Toledo Uber and Lyft Accident Lawyers

Rideshare Accidents in Toledo, Ohio

Uber and Lyft services help keep reckless and intoxicated people from having to drive. But there is still concern about the safety of rideshare cars in general.

A recent study by the University of Chicago reports that fatal car accidents in the United States have risen by over 2% since ridesharing become popular. This may be simply because more vehicles are on the road, but Uber and Lyft drivers focus on their phones and apps more than other drivers.

The Ohio State Highway Patrol, however, report that drunk driving accidents have remained steady since Uber and Lyft started operating in Ohio.

Where Toledo Uber & Lyft Accidents Happen

Rideshare accidents are common on the highways and streets in the Toledo area. These wrecks can happen anywhere, and you can be caught off guard by a collision and seriously hurt.

Our lawyers have seen many of these cases and common locations where Uber or Lyft accidents happen include:

• At pickup and drop-off points – These spots are crowded with people getting in and out of cars, and this includes cabs as well as rideshare vehicles. Toledo has many such locations including Fifth Third Field and The University of Toledo Medical Center.
• Near highway ramps – Ramps used to access or exit highways such as I-90 or I-75 are often dangerous since drivers fail to adjust to changes in the speed of traffic. However, Uber and Lyft drivers are particularly dangerous since they are often looking at their mobile maps in order to see where they must turn.
• Near recreational areas or bodies of water – There are many distractions for drivers as they drive near Lake Erie or on a bridge crossing the Maumee River. However, this can be made worse when both the driver and passenger are unfamiliar with the area or their destination.
• In construction zones – Toledo and northern Ohio roads are constantly under repair. Rideshare drivers can cause many accidents in these areas as their attention may be diverted to their phone or finding their passenger.

The Reasons for Uber and Lyft Accidents

Most Uber and Lyft drivers try their best. However, their experience is very different than most professional drivers. They must stay attentive to their mobile phones in order to know who to pick up and where to go. They must sometimes push themselves to be on the road for dangerously long hours. A driver may wish to make as much money as possible, and work throughout the day. The Uber and Lyft apps have taken steps to make sure drivers aren’t on the road for extremely long shifts. However, these efforts are not enough. It’s possible for a driver to work a long shift at another job, and then to go right onto the rideshare app.

Driver negligence causes Toledo car accidents every day. We rely on rideshare drivers to be competent and responsible. But, our lawyers have seen many accident victims who sustained terrible harm through no fault of their own.

Common causes of rideshare accidents in Toledo include:

• Distracted drivers – Uber and Lyft drivers take all of their pickup and drop-off information from their mobile phones. Distractions such as maps, conversations, and adjusting the radio cause many car accidents in Toledo.
• Poor vehicle maintenance – Drivers are responsible to keep their cars in safe working order. However, rideshare vehicles often take on many miles, and their maintenance may be neglected in order to reduce costs.
• Intoxicated drivers – Drivers under the influence of drugs or alcohol kill dozens of people every year in Toledo and northwest Ohio. Your driver may not be able to safely respond to their surroundings if they are intoxicated.
• Exhausted drivers – People frequently fall asleep while driving, and this causes hundreds of serious accidents occur every year in the Toledo area. An Uber or Lyft driver may be pushing themselves to work long hours on little sleep, and this can cause you to be in a terrible wreck.
• Road rage – Your driver, or others on the road, may lose their temper and drive in a reckless or aggressive manner. Road rage incidents cause many accidents in Ohio every year.

What to Expect if You’re Hurt by an Uber or Lyft

A skilled lawyer will investigate what happened, and find out who owes you damages. A personal injury claim can help you recover your:

• Medical expenses
• Lost wages
• Pain and suffering
• Emotional distress and mental anguish
• Loss of consortium

Passengers and drivers who sustain injuries deserve the hold the at-fault party accountable. A skilled attorney can guide you through the legal process, help you get treatment, negotiate with the insurance companies, and fight for everything you deserve.

Uber & Lyft Insurance in Ohio

In addition to the driver and their personal insurance provider, the rideshare company is also involved. They may also have an obligation to compensate you. Both Uber and Lyft have a $1,000,000 insurance policy for injured riders, but this can be a challenge.

Compensation can come from one or several of the following sources:

• The driver’s insurance – Ohio drivers must have at least $25,000 insurance coverage for those they injure in an accident. Your lawyer can make a case for the driver’s negligence and seek compensation from this coverage.
• Your own insurance – Your insurance provider may offer financial damages if you are injured and the driver’s insurance is not enough to pay for your injuries. It’s sometimes possible to recover these funds even if you’re a passenger at the time of the accident.
• Uber or Lyft’s insurance – If you are injured during a ride with one of these rideshare companies, you can seek damages from the $1,000,000 passenger insurance policy. Your lawyer may seek to pursue funds from this coverage if the driver’s insurance is not enough to cover your damages.

Set Up Your Free Consult

At KNR, Our Attorneys Will

• Answer your questions and concerns
• Keep you updated during all stages of the process
• Obtain medical records about the extent of your injuries
• Identify the responsible party
• Determine the fair and full value of your damages
• Negotiate for maximum compensation
• Fight for everything you deserve
• Never charge you upfront.