Uber and Lyft Accidents

In recent years, rideshare apps like Uber and Lyft have gained popularity in cities throughout the Volunteer State as cashless, more convenient, and more widely available alternatives to taxis and other traditional modes of transportation. Sadly, as ridesharing services have become more common, so, too, have the number of serious and even deadly crashes involving them. One study from the University of Chicago found that the arrival of app-based ridesharing was associated with a three percent increase in motor vehicle accident fatalities among car occupants and pedestrians.

If you were hurt or a loved one was killed in a crash caused by a negligent rideshare driver, you may be entitled to compensation for medical bills and other accident-related expenses. However, obtaining a fair recovery in Tennessee rideshare accident cases can be challenging. Not only is the rideshare industry relatively new and governed by murky and constantly changing laws, but the companies behind this transportation phenomenon are specifically structured to allow them to avoid meaningful liability for crashes.

We Offer Caring and Capable Legal Counsel for Injured Middle Tennessee Rideshare Crash Victims

There's far too much at stake to go it alone. Regardless of whether you were a rideshare passenger or the driver or occupant of another vehicle injured in an accident caused by a negligent Uber or Lyft driver, you need a knowledgeable and experienced personal injury attorney. Fortunately, you've come to the right place. Here's what you should know about ridesharing crashes, including how the exceptional legal team with Weir & Kestner Injury Lawyers can help you understand your rights, explore your options for compensation, and fight for the recovery you deserve.

What Complicates Recovery in Uber Accident Cases

App-based rideshare services didn't just disrupt the commercial transportation industry when they launched in the early 2010s; they also created unique legal issues surrounding employment, insurance, and who covers injuries and damages after an accident. For example, people who drive for Uber and Lyft aren't employees. If they were, rideshare companies could potentially be liable for losses suffered in crashes caused by their drivers. Instead, these companies classify drivers as independent contractors and require them to carry their own auto insurance. Unfortunately, personal car insurance policies typically contain an exclusion that prohibits coverage for injuries and damages that occur while the vehicle is being used for business purposes. So where does that leave accident victims?

Although Uber and Lyft both provide up to $1 million in supplemental liability insurance coverage, getting fair compensation for rideshare accident losses can still be difficult. The extra coverage only applies to damages incurred when the driver was logged in and actively using the ridesharing app, with claim amounts determined by which stage of the rideshare process the driver was in when the accident happened. As a result, while up to $1 million in liability coverage may be available if you were hurt in a crash that occurred while an Uber or Lyft driver was on the way to a pick-up location or had a customer in the car, coverage amounts are much lower if you were injured in an accident with a rideshare driver who was simply logged in and waiting for a ride request.

Why You Need an Experienced Tennessee Uber Accident Attorney

Ridesharing accident cases are complicated. Whether you're recovering from crash-related injuries or grieving the wrongful death of a loved one, you shouldn't have to spend time trying to make sense of this evolving area of personal injury law. Let Weir & Kestner Injury Lawyers do the legal heavy lifting.

Having previously represented insurance companies, Weir & Kestner knows how big businesses and their insurers assess, value, and handle injury claims and lawsuits. Now, as plaintiff's attorneys, our team uses this insight to help rideshare crash clients obtain the best possible outcomes in their cases. We can assist you by:

  • Explaining your legal rights
  • Helping you explore options for compensation
  • Investigating the accident to determine liability
  • Gathering vital evidence and taking statements from witnesses
  • Valuing your injuries and damages
  • Subpoenaing electronic records to find out if the driver was using the ridesharing app at the time of the crash (and determine whether—and how much—supplemental coverage might be available)
  • Analyzing and negotiating settlement offers
  • And more

We're dedicated to providing compassionate, approachable, and communicative legal services and support to help clients win their cases and lose their stress. We handle cases on contingency, so there's no fee unless we win. Ready to find out what we can do for you?

Schedule a Consultation

Have questions about a Tennessee rideshare accident insurance claim or lawsuit? Complete our online contact form or call 615-220-4180 to schedule an appointment for a free initial consultation to discuss your case with a member of our team. We have conveniently located offices in Smyrna, Nashville, Murfreesboro, and Chattanooga, and we can also meet virtually via photo or video chat.