Rideshare services like Uber and Lyft have transformed the transportation industry, offering commuters an efficient and modern solution to get around. However, alongside this convenience, there has been a surge in accidents involving rideshare vehicles, giving rise to new legal complexities and challenges for the victims involved.
Steffens Law Offices, a trusted name in Nebraska personal injury law, understands the gravity of these unforeseen circumstances that can change one's life in an instant. Whether as a passenger, another motorist, a pedestrian, or a cyclist involved in a rideshare accident, understanding your rights and navigating the convoluted legal process can be daunting.
Our Lincoln rideshare accident lawyers are dedicated to resolving such legal complications, aiming to support you through the traumatic aftermath. We are committed to ensuring you receive the compensation you rightfully deserve for the injuries suffered under another's negligence. Ensuring justice is served is our foremost priority, and we relentlessly strive to return normalcy to your life post-accident.
Why Choose Steffens Law Offices After an Uber or Lyft Accident
Knowing what to do after a rideshare accident can be overwhelming, but you do not need to face it alone. With Steffens Law Offices, you get a legal partner dedicated to your cause and equipped to handle the unique complexities of rideshare accident litigations.
Our personal injury lawyers prioritize client convenience by utilizing modern technology to expedite processes and ensure accessibility. You no longer have to grapple with lengthy legal questionnaires as our team diligently prepares all the necessary paperwork. Virtual meetings via Zoom also mean we're able to discuss your case face-to-face, irrespective of location. With Steffens Law, your case is as mobile as you are!
Working with us, you will be assigned your own dedicated case manager. This means that you enjoy personalized attention throughout your legal journey, with a single point of contact familiar with the nuances of your circumstances. This consistency enhances our communication efficiency and ensures no detail is ever overlooked.
We also pride ourselves on our flexibility and availability. We are fully operational from Monday to Thursday, 8 a.m.-5 p.m. Central Time, and on Fridays from 8 a.m.-4 p.m. Central Time. If these times do not suit you, you can always leave a voicemail, and we will respond promptly once back in the office. Finally, with our contingency fee model, you will never face upfront costs for your personal injury case. Our fees are deducted as a percentage of your compensation if we successfully recover for you.
What sets Steffens Law Offices apart is our vast cumulative experience in handling personal injury and bankruptcy cases spanning over 50 years. This gives us the confidence and know-how to handle your case with the precision and proficiency you deserve.
Lastly, don't just take our word for it. Our commitment to client satisfaction is reflected clearly in the 800+ five-star reviews we have received from satisfied clients. At Steffens Law Offices, we're not just about the law — we’re about you and ensuring you get the best possible outcome. We're ready to help you, as we've done for countless others in Nebraska.
How Common Are Uber and Lyft Accidents?
Car accidents are a common occurrence in Lincoln. Over a five-year period, the city recorded over 42,000 motor vehicle accidents. A small but not insignificant percentage of these may be rideshare accidents. Research estimates that Uber and Lyft vehicles account for between 1-3 percent of traffic in metropolitan areas, and while, according to Uber’s self-reported statistics, the incidence of collisions is low, accidents do happen. During one year, this resulted in 101 traffic fatalities, 42% of which were bicyclists, pedestrians, and other vulnerable groups.
Understanding Rideshare Accidents in Lincoln
A rideshare accident can be a broad term encompassing various situations. It often includes incidents where a rideshare driver collides with another vehicle or object, causing injury to passengers, other drivers, pedestrians, or bicycles. Notably, these car accidents could occur while a rideshare driver is carrying a passenger, waiting for a ride request, or even on the way to pick up a passenger.
The implications of such accidents for the victims can be profound. In the immediate aftermath, victims may be confronted with physical injuries, emotional distress, and considerable medical expenses. Further down the line, financial burdens can also mount due to lost wages or potential loss in earning capacity as a result of the injuries suffered.
What's more, the legal landscape for rideshare accidents is not as straightforward as other vehicle accidents. This is because the responsibility for accidents involving rideshare drivers can fall on various parties – the rideshare driver, the rideshare company, or a third party. This complexity is what makes a rideshare accident claim a sophisticated legal issue requiring the experience of a dedicated rideshare accident attorney.
How Do Rideshare Accidents Occur?
Rideshare accidents, much like any traffic incident, can occur for many reasons. However, certain factors are particularly common in rideshare-related collisions. Understanding these causes is crucial in determining liability and pursuing a successful settlement or verdict.
- Distracted Driving: Rideshare drivers, like Uber and Lyft drivers, often rely on their phones for navigation and to accept ride requests. This constant interaction can lead to distractions, causing accidents.
- Fatigue: Many rideshare drivers work long shifts, often after their regular work hours or throughout the night, leading to driver fatigue. This exhaustion can impair a driver's reaction time and judgment, increasing the likelihood of a collision.
- Speeding: With the pressure to complete as many rides as possible to maximize earnings, some rideshare drivers may exceed speed limits, raising the risk of severe accidents.
- Inadequate Maintenance: Rideshare vehicles are typically personal vehicles subject to heavy use. Neglecting regular maintenance can result in mechanical failures, contributing to accidents.
- Inexperience: Some rideshare drivers lack the necessary experience or training to react appropriately during complex or risky traffic situations. This lack of skilled response can precipitate accidents.
- Impaired Driving: Despite strict regulations, instances of rideshare drivers operating under the influence of alcohol or drugs occur, posing a significant risk to passengers and others on the road.
In all of these situations, when the actions or negligence of a rideshare driver lead to an accident, victims have the right to pursue compensation. At Steffens Law Offices, we have the deep legal know-how to help determine fault, establish liability, and fight for the compensation you're entitled to.
Your Rights as a Rideshare Accident Victim
As a victim of a rideshare accident, it is essential to know and understand your legal rights. You may be entitled to compensation for the injuries and losses you’ve suffered owing to someone else’s negligence.
Immediately after a rideshare accident, any medical costs related to injuries sustained from the accident should be covered by the responsible party's insurance policy. This may include the rideshare driver's insurance, the rideshare company's insurance, or a third party's insurance. However, the policy limits of a rideshare driver’s insurance and who is responsible may vary based on the specifics of the accident and when it occurred.
Beyond immediate medical costs, victims also have the right to seek compensation for other related damages. This can include loss of earnings if you're unable to work due to your injuries, long-term care for serious injuries that require rehabilitation, and payment for any pain and suffering experienced as a consequence of the accident.
Dealing with insurance companies is never easy, let alone when they belong to mammoth companies like Uber and Lyft. If you find yourself dealing with an uncooperative rideshare company or an insurance provider that isn’t willing to pay what you rightfully deserve, you have the right to get a lawyer involved. Legal representation can protect your rights and ensure a proper assessment of your claim, paving the way for fair compensation.
Steffens Law Offices is driven by a commitment to assert your rights effectively. We thoroughly evaluate every facet of your case and provide aggressive representation to help you receive the compensation you deserve under the law.
How Much Is My Rideshare Accident Claim Worth?
Rideshare accident victims in Lincoln could experience a variety of injuries, ranging from minor scrapes and sprains to more debilitating conditions like fractures, traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord injuries, and emotional distress.
In order to ascertain the level of compensation that corresponds to your case, several key aspects must be taken into account. Relevant factors include the severity of your injuries, the kind and duration of medical care necessitated, the impact of the injuries on your capacity to work and your quality of life, as well as the ensuing pain and suffering.
Under Nebraska law, victims of personal injuries are permitted to recover damages for:
- Medical bills and costs associated with injuries,
- Lost wages and income,
- Physical pain and suffering,
- Mental anguish endured,
- Loss of enjoyment of life,
- Disability or disfigurement,
- Wrongful death,
- And more
The car accident attorneys at Steffens Law Offices are well-versed in Nebraska's laws and legal processes relevant to personal injury cases. To establish fault and calculate appropriate damage cost, our team works meticulously with a network of locally based medical professionals, accident reconstruction experts, and forensic investigators.
We're fully committed to shielding your future – accounting for future medical costs, lost income, and alterations necessitated in your lifestyle due to the accident. Our primary objective is to ensure that you receive comprehensive compensation that accounts for immediate and future impacts, assisting you in achieving a smoother recovery.
Statute of Limitations for Rideshare Accidents in Nebraska
The statute of limitations for personal injury cases, including rideshare accidents in Nebraska, is typically four years from the date of the accident. If this timeframe is not met, you may lose your legal right to seek compensation for the damages and injuries you’ve faced.
Given the time-sensitive nature of legal proceedings, immediate action is important. At Steffens Law Offices, we understand the urgency and work swiftly to initiate the legal process, empowering you to focus on your recovery while we handle the legalities.
How a Rideshare Accident Attorney at Steffens Law Offices Can Help
At Steffens Law Offices, we combine our deep-rooted understanding of the law with a compassionate approach to provide personalized support to every client involved in a rideshare accident.
Personalized Injury Support
We understand the paramount role that immediate medical attention plays in your recovery process after a rideshare accident. Our team works around the clock to ensure that you receive the care you need. Additionally, we realize the financial burden that accompanies such accidents. Whether it’s hospital bills, rehabilitation costs, or lost wages due to the inability to work – all can become a financial nightmare without adequate compensation. This is where we step in.
Our legal team doesn’t just provide legal representation; we craft a personalized plan for your recovery. We engage with medical professionals, estimation experts, and investigators to enable a comprehensive outlook on your case. Our aim is to secure compensation and ensure that it covers all facets of your post-accident life.
Unmatched Experience
Every case is unique, and there's no one-size-fits-all solution in law. With 50 years of combined experience, our team has an extensive range of strategies and the knowledge necessary to tailor the best course of action for your case.
Our Rideshare Accident Attorneys Are Ready to Advocate for Your Rights
Rideshare accidents can be traumatic and can fundamentally alter your life. At Steffens Law Offices, we are here to shoulder those legal burdens, allowing you to focus on what matters most – your recovery.
If you or a loved one has been involved in a rideshare accident in Lincoln, Nebraska, don't hesitate. Reach out to Steffens Law Offices at (308) 872-8327 for a free consultation, and let our experienced Lincoln rideshare accident lawyers stand up for your rights.