Rideshare Accident Lawyer Glendale

Uber Accidents in Maricopa County

There are many options for traveling around major cities like Phoenix and Glendale, such as city buses, trains, taxi cabs, automobiles, scooters, bicycles, and walking. But no travel option has become as popular in the last decade as ridesharing apps like Uber and Lyft. Phoenix residents use the Uber app to request rides to transport them from point A to point B. Simply put, consumers can request an Uber ride with the click of a button. Taxi rates are often higher than those of Uber, and the cars tend to be of much higher quality. At the same time, Uber vehicles have greater mobility than buses or trains that must follow a fixed route or track.

Although there are many upsides to traveling by Uber, there are also many risks. As the number of Uber vehicles grows in Phoenix, so do the number of car accidents and injuries associated with them. If you’ve recently been in an Uber accident in Arizona, contact our Phoenix Uber accident attorney at Klink Law, PLLC today. We’ll make sure we exhaust every resource to hold the negligent party or parties responsible for your injuries. Contact our office today for a free consultation and to learn more about how we can help.

If you were injured in a rideshare crash, you can contact us today to schedule a free consultation.

Why Uber Accidents Are Unique

Rideshare accidents, such as those involving Uber, present specific challenges that can differentiate them from regular car accidents. The involvement of a rideshare company can complicate the claims process as there are multiple parties and insurance companies involved. This makes understanding the role of Uber's insurance essential. Furthermore, determining liability can be more complex, as it requires analyzing whether the driver was logged into the app and actively accepting rides at the time of the incident. For passengers, navigating these waters can be daunting without professional legal guidance from an attorney familiar with rideshare liability intricacies.

Local Trends in Glendale Rideshare Accidents

Glendale’s continued growth and expanding infrastructure have contributed to a higher volume of rideshare vehicles on local roads. Narrow streets, busy intersections, and high-traffic corridors increase the likelihood of collisions involving Uber drivers. As rideshare usage continues to rise, so does the number of injury claims related to these accidents.

Some Uber crashes result in catastrophic injuries that permanently affect a person’s ability to work or enjoy daily life. Understanding local trends and how Arizona law applies to rideshare accidents is essential when pursuing a claim.

**Legal Framework & Rideshare Accountability**

While rideshare companies like Uber and Lyft provide key economic opportunities and convenience, they also face increasing scrutiny regarding accountability. In Arizona, laws regarding rideshare services are evolving to better protect the rights of passengers and pedestrian safety. This includes considerations regarding insurance coverages and accident liabilities. Legal efforts are ongoing to establish clearer guidelines on how liabilities are shared between the driver and the rideshare company. For instance, recent proposals at a state level aim to mandate more stringent insurance requirements to cover property damages and personal injuries caused by rideshare drivers. Clients of Klink Law benefit from guidance through Glendale's specific legal nuances surrounding these emerging doctrines.

Uber’s Auto Insurance Coverage

According to Uber, their drivers are not employees. Instead, Uber drivers are considered independent contractors. Despite the controversy, many people believe this may eventually change, yet Uber continues to consider drivers as independent contractors. The difference between a contractor and an employee is critical to comprehend since employees have different legal protections than independent contractors. Employees may, for example, qualify for unemployment compensation. A business, on the other hand, is more likely to be held liable for its workers’ errors than it is for its own contractors.

In any case, if the rideshare driver was at fault for the accident, Uber insurance would most likely cover it. A Phoenix Uber accident attorney can properly advise you on the best actions to take to obtain compensation for your injuries. If you are injured in an Uber accident in Arizona, the following insurance coverages apply:

**Understanding Rideshare Insurance Layers**

It is important to understand the tiered insurance coverage that applies to Uber drivers. This coverage is divided into distinct periods during a rideshare operation. When a driver has the app on but is not en route or carrying a passenger, the coverage is minimal, often relying on the driver’s policy with limited liability insurance from Uber for accidents in this phase. Enhanced coverage, including comprehensive liability and uninsured motorist coverage, applies when a ride is actively dispatched or in progress. Recognizing these layers can greatly impact the outcome of any insurance claim following an accident.

• If the Uber driver is on a ride with a passenger, or on the way to pick up a passenger, the company provides its drivers with $1 Million in liability coverage. This is usually through Allstate Insurance in Illinois. They also provide $1 million in uninsured and underinsured coverage for Uber drivers and passengers.
• However, if the Uber driver is available or waiting for a ride request, the company only provides liability insurance of $50,000 per person, $100,000 per occurrence.
• Finally, if the app is off, the Uber driver’s personal auto insurance would cover the loss. Here, unfortunately, you will often find a lot of their drivers have minimum or substandard auto insurance coverage.

Factors Affecting Uber Accident Claims in Arizona

The most significant issue in obtaining compensation for an Uber accident in Phoenix is that none of the drivers are considered employees. To put it another way, the firm is solely responsible for its actions outside of a certain period when they are working with the company’s network. Essentially, once that app screen is off, Uber is no longer responsible for their drivers.

There have been several requests from concerned legal representatives pleading for Uber to recognize its drivers as employees, but as of 2022, it has yet to do so. If you’ve been involved in an Uber accident you must understand the phases of Uber’s operation in order to determine whether they will be a party in your personal injury claim:

Offline Phase

If the driver is not connected to the Uber network and thus has no access to the app, the firm has no involvement in what happens. The vehicle is in sole control of the driver, who will be solely responsible for any accidents.

Available Phase

If the driver has enabled the app screen and is welcoming Uber users but hasn’t received a ride, the firm will be solely to blame for any negative events.

En Route Phase

While a passenger is being transported, a driver may get involved in an accident and, if this happens, the firm will be fully responsible for the injuries and damages sustained by the victim.

On Trip Phase

The same applies to Uber, which provides comprehensive insurance coverage for any passengers in one of its vehicles.

**Importance of Legal Guidance**

The complexity of determining fault and coverage in Uber accidents underscores the importance of consulting with knowledgeable legal professionals. Given the intricate nature of rideshare insurance policies and corporate liability, having seasoned legal representation is crucial for navigating claims and ensuring appropriate compensation. Understanding these nuances can make a significant difference in the success of your claim. Furthermore, experienced legal advisors can assist in negotiating with insurance firms that may not have your best interests in mind.

Ubers vs. Taxicabs: What’s the Difference?

The distinction between Uber and other rideshare businesses is that they are not regarded as taxi companies. In reality, they are software firms that use an electronic platform to act as a middleman for freelance drivers’ services. Because they are treated differently than taxi businesses, rideshare providers like Uber and Lyft can avoid certain rules and responsibilities.

Ubers are not regarded as commercial vehicles, as they are privately owned by freelance drivers who only use ride-hailing apps to varying degrees. Because the cars are not considered commercial vehicles, Uber is not subject to the same rules that apply to taxi cabs. There is a lot of grey area when it comes to independent contractor drivers and how much responsibility their company truly has. That’s why it’s so critical to have an experienced Uber accident lawyer in Phoenix representing your personal injury claim.

**Comparative Regulatory Environment**

Taxi services are traditionally more regulated, requiring drivers to obtain special licenses and vehicles to pass regular inspections. This is not necessarily the case with rideshare services like Uber and Lyft. These differences in regulatory requirements can impact both the safety standards of vehicles and the accountability of drivers. Hence, when rideshare accidents occur, the legal ramifications can be considerably different than those involving conventional taxi services.

Shocking Uber Accident Statistics

According to a recent study published by the University of Chicago Booth School of Business, ridesharing apps have resulted in an exponential rise in motor vehicle accidents and fatalities over the past decade. According to the research, rideshare providers like Uber and Lyft have caused a 3% increase in overall automobile accident deaths.

This statistic was determined by analyzing the eight financial quarters for both companies before and after their rollout dates, as well as the popularity of rideshare usage over the last ten years. This research on Uber and Lyft accidents also included data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and accident rates in various major cities where the rideshare applications were first released (compared to total vehicle miles traveled). Some additional eye-opening Uber accident statistics include the following:

**Understanding the Impact of Rideshare Growth**

As rideshare services continue to expand, the implications for road safety and urban traffic dynamics grow more complex. With millions of rides slated daily, the frequency of accidents in busy areas like Phoenix increases. This underscores the need for vigilant awareness and regulatory adaptations that address safety concerns associated with the global surge in rideshare demands. Stakeholders are increasingly called to balance the convenience of these services with public safety initiatives that mitigate traffic risks.

• Uber provides roughly 15 million rides per day worldwide
• Uber currently employs approximately 2 million drivers
• There are about 100 Uber accident fatalities each year
• 90% of Uber fatalities took place in urban areas like Phoenix
• 30% of fatal Uber crashes involve pedestrians
• 2% of Uber-related fatalities were bicyclists

Frequently Asked Questions About Rideshare Accidents in GlendaleWhat Steps Should I Take Following a Rideshare Accident?

After a rideshare accident, there are several critical steps to ensure your safety and protect your rights. First, seek medical attention for any injuries, regardless of their severity, to both address health concerns and document your injuries comprehensively. Then, report the accident to the authorities to secure an official police report that can help with claims or future legal actions. Gather all relevant information from the scene, including the driver's details, license plate number, and contact information from any witnesses. Additionally, take photographs of the scene and any damages to bolster your case. Refrain from discussing fault at the scene; instead, let the authorities and your attorney handle those determinations. Finally, contact a rideshare accident lawyer at Klink Law to guide you through the legal process and help secure the compensation you deserve.

How Do I Determine Liability in a Rideshare Accident?

Determining liability in rideshare accidents can be complicated due to the involvement of multiple parties, including the rideshare company, their insurance providers, and potentially other drivers. In general, liability depends on the driver's status during the accident. If the driver was logged into the app and awaiting or completing a trip, the rideshare company may be partially responsible. However, if the driver was offline, liability might primarily fall on the driver’s personal insurance. Skilled legal assistance is indispensable in evaluating these factors and deciding on the responsible party or parties to include in your case.

What Compensation Can I Receive from an Uber Accident Claim?

Compensation from an Uber accident claim typically covers various damages incurred as a result of the accident. Victims can often seek compensation for medical expenses, lost wages due to missed work, and repair or replacement costs for damaged property. Additionally, claims might include compensation for non-economic damages such as pain and suffering, emotional distress, and a reduction in quality of life. The amount of compensation will depend on the specifics of the accident, the severity of the injuries, and the clarity of liability. Consulting with an experienced attorney is essential to navigate the complexities of these claims and maximize your potential compensation.

Can I Pursue a Claim if My Uber Driver Was Uninsured?

Rideshare companies like Uber are required to maintain certain insurance coverages to protect passengers and third parties. If your Uber driver was uninsured or underinsured, the company's own insurance policy typically provides coverage to bridge the gap. Uber's insurance typically includes coverage for injury and property damage when the driver is logged into the app and accepting rides. However, navigating these policies and understanding coverage specifics can be challenging. Engaging with knowledgeable legal counsel ensures you explore all possible avenues for recovery and receive due compensation even when an uninsured driver complicates the situation.

How Long Do I Have to File an Uber Accident Claim in Arizona?

In Arizona, the statute of limitations for filing a claim after an Uber accident is generally two years from the date of the accident. This means you have a two-year window to initiate a legal claim for damages incurred from the accident. Failing to file within this timeframe could invalidate your ability to seek compensation. However, certain factors might influence this limit, such as the discovery of injuries at a later date. To ensure all deadlines are met and to preserve your legal rights, it is advisable to consult with a legal professional as soon as possible after the accident.