New Haven Rideshare Accident Lawyer

Rideshare Accident Attorney in New Haven

Rideshare companies like Uber and Lyft have become staples of the transportation system in the United States, and thousands of people in the New Haven area use these services regularly. However, it is vital for every rideshare passenger to understand they face the same risk of an accident in a rideshare driver’s vehicle as they would in any other vehicle. It is often helpful to understand what to do after a car accident in Connecticut to ensure you are prepared for such an event. An experienced New Haven rideshare accident lawyer can help you understand your rights and pursue compensation if you have been injured in such an accident.

Representing Rideshare Accident Victims in New Haven, CT

The attorneys at Bartlett & Grippe, LLC have years of experience providing compassionate, responsive legal counsel for all types of motor vehicle accident cases in New Haven and the surrounding areas of Connecticut. A New Haven rideshare accident lawyer will be an invaluable asset for confronting the complex legal challenges you are likely to face in the aftermath of an Uber or Lyft accident.

To date, our law firm has secured more than $50 million for our clients through negotiated settlements and court verdicts in their favor. These cases include a $200,000 settlement for a rear-end collision and a $520,000 slip and fall settlement. Our team can also explain how long a car accident lawsuit takes in Connecticut if your case requires litigation.

While these accidents tend to occur for the same reasons as all other motor vehicle accidents, they often raise more complex insurance disputes, and injured victims are likely to have many difficult questions they will be unable to answer for themselves. We can help you make sense of your situation, accurately calculate your losses, and guide you through the process of recovering compensation for the damages you suffered.

Understanding Rideshare Company Auto Insurance

Rideshare companies require their drivers to have personal auto insurance, but they must also carry additional commercial auto insurance that applies to accidents involving their drivers under certain conditions. If a rideshare driver hit you while they were off the clock, their own personal auto insurance would apply if they caused the accident. Once they are marked as available for a ride request, the rideshare company’s policy applies. If the crash was severe, a professional New Haven catastrophic injury lawyer can help assess the full scope of your long-term needs.

When a rideshare driver is marked as available for a passenger’s ride request, the first level of the rideshare company’s commercial auto insurance policy applies if they cause an accident. Once the driver has picked up a passenger, the second level of the rideshare company’s commercial policy applies until the passenger is delivered to their destination. This level of coverage is much higher than the first tier and will apply if you are injured.

Your New Haven rideshare accident lawyer will be crucial for helping you resolve the insurance-related issues you are likely to encounter in the aftermath of your rideshare accident. They can help you prove liability for the accident, gather the evidence you will need to file your insurance claim, and they will be prepared to address any unexpected challenges you encounter in your dealings with the insurance carrier.

Building a Personal Injury Case for a Rideshare Accident

Auto insurance may be a valuable initial avenue of recovery following a rideshare accident, but you may need to build a personal injury case to ensure the fullest possible recovery. In these situations, a skilled New Haven personal injury lawyer is essential for protecting your rights against large corporations. In Connecticut, success with any personal injury case will require clear proof of liability for the accident as well as proof of the full extent of the resulting damages. The plaintiff must also prove that the defendant is directly responsible for the claimed damages. It is also beneficial to review the average car accident settlement in Connecticut to understand what your claim might be worth.

Damages in a personal injury case can include property losses, medical expenses, and lost income. Additionally, if the victim suffered a serious injury, they may require ongoing medical care and be unable to work in the future. They would also have the right to claim compensation for future medical treatment costs and lost earning power. In addition to these economic damages, they can also claim compensation for pain and suffering.

The average plaintiff is likely to struggle to determine the appropriate pain and suffering compensation to include in their personal injury case. A personal injury lawyer can assist in accurately evaluating this aspect of your claim. Generally, the more serious the victim’s injuries, the more they are likely to receive in pain and suffering compensation, especially if their injuries caused any type of long-term or permanent harm.

Filing a Wrongful Death Claim for a Fatal Rideshare Accident in New Haven

Unfortunately, vehicle accidents are a leading cause of accidental deaths in New Haven each year. A dedicated New Haven wrongful death lawyer can provide the compassionate guidance your family needs after such a tragedy. If you lost a family member in a fatal rideshare accident, the representative of the deceased person’s estate can pursue compensation with a wrongful death case. While it may be possible for your family to recover some compensation through auto insurance, you will need an experienced attorney’s help to maximize the results of a wrongful death case.

Success with a wrongful death case in New Haven may yield compensation for funeral and burial expenses, damages incurred by the deceased’s estate, and the surviving family’s pain and mental anguish. While a wrongful death case is a type of personal injury case, there are special rules that govern the available damages and who is allowed to file this type of claim in Connecticut.

Challenges You May Face Without Legal Representation

Negligent driving and speeding are major causes of collisions involving drivers and rideshare companies. In 2022, the state logged 5,318 crashes caused by distracted driving. Of those accidents, 787 individuals suffered serious injuries. Securing compensation from a rideshare company can be particularly challenging. Large corporations have teams of attorneys working for them, and their top priority is minimizing liability and settlement costs.

Without representation from an attorney, you could be at a disadvantage. Legal representation can play a key role in helping you secure the types of evidence that can hold up in court. The rideshare company’s lawyers may undervalue your claim by arguing that you did not suffer serious harm. You may even be falsely accused of contributing to the collision and your own injury.

What to Expect During an Injury Claim in New Haven, CT

Whether your collision occurred on Chapel Street, Whalley Avenue, Dixwell Avenue, or elsewhere in New Haven, the first step is to seek medical attention and begin documenting your injuries. An attorney can later help you secure copies of treatment records from Yale New Haven Hospital, which is located at 20 York Street. You should also learn about Connecticut personal injury statute of limitations to ensure your claim is filed on time.

Once enough evidence has been gathered, your attorney can assess the right way forward. This often begins with direct negotiations with Uber or Lyft. Both companies carry insurance policies with substantial coverage. If the collision occurred while the driver was actively carrying a passenger, the rideshare’s policy may cover your medical bills and other costs tied to the collision.

Recovering Compensation in New Haven, CT

In cases where the driver’s app was not activated, you may still recover compensation from the driver’s personal liability insurance. An uninsured motorist may require you to look into your own uninsured motorist coverage. A serious collision may warrant litigation. That process begins when the plaintiff’s attorney files the claim with the court that has jurisdiction over the case.

Once the defendant is notified, they may respond and participate in the civil action. The early stage of any case is the discovery period, during which both parties can gather further evidence and testimony to support their respective legal arguments.

Most claims are resolved through negotiations, although some cases ultimately go to trial where a judge or jury decides the merits of the plaintiff’s case and what compensation, if any, is appropriate. These cases can be complex, which is why having legal representation throughout the process is crucial.

Why You Should Hire a New Haven Rideshare Accident Lawyer

Rideshare collisions can lead to serious injuries. In 2023, 31,338 emergency department visits involved head injuries. If you were involved in a rideshare collision, the decision to hire a rideshare accident lawyer can make a meaningful difference in the outcome of your case. An attorney can take the time to review medical records and listen to your account of events and the hardships you endured. Those steps can help maximize the compensation you are owed.

If the rideshare company tries to undervalue your claim or falsely accuse you of contributing to the collision, your lawyer can rely on evidence to refute those efforts. An experienced rideshare attorney understands the tactics used by rideshare companies to skirt accountability, even after their independent contractor causes serious bodily harm to someone else.

Connecticut’s rideshare accident laws are complex and require claimants to gather evidence to support their case. By working with a New Haven rideshare accident attorney, you benefit from their years of experience and insight. An attorney can gather evidence, make timely filings on your behalf, and take other steps to ensure that your rideshare accident claim holds the appropriate party accountable for the harm you endured.

FAQs

Can I Take Legal Action Against Lyft for an Accident?

Yes, you have the right to take action against Lyft or another rideshare company. The experience of your attorney can play a critical role in shaping the outcome of those efforts. Rideshare companies have their own team of attorneys whose job is to reduce Lyft’s liability. They may do this by undervaluing your claim or even accusing you of contributing to the collision.

How Can I Be Compensated for a Rideshare Collision?

You can be compensated for a rideshare collision injury by working with an experienced attorney. Securing legal representation sends a clear message to the rideshare company that you take your right to fair compensation seriously. Your attorney can negotiate a fair settlement that covers all of your expenses, including medical bills and lost wages.

What Can I Be Compensated for Following an Injury Claim?

You can be compensated for economic and non-economic damages by filing an injury claim. Economic damages include tangible losses like medical bills, out-of-pocket costs, and lost wages. Non-economic damages encompass intangible losses resulting from emotional hardship. When combined, both forms of compensation can fully account for the setbacks you endured due to the collision.

What Are the Chances of Winning an Injury Claim Against a Rideshare Company?

The chances of winning an injury claim against a rideshare company can be favorable, especially once you secure legal representation. An attorney can provide crucial services by helping you gather the evidence you need to prove your case. If you are falsely accused of anything, your attorney can refute those allegations, so the rideshare company pays you what you are owed.

Should I Take Legal Action if I Was Hurt as a Passenger?

If you were harmed while driving in a car due to a negligent driver’s actions, you should consider taking legal action. Medical bills and other costs can create financial hardships and stress. By working with an experienced injury lawyer, you can hold the negligent driver accountable for the hardships you endured while ensuring that you have the resources you need to rebuild and move forward with confidence.

Schedule Your Free Consultation with Our New Haven Rideshare Attorneys

The team at Bartlett & Grippe has years of professional experience handling a wide range of complex accident cases, including rideshare accident cases, in New Haven and the surrounding areas of Connecticut. As soon as you secure our firm’s representation, we will immediately begin researching the exact cause of your accident to determine liability and assess your most viable recovery options.

You can trust our firm to resolve any issues you encounter with the insurance claim filing process. Rideshare company commercial auto insurance provides expansive coverage for covered accidents, but it is wise to expect any insurer to fight your claim as much as possible and to attempt to settle the claim for as little as possible. Your attorney will be ready to ensure you are treated fairly and receive an acceptable settlement offer.

Whether you are seeking compensation for your own damages or filing a wrongful death claim on behalf of a lost loved one, Bartlett & Grippe is ready to provide the legal counsel you need for this difficult case. We accept personal injury cases on a contingency fee basis, so there is no fee unless we win compensation for you. Contact us today and schedule your free consultation with a New Haven rideshare accident lawyer to learn how we can help you recover.

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