by local rules, rideshare drivers are not required to prove they know how to drive a vehicle-for-hire, and they do not have to be specifically trained to drive vehicles-for-hire or have dedicated vehicles-for-hire. Uber and Lyft require far less of drivers. There is a reason that every state holds taxi drivers to a higher standard than regular drivers, which leaves rideshare users in Indianapolis at an increased risk of Uber/Lyft accidents, such as:

• Driver negligence and inexperience: Drivers who do not know the area, the climate, or traffic patterns, or have not been driving long, can make severe mistakes.
• Unsafe drivers: Rideshare drivers must pass a criminal background check, but they do not have to do drug tests.
• Drivers who do not understand their jobs: Dropping someone off at a store is easy. Dropping someone off in a heavy traffic area requires extra precaution.
• Driver pressure. All Uber/Lyft drivers compete with each other, so there is an incentive to go faster or take fewer precautions.

All of these factors increase the odds of a major vehicle collision.

Duty to Drive Safely

Just because rideshare drivers are not held to the same professional standard as taxi drivers does not mean they do not owe their riders the same care. Rideshare drivers and companies have a duty to exercise reasonable care when driving and dropping off passengers. They must do what the average person would consider reasonable to prevent a passenger from being harmed.

A rider cannot waive or give up their right to sue the driver, Uber/Lyft, or any other party who caused injury. If a rider is involved in a rideshare accident, there may be more defendants than just the driver, too. An Indianapolis lawyer could determine all the possible defendants in a rideshare accident.

Timeline to File a Claim

In Indiana, most claims in an Uber/Lyft accident must be brought within two years. However, there are exceptions:

• If the rider is under 18, he or she has up to 2 years after their 18th birthday
• If the rider also has a claim against the city or county, he or she has up to 180 days after injury
• If the rider also has a claim against the state, he or she has up to 270 days after injury

Sometimes injuries are not noticeable right away (like with a traumatic brain injury), but they can worsen without treatment. It is always best to seek medical treatment immediately after an accident, even if you feel fine in the moment.

Ask an Indianapolis Attorney About Filing an Uber/Lyft Accident Claim

One of our personal injury lawyers can help determine if the driver may be at fault, if the rideshare company or some other entity may be at fault, and what compensation you may be entitled to. Call now for a free consultation to find out how an Indianapolis Uber and Lyft accident lawyer improves your odds of a successful case.