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Rideshare services like Uber and Lyft offer convenience to residents and visitors alike in Memphis. With the popularity of these services continuing to surge, rideshare-related accidents have unfortunately also increased. If you’ve been injured in a Tennessee rideshare accident, you might wonder if you can directly sue Uber or Lyft.
Here’s what our Shelby County personal injury lawyers at The Gold Law Firm want you to know about holding rideshare companies accountable and understanding your legal options.
Understanding Liability in Rideshare Accidents in Memphis
Determining liability after a rideshare accident can be complex. Unlike traditional car accidents, where liability typically falls upon the driver who caused the collision, rideshare accidents involve additional layers of complexity. Uber and Lyft classify their drivers as independent contractors, not employees. This crucial distinction impacts how liability and insurance coverage are managed when an accident occurs.
Typically, Uber and Lyft provide liability insurance coverage for their drivers. However, the amount of coverage and when it applies depend heavily on the driver’s status at the time of the accident.
That includes:
- Driver off duty (app is off): The driver’s auto insurance applies.
- Driver on duty, awaiting a ride: Uber and Lyft offer limited liability coverage—typically up to $50,000 per person for injuries and $100,000 total per accident.
- Driver transporting passengers or en route to pick up passengers: Rideshare companies provide up to $1 million in liability coverage.
Understanding these coverage distinctions is key to determining your legal recourse.
When Can You Sue Uber or Lyft Directly?
Suing Uber or Lyft directly after a Memphis rideshare accident is challenging because of the driver’s classification as an independent contractor. Generally, victims first pursue claims against the driver’s own insurance policy. However, if damages exceed the driver’s personal coverage limits, or if the driver is uninsured or underinsured, Uber or Lyft’s supplemental insurance policies could apply.
You might be able to directly hold the rideshare company accountable under specific circumstances, such as if Uber or Lyft negligently:
- Allowed an unsafe driver onto their platform.
- Failed to conduct adequate background checks.
- Did not correctly maintain app safety features.
Establishing these claims requires experienced legal counsel, knowledgeable about Tennessee personal injury law, who can diligently investigate and document the company’s role in your accident. That’s why The Gold Law Firm is here.
Steps to Protect Your Rights After a Rideshare Accident in Memphis
Following a rideshare accident, specific steps can significantly enhance your ability to pursue an injury claim successfully.
They include:
- Report the Accident: Contact the police and ensure an official accident report is filed, documenting critical details.
- Gather Evidence: If possible, obtain photos, witness statements, driver details, and app data clearly showing the driver’s status at the time of the accident.
- Seek Immediate Medical Attention: Prompt medical treatment ensures your health and documents injuries related to the accident.
- Avoid Insurance Adjuster Pitfalls: Do not provide statements or accept early settlement offers from insurance representatives before consulting an attorney.
- Consult with an Experienced Attorney: Our experienced Memphis personal injury attorney has extensive experience with rideshare accidents and will help navigate the complexities of your claim and aggressively advocate for fair compensation.
If you or someone you love has been injured in an Uber or Lyft accident in Memphis, you do not have to navigate this challenging situation alone. Call or text (901) 244-5003, or contact us online today for a confidential consultation, and let our legal team help you pursue the justice and compensation you deserve.