Accidents Caused by Uber and Lyft Drivers

Uber and Lyft are two of Cape Cod's most popular forms of transportation, and many people use their services daily. Although Uber and Lyft drivers help people to get from one place to another quickly and conveniently, they are not immune from collisions. Most car accidents are avoidable, though, and drivers that recklessly cause crashes should be held accountable for any damages that ensue. As such, it is wise for people hurt in accidents caused by Uber and Lyft drivers to speak to an attorney about their possible claims. The seasoned Cape Cod lawyers of The Law Offices of John C. Manoog, III, are well-versed in what it takes to prove liability for car crashes, and if you were hurt in a collision, we can gather the evidence needed to provide you with a strong chance of a favorable result. Collectively, our attorneys have more than one hundred and fifty years of experience helping injured parties in the pursuit of damages in Cape Cod and Plymouth, and our skilled representation has helped us to recover several multi-million dollar verdicts and settlements for our clients.

Although Uber and Lyft companies are not usually directly liable for accidents caused by their drivers, they provide liability insurance for them. The extent of coverage depends on whether the accident occurred before, during, or after a trip. If the accident happens during a driver's personal use of the vehicle, the company's insurance does not apply, but the driver's personal insurance should cover the accident.

Uber and Lyft drivers differ from regular drivers as they drive professionally. Unlike other professional drivers, though, they do not require a specialized license or training. Instead, they typically only need a standard driver's license and have to meet certain criteria rather than undergoing specialized training or obtaining additional licenses. Additionally, ride-sharing drivers are typically independent contractors, not employees. Consequently, Uber and Lyft may not be held directly liable for accidents caused by their drivers.

People hurt in accidents caused by Uber and Lyft drivers frequently suffer serious physical harm and economic losses. Thus, they will often wish to hold the parties that caused the collisions accountable via civil lawsuits. Typically, a plaintiff in a car accident case will allege a negligence claim against the defendant. In Massachusetts, negligence is made up of four elements: duty, breach, causation, and damages. A plaintiff must establish each element in order to recover compensation.

The duty is an obligation owed by the defendant to the plaintiff. The duty in an Uber or Lyft accident case may be the requirement to act as a reasonable person would in the same circumstances or may arise out of a statute, like a motor vehicle law. A breach is a departure from the duty owed. For example, if a defendant ignored a traffic signal while driving, it most likely constitutes a breach. Causation refers to a link between the breach and the fourth element, damages. In other words, the plaintiff must show that the damages suffered would not have occurred absent the defendant’s breach. Proving that texting caused an accident can be challenging, as it requires proof not only of the precise time the message was sent or read but also of when the accident occurred. Usually, this is established via cell phone records, eyewitness testimony, and surveillance videos and pictures.

People typically use Uber and Lyft without giving it a second thought, but unfortunately, like all drivers, Uber and Lyft drivers can be involved in collisions. If you were hurt in an accident caused by an Uber or Lyft driver, it is in your best interest to meet with an attorney to discuss your options for seeking compensation. At The Law Offices of John C. Manoog, III, our knowledgeable Cape Cod car accident lawyers can advise you of your rights and aid you in seeking the best outcome available under the facts of your case. We have a record of favorable verdicts, including many surpassing one million dollars. We frequently represent injured parties in car accident cases on Cape Cod, and we are available to meet for consultations in Hyannis and Plymouth as well. You can contact us through our form online or at 888-262-6664 to set up a meeting.