Cheyenne Uber and Lyft Accident Lawyer

According to the Wyoming Department of Transportation, in 2024, distracted driving caused 227 injury crashes, 298 crashes, five fatal crashes, six fatalities, and 650 property damage only (PDO) crashes. Insurify data also shows that rideshare drivers are 73% more likely to be involved in an accident than other drivers, which is concerning. 

Uber and Lyft continuously introduce ways to avoid accidents, including employing advanced technology, performing multi-step safety screening before hiring drivers, and offering regular driver education. Nonetheless, they still happen.

If you are injured in an Uber or Lyft accident in Cheyenne, Wyoming, you should fight for your rights. The experienced Uber and Lyft accident lawyers at Bachus & Schanker will help you establish who was at fault and, in turn, hold them liable.

Who Could Be Responsible for a Lyft or Uber Accident?

Establishing fault in an Uber or Lyft accident can be more complicated than a typical car crash. This is because several parties can be held responsible. Additionally, how insurance coverage applies in these cases is unique. 

Here are three parties you could hold responsible:

The Rideshare Driver

If a rideshare driver’s negligence causes an accident, they may be liable. For example, if they were speeding, driving distracted, or driving while impaired. In such a case, the driver’s personal insurance can be used to compensate the injured victim. However, in certain circumstances, their company’s insurance may apply as well.

Uber or Lyft

Rideshare companies can be responsible for an accident that occurs in circumstances covered under their insurance policies. Both Uber and Lyft cover accidents that occur when a driver is online and available for a trip. They each offer $50,000 per person and $100,000 per accident for injuries, and $25,000 in property damage per accident. 

They also offer coverage when the app is on and the driver is en route to pick up a passenger or on a trip. Uber offers at least $1,000,000 for property damage and injuries to riders and third parties when the driver is at fault. Lyft also offers at least $1,000,000 for third-party auto liability coverage.

Additionally, these companies maintain extra coverage, including uninsured/underinsured motorist (UM/UIM) coverage and contingent comprehensive and collision coverage to protect drivers and their riders.

Uber and Lyft do not cover accidents that occur when a driver is offline. If this happens, the driver needs to contact their personal automobile insurer to handle the case.

Third Parties

Uber’s 2021 – 2022 report showed that nearly 95% of the fatalities involving an Uber vehicle were caused by other drivers, especially alcohol-impaired ones. If another driver causes an accident and you sustain an injury while using a rideshare service, you can hold that driver liable.

Several other parties could also be responsible for an Uber or Lyft accident in Cheyenne. These include the vehicle manufacturer, if a defective vehicle part or design flaw causes the accident, and the government, if poor road maintenance or a faulty traffic signal contributes to the crash. Other potential parties are pedestrians or bicyclists who act negligently.

How Can You Be Compensated After an Uber or Lyft Accident in Cheyenne?

After being involved in an Uber or Lyft accident, how you get compensated depends on the circumstances surrounding your accident. If your accident occurs when the app is off, you need to file a claim with the rideshare driver’s personal auto insurer. 

If an accident occurs when the driver is online and available for a trip or during a ride, a passenger can report it through the respective app or website, and the company will follow up. 

Third parties hit by an Uber or Lyft vehicle can also report the incident via the website or by calling the company. After reporting, the rideshare company will start an investigation, which will involve its insurance company. 

It’s crucial to work with a rideshare accident attorney from the beginning. Your attorney will help you build a strong case to receive what you deserve from the at-fault party.

The amount you can receive after an Uber or Lyft accident significantly depends on the severity of your injuries. But generally, you can be compensated for:

• Economic damages, such as medical expenses (past and future), lost wages and loss of earning capacity, and property damage.
• Non-economic damages, such as pain and suffering, emotional distress, loss of enjoyment of life, and scarring and disfigurement.

If you lose a loved one in an Uber or Lyft accident, you can seek compensation for funeral and burial costs, lost financial support, and loss of companionship. 

In cases where an accident involves outrageous conduct, malice, or willful and wanton misconduct, an injured victim can seek punitive damages. This type of damage is awarded to punish a defendant for their behavior and deter others from similar behavior in the future.

What Should I Do If I Am in a Lyft or Uber Accident?

Safety should be your priority. So, check if you and the driver are fine. If there are injuries or damage, call 911 to get medical attention and report the accident. While waiting for the police, take photos and videos of the accident scene, if you can move around safely. If you can’t, request a witness to help you. 

Then, report the crash to Uber or Lyft through the app or website. The company will contact you when it receives your report.

When the police respond to the scene, save the police report number, if available. After leaving the scene, seek immediate medical attention, even if you have minor injuries. Also ensure that you preserve all crucial documents.

How Can a Cheyenne Lyft and Uber Accident Lawyer Help?

A Cheyenne Uber and Lyft accident lawyer can help in many ways. These include ensuring you understand Wyoming laws, gathering evidence, identifying liable parties, handling insurance claims, negotiating with insurance companies, fighting for your case in court, if necessary, and helping you get the support you need.

If you are injured in an Uber or Lyft accident, you can incur damages that can substantially affect your life. At Bachus & Schanker, we help injured victims hold at-fault parties responsible for their negligence.