Ohio Uber & Lyft Accident Lawyer

Common Causes of Ridesharing Accidents

Rideshare drivers in Ohio face many of the same dangers as other motorists, but the way Uber and Lyft operate can create additional risks. Drivers may be rushing to accept rides, following unfamiliar routes, or juggling their phone apps while trying to navigate traffic. When that happens, passengers, other drivers, cyclists, and pedestrians can all be hurt.

Uber and Lyft accidents are frequently caused by:

• Fatigue – Many rideshare drivers work long hours or drive for Uber or Lyft after a full workday at their regular job. Drowsy driving slows reaction times, makes it harder to focus, and increases the risk of rear-end crashes, swerves, and running off the road.
• Reckless driving – An Uber or Lyft driver may fail to stop at a stop sign, run a red light, ignore a reduced speed limit, or disregard other traffic laws to keep their rating high or avoid cancellations.
• Aggressive driving – To complete more trips in less time, some rideshare drivers change lanes abruptly, tailgate, weave through traffic, or accelerate quickly, putting everyone around them at risk.
• Distracted driving – Rideshare apps require drivers to accept rides, follow GPS, and communicate with passengers. Looking at a phone, adjusting navigation, or reading messages even for a few seconds can lead to serious crashes.
• Elderly drivers – Older Uber and Lyft drivers may have slower reaction times, reduced vision, or physical limitations that make it harder to respond quickly in heavy or fast-moving traffic.
• Poorly maintained vehicles – Because rideshare drivers are independent contractors, they are responsible for maintaining their own vehicles. When they fail to replace worn tires, repair faulty brakes, or address other mechanical issues, preventable accidents can occur.
• Road hazards – Uneven pavement, missing or unclear road signs, potholes, debris, and poorly designed intersections can cause or contribute to Uber and Lyft crashes. These hazards are especially dangerous at night or in bad weather.
• Work zones – Construction is common throughout Ohio. If a rideshare driver does not reduce speed or follow temporary signs in a work zone, they may hit another car, a construction vehicle, or a worker.

If any of these issues contributed to your Uber or Lyft accident, you may have the right to seek compensation. A ridesharing accident lawyer can investigate the crash, identify all at-fault parties, and help you pursue a claim for your injuries and losses.

Uber and Lyft Insurance Policies

Most rideshare injury claims are resolved through insurance, but Uber and Lyft insurance rules can be confusing. Coverage often depends on what the driver was doing at the exact time of the accident and whether their app was turned on. Several different policies may apply, including the driver’s personal auto insurance and Uber or Lyft’s corporate policies.

Generally, Uber and Lyft insurance coverage is based on the driver’s status:

• App off (not logged in) – When the driver is not logged into the Uber or Lyft app, they are considered an ordinary driver. Only the driver’s personal auto insurance applies, and the rideshare company does not provide coverage.
• App on, waiting for a ride request – If the driver is logged into the app and available to accept trips but has not yet accepted a passenger, both their personal policy and a limited Uber or Lyft policy may be available after a crash.
• On the way to pick up a passenger or during a trip – When a driver has accepted a ride or has a passenger in the vehicle, Uber or Lyft typically provide up to $1 million in liability coverage, and additional uninsured/underinsured coverage may be available depending on the circumstances.

Both Uber and Lyft state that:

• They are generally not liable for accidents that occur when drivers are offline and not working for the platform.
• If an Uber or Lyft driver’s app is on and they are able to work, the rideshare company’s policy may supplement or step in after the driver’s personal policy.
• When a passenger is in the vehicle or the driver is actively picking up a rider, the claim is usually covered by Uber or Lyft’s higher-limit insurance policy.

Because multiple insurance policies may overlap, rideshare accident cases often involve disputes over who is responsible to pay, how much coverage is available, and whether the rideshare company will accept responsibility. An attorney familiar with Uber and Lyft claims can sort out coverage issues, deal with competing insurers, and help you pursue full compensation.

Our Ohio Rideshare Lawyers Are Close By

Our statewide practice is designed to make pursuing an Uber or Lyft accident claim as convenient and accessible as possible. With 12 Ohio locations and virtual consultations available, KNR is a call or click away wherever your rideshare crash occurred.

• Akron
• Beachwood
• Canton
• Cincinnati
• Cleveland
• Columbus
• Dayton
• Independence
• Toledo
• Westlake
• Youngstown

*KNR also serves Ohio’s rural counties and regularly conducts consultations via Zoom.

If your Uber or Lyft crash happened in a major Ohio city, KNR also offers focused, local rideshare representation through our:

• Cleveland Uber & Lyft accident lawyers
• Columbus Uber & Lyft accident lawyer
• Cincinnati Uber & Lyft accident lawyers
• Akron Uber & Lyft accident lawyers
• Toledo Uber & Lyft accident lawyers
• Youngstown Uber & Lyft accident lawyer

Rideshare Accident Info Center

What Are You Entitled to After an Uber/Lyft Accident?

Through an insurance claim or personal injury lawsuit, our lawyers will investigate your Uber or Lyft accident, identify the liable parties, account for everything the crash cost you, and pursue damages designed to make you as whole as possible under the law.

Depending on the severity of your injuries and how the accident affected your life, compensation after a rideshare accident may include:

• Medical expenses – Emergency care, hospital stays, surgery, physical therapy, follow-up appointments, medications, and future treatment needs.
• Lost income – Wages or salary you lost while recovering, including missed shifts, overtime, or self-employment income.
• Reduced earning capacity – If your injuries limit your ability to work in the same job or at the same level, you may be entitled to damages for long-term loss of earning potential.
• Pain and suffering – Compensation for physical pain, discomfort, and reduced quality of life resulting from your injuries.
• Disability – Damages related to permanent limitations, mobility issues, or the need for assistive devices or home modifications.
• Disfigurement and scarring – Compensation for visible scars, burns, or other changes to your appearance.
• Mental anguish – Emotional distress, anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress related to the accident and its aftermath.
• Loss of consortium – Damages for the impact on relationships with a spouse or close family members.

If a rideshare accident is fatal, certain family members may be able to pursue a wrongful death claim for funeral expenses, loss of financial support, and the loss of the loved one’s care and companionship. An attorney can explain which damages apply to your situation and help you understand the value of your claim.

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