Reno Rideshare Accident Lawyers
Top-Rated Lyft & Ridesharing Accident Law Firm Serving Reno For Over 25 Years
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Reno’s Leading Attorneys for Lyft & Ridesharing Accidents
Have You Been Injured in a Lyft Car Crash? Here are the Steps to Take:
Ridesharing has grown exponentially in the last decade, as passengers enjoy the convenience of having access to transportation at their fingertips. Additionally, companies such as Uber and Lyft have expanded their offerings to provide luxury rides and rides accommodating larger groups of people. Residents and visitors to Reno in part depend on rideshare companies to take them to the casinos and attractions they want to visit. Proponents of ridesharing companies argue that Uber and Lyft increase safety by reducing the number of drivers on the road. This might be especially true in Reno, a popular tourist destination with many visitors. If you have suffered injuries in a rideshare accident as a passenger or in another motor vehicle, you might be eligible for compensation under Nevada law as long as you take action within the state’s two-year statute of limitations period. Contact the qualified ridesharing accident lawyers at Benson & Bingham Accident Injury Lawyers, LLC in Reno, at (702) 382-9797 for a free consultation to determine the viability of your claim.
Seek Immediate Medical Assistance after the Traffic Accident
After any motor vehicle accident, your first step is to check yourself and other passengers for any injuries. If someone is suffering from an emergency, administer emergency medical attention and call 911 immediately. Checking on the safety and wellbeing of other parties involved in the accident, including passengers and pedestrians, is crucial. The medical records from your hospital visit will be helpful for your personal injury case.
Inform the Ride Sharing Service About the Accident
Contact law enforcement as well as Lyft so that official records and police reports can be filed. You’ll also need to report the accident to your auto insurance company. These steps will provide essential documentation and information for your insurance claim and personal injury claim as you and your Reno ride sharing accident attorney work to reach a fair settlement for your injuries and damages.
Document the Scene of the Accident & Get Everyone’s Contact Information
If physically possible, take pictures of the scene, including the large perspective of the accident from multiple angles, close up details of each vehicle, and your injuries. Gather contact information and insurance information from each involved party as well as any potential witnesses who may be nearby. Gather as much documentation as possible to support your personal injury claim.
Schedule a Free Consultation with our Ride Sharing Accident Lawyers
As soon as you can, schedule a free consultation with the Reno ride sharing accident lawyers at Benson & Bingham Accident Injury Lawyers, LLC. Our experienced attorneys will take time to listen to your situation, discuss your injuries and legal options, and help you understand the best way to move forward as you seek full compensation for your damages. We want to support your recovery in any way possible!
Investigation of Liability & Medical Records
Your Reno Lyft accident lawyer, insurance adjusters, and law enforcement investigators will examine the available evidence and determine who is liable for the accident. According to Nevada law, the party who is primarily responsible for the accident is obligated to cover the damages of the other parties. We will use your medical records and many other types of evidence to build a strong case on your behalf.
Mediate & Negotiate to Resolve the Personal Injury Dispute
After you’ve chosen a qualified personal injury lawyer in Reno to represent your case, your attorney will uncover evidence and work toward an agreement with the at-fault party’s insurance company. Your Reno car accident lawyer will gather evidence, including photos, video footage, medical records, and other information regarding the incident and fight for a fair settlement. Personal injury cases are typically resolved in negotiation or mediation out of court.
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Why Hire Our Reno Lyft & Rideshare Accident Law Firm
Legal Representation for Ride Sharing Accident Injury Claims In Reno
The team of dedicated Reno Lyft accident attorneys at Benson & Bingham Accident Injury Lawyers, LLC, are ready to provide skilled, experienced representation for clients facing all kinds of injuries after a vehicle accident. If you’ve been injured as a result of another driver’s negligence or recklessness, reach out to our trusted law firm. We will help you obtain maximum compensation for your injuries and damages. Your case is in good hands with our experienced law firm!
Types of Damages in Reno Lyft & Rideshare Accident Lawsuits
Secure Compensation for Your Damages with our Reno Lyft & Rideshare Accident Lawyers’ Help
If you suffered injuries in an Uber, Lyft or other rideshare company accident in Reno as a passenger or driver in another vehicle, you should seek compensation for your losses. Rideshare accident cases are complex, because they include you, the rideshare driver, and the company, and these cases can also include multiple drivers, passengers, and occupants. Nevada law requires rideshare drivers to carry liability coverage when they have riders and between rides. Additionally, Uber and Lyft have policies to cover their drivers when they are signed into the apps. Your first course of action after an accident is to report the event to the rideshare company and file a claim with its insurance carrier. Insurance companies don’t stay in business by approving every claim, and they will downplay your injuries, so it is likely you will need the expertise of a ridesharing accident attorney to sue for damages. Whether through negotiation and settlement or a verdict in your favor, you may recover compensation for the following damages after an Uber, Lyft, or other ridesharing accident:
Lost Wages & Loss of Future Income
Injuries from car accidents frequently result in long absences from work, and ride sharing accidents in Reno are no exception. Your settlement should include your lost wages and any future wages that are lost due to your injuries or inability to work.
Medical Costs
A fair settlement after a ride sharing accident will cover all of your medical bills and expenses incurred from the accident, including ambulance ride, emergency room visit, hospitalization, surgery, aftercare, and medication.
Future Medical Expenses
Our Reno ride sharing accident lawyers will calculate your future medical expenses, when a ride sharing accident causes a catastrophic injury or disability requiring extensive recovery or indefinite long-term care.
Decreased Quality of Life & Rehabilitation Expenses
Chronic pain, injuries that limit your mobility, wrongful death, and other catastrophic consequences of car accident injuries can decrease your quality of life and must be calculated into a fair settlement amount.
Emotional Distress & Trauma
Many victims of car accidents in Reno experience emotional distress and trauma as a result of what they’ve suffered. This can include PTSD from the accident, wrongful death, and medical procedures.
Meet our Experienced Team of Lawyers
At Benson & Bingham Accident Injury Lawyers, we believe that victims of negligence and recklessness deserve the highest quality representation. That’s why Joseph L. Benson II and Ben J. Bingham, along with their associates, are dedicated to providing personalized care for each of our clients. There are no cookie cutter methods at our firm. It’s our mission to give you the very best service as we fight for your interests and seek maximum compensation for your damages.
If you’re ready to learn more about how we can support your case and help you obtain the financial compensation you deserve, call our office in Reno today to schedule your free consultation. We look forward to meeting with you, discussing your situation, and helping you explore all of your legal options. Begin the road to recovery today when you reach out to our award-winning Reno Lyft accident law firm!
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Client Testimonials
Reno’s Most Trusted Accident Injury Lawyers
I suggest using Benson & Bingham if you’re in need of an injury accident attorney! They have an amazing staff and made the entire process easy and stress free handling my case with compassion and a remedy of great efficacy!
I picked this place and I’m so glad that I did. Ida was very helpful and professional. If I had questions they were answered. I would definitely use them again in the future and I would definitely recommend them to anyone. Thank you for your service I appreciate it.
I would highly recommend Benson & Bingham. Lina and Goharik were very professional, caring and easily accessible. They both kept me regularly informed and I am truly happy I decided to go with Benson and Bingham.
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Award-Winning Ride Sharing Accident Injury Law Firm Serving Reno
Recent Settlements & Victories
Total Settled by Verdicts for Clients
Since 2004, the trusted Reno personal injury lawyers at Benson & Bingham have successfully obtained over $600 million for our clients!
Rear-End Taxi Accident
Our Reno car accident lawyers were able to achieve a settlement of nearly $2 million for a client who was injured in a rear-end accident in a taxi.
Intersection Accident With An Uber
After a client was injured at an intersection by an Uber driver, we won $1 million to cover their damages, injuries, and losses.
Visit Our Local Law Office In Reno
Reno, NV 89502
Benson & Bingham Accident Injury Lawyers, LLC, is an award-winning personal injury law firm specializing in car accidents, including Lyft and other ride sharing accidents. We offer free, confidential consultations at our conveniently located office in Reno. Call us today!
Insurance Coverage for Lyft & Rideshare Accidents Depends on the Ride’s Status
Ride Sharing App is Open and the Driver is Waiting for a Ride Request
If a driver is active but waiting for a ride request, the driver’s insurance will provide the primary coverage in the event of an accident. Lyft provides contingent liability insurance that will cover damage above the driver’s personal policy limits. This contingent liability insurance maximum is $50,000 for injury or death and $25,000 for property damage. Unfortunately, this is far less than the mandated amounts for taxis and limousines. Because Lyft operators are using their personal vehicles, they are considered independent contractors rather than Lyft employees, complicating insurance coverage requirements.
The Lyft or Rideshare App is on & the Driver Accepts a Ride Request
If a driver has received and accepted a ride request, Lyft’s commercial liability policy will be the primary insurance for the trip. This ends once all passengers have left the vehicle and the driver has ended the trip through the Lyft app. Lyft’s commercial liability policy provides a maximum of $1 million per person. If an accident occurs, victims may pursue compensation from the driver, Lyft, or both, if the Lyft driver is determined to be at fault. Your Reno Lyft accident lawyer can help you understand which parties may be liable and can help you seek maximum compensation for your damages.
The Rideshare App is Off and the Driver isn’t Carrying any Passengers
When a Lyft driver is not carrying passengers or is not seeking them, and the rideshare app is off, the driver’s personal insurance will provide coverage if there is an accident. Nevada’s state laws require rideshare drivers to carry insurance of at least $25,000 per person and $20,000 for property damage. If an accident occurs when a Lyft driver is not working or looking for passengers, the accident and liability will be handled very similarly to an accident with any other driver.
Were You Injured in a Lyft Accident? Call our Law Firm Today for a Free Consultation
Types of Injuries in Lyft & Rideshare Accidents
Broken Bones
Fractures and serious bruising are one of the most common injuries sustained in car accidents. Victims frequently suffer from breaks in their legs, hips, pelvis, back, ribs, arms, and/or hands.
Lacerations & Abrasions
Serious cuts, road rash, and burns may be caused by car accidents. Victims may suffer from permanent loss of function, disfigurement, pain, and other complications that should be considered in their settlement.
Loss of Limbs
Amputations due to crush injuries or other serious damage are not uncommon after a Lyft accident in Reno. Your Reno ride sharing accident lawyer can help you make the appropriate claims for your injuries.
Neck Injuries & Whiplash
LWhiplash is the most common injury sustained in a car accident and may require weeks or months of recovery. Symptoms include chronic pain in the neck and shoulders, dizziness, sensitivity, and headaches.
Traumatic Brain Injuries
Concussions and other traumatic brain injuries are sustained when the head is hit during a car accident. TBIs can cause many symptoms and take significant time and effort for a full recovery.
Spinal Cord Injuries
Spinal cord injuries happen from the sudden force of vehicle accidents and may result in nerve damage, loss of organ or physical function, chronic pain, and other challenging symptoms that must be included in a fair settlement.
Common Causes of Lyft &
Ride Sharing Accidents
Many different scenarios can lead to an Uber or Lyft accident in Reno. Causes of rideshare accidents are no different than other motor vehicle accidents, except rideshare drivers and their passengers face a greater risk for certain causes of accidents. Here are some of the more common causes of Uber, Lyft, and other ridesharing accidents:
Speeding
Drivers who speed contribute to more than a quarter of the nation’s traffic fatalities and millions of injuries each year, but Uber and Lyft drivers are especially vulnerable to speeding. Drivers want to give as many rides as possible to maintain their income and passengers want to get picked up and dropped off swiftly. This mindset can also lead to driving too fast in heavy traffic, high winds, and rainstorms.
Tailgating
Being in a hurry also plagues rideshare drivers in terms of how closely they follow the vehicles in front of them. When drivers tailgate other cars, they don’t have the time or distance to react to erratic movements, quick turns, or sudden stops. Tailgating often causes rear-end collisions.
Distracted Driving
Distracted drivers are notorious for causing accidents, but rideshare drivers sometimes don’t have a choice about their distractions. In addition to the run-of-the-mill cell phone use, personal grooming, and adjusting car feature distractions, Uber and Lyft drivers have to deal with passengers. Unruly, obnoxious, or drunk passengers can easily take a driver’s focus from the road, which might lead to a severe and/or fatal accident.
Reckless Driving
Drivers who operate a vehicle with a wanton or willful disregard for the safety of others can not only cause serious or fatal accidents, but may also be criminally prosecuted and incur fines, up to 6 months of jail time, and demerit points on their license.
Drowsy Driving
Rideshare drivers can easily be fatigued and risk falling asleep while driving. Uber restricts drivers to 12 hours per day of straight driving and Lyft restricts drivers to 14 hours per day. These restrictions don’t take into account that drivers can sign in and out of the app. Many rideshare drivers work for more than one company or have another day job. Reno drivers are especially vulnerable because of the casino industry, which allows drivers to find fares 24 hours per day.
Driving under the Influence
Uber and Lyft have strict policies about driving under the influence, and Nevada’s laws about rideshare companies require them to address any passenger complaints about drivers using controlled substances. Yet, it doesn’t absolve passengers and others on the road from risk. Drivers from all walks of life, including those who give rides for Uber and Lyft, struggle with addiction. When drivers are impaired, the likelihood of a serious accident is much greater.
Poor Vehicle Maintenance
In contrast to other states, Uber and Lyft drivers in Nevada must have an annual vehicle inspection. This does reduce the chances of a mechanical breakdown leading to an accident; however, if drivers don’t maintain tires, brake pads, and other preventative items between inspections, a failure might lead to a severe accident.
Common Evidence Used in Reno Lyft Accident Cases
Proof of Injuries
Your Reno Lyft accident lawyer will gather evidence of your injuries, including your medical records, expert testimony, and your own testimony, to demonstrate the severity of your injuries and how they are affecting your quality of life.
Proof of Lost Wages
Paystubs, bank account records, and documentation from your employer may be used to provide proof of wages that you lost when your injuries left you unable to work. This is a key part of any personal injury settlement and easily calculated.
Evidence from the Scene of the Accident
Pictures of the scene, traffic camera surveillance footage, witness testimony, and the police report will all be used to demonstrate what happened and who was liable for causing the collision. This party is responsible for the damages.
Proof of Property Damage
Mechanic reports, photos from the scene of the accident, and other proof of property damage will be used to calculate and prove the damage to your vehicle as well as any other property that was damaged or destroyed.
Additional Evidence
Your Reno ride sharing accident attorney will utilize a variety of evidence, including expert testimony, phone records, witness statements, and more to prove liability and defend their calculations of a fair settlement amount for your injuries.
FAQs About Lyft & Rideshare Accident Injury Claims
How Much Compensation Should I Receive after a Rideshare Accident?
The exact amount of compensation that you may receive will depend on the circumstances of your accident and what evidence we can uncover. Although we can never guarantee a settlement, we will fight on your behalf for full compensation. We don’t get paid unless we win! Most settlements include compensation for your medical expenses, lost wages, reduced earning capacity, and pain and suffering. Some victims may be able to obtain compensation for wrongful death, disfigurement, dismemberment, and other damages, if applicable.
What Should I Do If The Lyft Driver Left The Scene Of The Accident?
Leaving the scene of the accident is a crime in Nevada. If at all possible, take pictures of the vehicle and gather any description you can. Immediately contact law enforcement to report the situation, then gather any witness testimony or other information that you can find. Your Reno Lyft accident lawyer may be able to help you make a claim with Lyft and/or with your own insurance, if you carry uninsured motorist coverage and the driver cannot be located.
Is Working with an Insurance Company the Right Choice after a Lyft Accident?
Insurance companies are just one part of a Lyft accident settlement. Immediately contact your Reno Lyft accident lawyer for guidance. Who is liable for the accident will depend on the circumstances of the situation and may include the Lyft driver’s personal insurance, Lyft, another driver or pedestrian, your own insurance company, the vehicle manufacturer, or another party, depending on the reason for the collision. Your Reno ride sharing lawyer can guide your conversations with insurance companies to help you avoid unintentionally admitting fault for the collision or reducing the chances of a full settlement.
What Compensation Can I Receive if I File a Lawsuit after a Ride Share Accident?
This will depend on the circumstances of the crash. Most victims of ride sharing accidents are able to receive compensation for their medical expenses associated with the accident, ongoing medical needs, lost wages, reduced earning capacity, and pain and suffering that they might have endured. We may also be able to seek compensation for wrongful death, disfiguration, emotional trauma, and more.
Can I Sue if a Family Member Died in a Reno Lyft Or Ridesharing Accident?
If a family member died in a car accident as a result of someone else’s negligence or recklessness, we may be able to file a wrongful death lawsuit. These situations can be complex and emotional, but your Reno wrongful death attorney will guide you through this process with compassion and professionalism. Call Benson & Bingham to schedule your free, confidential consultation if you want to explore this option following a fatal car accident in Reno.
How Can Lawyers Help Determine Liability in a Ride Sharing Accident Settlement?
After any accident, law enforcement investigators and insurance adjusters will investigate the evidence to determine which party is primarily responsible for the collision. Your Reno ride sharing accident attorneys will also work to uncover evidence and put together a picture of what happened. We can also protect you from accidentally admitting fault for the accident or making unintentional mistakes that can minimize your financial settlement. We will build a strong case on your behalf, represent you in negotiation, and take your case to trial if it becomes necessary.
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Contact Benson & Bingham
Accident Injury Lawyers For A Personalized Case Consultation
The award-winning legal team at Benson & Bingham Accident Injury Lawyers, LLC understands the challenges that come in the wake of a serious Uber or Lyft accident, and we are here to help you fight for the compensation you deserve. You shouldn’t have to suffer the emotional stress brought on by lost wages and increased medical expenses because of another party’s actions. We also serve clients in Lake Tahoe, Sparks, and Carson City. Contact us online or at (775) 600-6000 to discuss the details of your case and learn how we can help you hold those who harmed you accountable for their actions.