Reno Rideshare Accident Lawyer
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 Reno ridesharing accident lawyers at Benson & Bingham Accident Injury Lawyers, LLC, at (702) 382-9797 for a free consultation to determine the viability of your claim.
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Causes of Reno Uber and Lyft 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:
1. 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.
2. 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.
3. 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.
4. 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.
5. 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.
6. 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.
Suing for Damages After an Uber or Lyft Accident in Reno
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:
- Medical costs, including ambulance ride, emergency room visit, hospitalization, surgery, aftercare, and medication
- Future medical expenses when a ridesharing accident causes a catastrophic injury or disability requiring extensive recovery or indefinite long-term care
- Lost wages for missing work due to injury, treatment, and recovery
- Lost future wages when a severe injury or disability prevents a rideshare accident victim from returning to work
- Pain and suffering and other non-economic damages that might apply, such as scarring and disfigurement, loss of quality of life, and loss of consortium with a spouse
A Reno Rideshare Accident Lawyer Can Help Secure Compensation
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.
Benson & Bingham (Reno Office) 1320 E Plumb Lane Ste A Reno, NV 89502 Phone: 775-600-6000
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