Skilled Rideshare Accident Attorney in Strongsville, OH
A Strongsville rideshare accident lawyer can explain your legal options after an accident involving Uber, Lyft, or another rideshare company. These incidents can be complicated, as multiple insurance policies and unique liability issues often affect your ability to recover.
The Czack Hobbs Law Firm helps Strongsville residents navigate these legal and insurance complexities while seeking compensation for injuries, lost income, and other damages caused by another party’s negligence.
Hire a Rideshare Accident Lawyer
The Czack Hobbs Law Firm’s attorneys have over forty years of combined trial experience. We advocate for injured Ohioans who have been involved in complex motor vehicle accidents.
Our firm provides personal, one-on-one communication with an attorney at every step, rather than treating you like a number. We work with rideshare accident victims to seek fair compensation while managing the legal process on their behalf.
Who May Be Liable for a Rideshare Accident in Ohio?
Liability in a rideshare accident case depends on many factors, including who was at fault. The rideshare driver may be at fault, but it is just as likely that another driver or commercial vehicle driver will be liable. It is also possible for an accident to be caused by a third party’s negligence, a defective vehicle part, or poor road conditions.
Per Ohio’s rideshare accident laws, more than one party can be responsible for the same injury. Liability may be shared between multiple parties and apportioned under Ohio Revised Code § 2315.33. For these reasons, it is essential to consider all the parties who may be liable for an accident. Each party may carry separate insurance coverage that could apply to the claim.
How Rideshare Insurance Coverage Works
Determining insurance coverage following a rideshare accident can depend on what the driver was doing at the time of the crash. If a driver was not logged in to the rideshare app, then the driver’s personal auto insurance would apply. After the driver logs into the app, additional rideshare insurance may be available, and the possible coverage can change after the driver accepts a ride request or has a passenger in the vehicle.
Identifying the applicable policy can be complex when multiple carriers are potentially involved. It can be extremely crucial to review the facts of the accident early on to identify potential sources of coverage.
What Compensation May Be Available After a Rideshare Accident?
Victims of rideshare crashes can often seek compensation for economic and non-economic damages incurred due to the incident. Recoverable damages can vary and may include, among other losses:
- Medical bills
- Rehabilitation costs
- Lost income
- Reduced earning capacity
- Property damage
- Pain and suffering
The potential value of a claim depends on many factors, including the severity of the injury, the extent of the financial losses, and the available insurance coverage. Documenting the accident and its impact is an important step in seeking compensation for damages under Ohio law.
What to Do After a Rideshare Accident in Strongsville
The immediate steps after a rideshare crash can influence your well-being and any subsequent legal action. Seek medical attention, report the collision to the Strongsville Police Department, and report the crash to the rideshare company using its app. Wherever feasible, photograph the scene, gather witness contact details, and record vehicle information.
Ohio Revised Code § 4549.02 requires that, in most cases, a driver involved in an accident that causes injury or property damage must stop, remain at the scene, and give certain information. The earlier you preserve evidence, the better it will be for your claim.
FAQs
How Long Do I Have to File a Rideshare Accident Legal Claim in Ohio?
Ohio typically allows injured parties two years from the date of a rideshare accident to file a personal injury claim under Ohio Rev. Code § 2305.10. Failure to file a claim within that timeframe may bar you from recovering compensation, even if you have a valid case.
Some claims involve multiple insurance companies or contested liability. When you hire a rideshare accident lawyer as soon after the incident as possible, they can immediately begin working to preserve your legal rights.
Does Lyft or Uber Provide Insurance Coverage After an Accident in Strongsville?
Lyft and Uber may offer the most substantial insurance coverage, depending on the driver’s status within the app when the accident occurred. Uber and Lyft both state that they provide up to $1 million in third-party liability coverage when a driver has a passenger in their car or is on their way to pick one up. Determining which policy applies depends on the facts of the accident.
Can a Passenger File a Claim After a Rideshare Accident in Strongsville?
A passenger who was hurt in a rideshare accident may file a claim for compensation, even if they were not in the vehicle driven by the negligent driver. Passengers are typically not at fault for causing an accident, so a claim may be possible against the rideshare driver’s insurance, another driver’s insurance, or some other policy. The source of recovery depends on the specific facts and circumstances of the accident.
How Common Are Uber and Lyft Trips in Strongsville?
Uber and Lyft rides are a part of the daily commute for millions of Americans. Uber reports that the company averages around 33 million rides every day globally. This means that a rideshare accident with one of these companies can happen in towns large and small. With the increased prevalence of rideshare services, it is important to know your rights following an accident.
Contact a Strongsville Rideshare Accident Attorney
Rideshare accidents can result in medical bills, lost wages, and confusion over what to do next. Recovering the compensation you deserve requires an understanding of your legal rights. At The Czack Hobbs Law Firm, we are dedicated to working with clients on an individualized basis, providing direct and honest communication.
Our experienced legal team can thoroughly review the facts of your Strongsville Uber, Lyft, or other rideshare service collision claim. Then, we can discuss your rights under Ohio law and explain your options for seeking the most favorable outcome. Schedule a consultation today to learn more.
