Rideshare services, like Uber and Lyft, are popular in Omaha, but they are not without risks. If you suffered injuries or lost a loved one in a rideshare accident in Omaha, you may qualify for compensation.
However, rideshare accident claims are more complex than other types of car accident claims, and you need an experienced Omaha rideshare accident attorney to protect your rights, help you navigate the process, and increase your chances of getting the compensation you deserve.
The Omaha rideshare accident lawyers at Steffens Law Offices have extensive experience handling Uber, Lyft, and other rideshare accident claims. We can review your case at no cost and advise you of your options.
You can count on us to work diligently to hold the rideshare driver or other party responsible for your injuries and losses. Contact us today for a free consultation.
Why You Want a Lawyer to Handle Your Omaha Rideshare Accident Claim
Having an Omaha rideshare accident attorney handle your Uber or Lyft accident claim in Omaha is crucial for a variety of reasons. Navigating the aftermath of a rideshare accident involves numerous complexities that demand legal know-how and experience.
Here's why you need an attorney from Steffens Law Offices for your Omaha rideshare accident claim:
- Navigating Legal Complexities: Rideshare accidents present a unique set of legal challenges. An attorney well-versed in the intricacies of local laws can adeptly navigate through the complexities of your case, ensuring all aspects are thoroughly addressed.
- Determining Fault: Establishing responsibility in a rideshare accident can be intricate. An attorney can conduct a thorough investigation into the incident, assess evidence, and determine fault. This is vital for building a strong case and pursuing compensation from the appropriate parties.
- Handling Insurance Negotiations: Rideshare companies and insurance providers often employ strategies to minimize payouts. An attorney acts as a strong advocate, skillfully negotiating with insurance companies on your behalf and safeguarding your right to fair and just compensation.
- Local Legal Insight: Understanding the nuances of Nebraska's legal landscape is crucial. A local attorney familiar with Omaha's legal framework can ensure that your case adheres to state-specific regulations, increasing the likelihood of a favorable outcome.
- Maximizing Compensation: Injuries sustained in rideshare accidents can result in significant financial losses. An experienced attorney can assess the full extent of your damages, including future expenses, and aggressively pursue the maximum compensation available to you.
- Legal Guidance: Navigating the legal process can be overwhelming, especially when dealing with injuries and recovery. An attorney provides invaluable support, guiding you through each step of the claims process, representing your interests, and allowing you to focus on your recovery.
- Timely Action: Legal proceedings have strict timelines and deadlines. An attorney ensures that all necessary documents are filed promptly, preventing the risk of missing crucial deadlines that could jeopardize your claim.
After a rideshare accident in Omaha, having a capable attorney is indispensable. By hiring a lawyer, you empower yourself with the legal advocacy needed to pursue justice and the compensation you rightfully deserve.
Why Choose Steffens Law Offices for Your Uber or Lyft Accident Claim in Omaha?
The rideshare accident attorneys at Steffens Law Offices have served clients throughout Omaha and the surrounding areas for many years. Thus, we have invaluable knowledge and insight into local laws, courts, and procedures. We have gone toe-to-toe with numerous major insurance companies, including Uber and Lyft’s insurance providers, and we have negotiated substantial settlements for our injured clients.
You can rely on us to take an active interest in your case and fight for you throughout the process to help you obtain maximum compensation. Our lawyers have more than 50 years of collective experience handling personal injury claims in Nebraska, so we can handle your case effectively.
Reach out to us as soon as possible after your Omaha rideshare accident and discover how we can help you get the full and fair financial recovery you deserve.
What Should I Do After a Rideshare Accident in Omaha?
Experiencing a rideshare accident can be disorienting and stressful. If you find yourself in such a situation in Omaha, protect your well-being and preserve your legal rights.
Here's a guide on what to do after a rideshare accident:
- Check for injuries, both in your party and others involved. If anyone is seriously injured, call for emergency medical assistance immediately.
- Report the accident to the local police or relevant authorities. Obtain a copy of the police report, as it can be valuable for your insurance claim.
- Take pictures of the accident scene, including vehicle positions, damages, and any relevant road signs or signals. Note the names and contact information of witnesses.
- Exchange contact information, insurance details, and vehicle information with the other parties involved. If the accident involves a rideshare vehicle, obtain the driver's name, license plate number, and insurance information, as well as the rideshare company's information.
- Avoid discussing fault or making any statements that could be construed as an admission of guilt. Stick to the facts when interacting with other parties and law enforcement.
- Even if you don't immediately feel injured, it's advisable to seek medical attention. Some injuries may not manifest symptoms immediately. Keep records of all medical evaluations, treatments, and expenses. Adhere to all prescribed medical treatments and attend follow-up appointments.
- Inform your own insurance company about the accident promptly. Provide factual information without admitting fault.
- Refrain from providing recorded statements or accepting settlement offers without consulting an attorney. Insurance adjusters may try to minimize your claim, so it's wise to have legal representation before engaging in such conversations.
- Keep copies of all documents related to the accident, including medical records, repair estimates, and communications with insurance companies.
One of the most important steps you can take after receiving treatment for your injuries is to contact an experienced rideshare accident attorney in Omaha. A personal injury lawyer from Steffens Law Offices can provide guidance on your legal options and help protect your rights.
Who Pays for My Damages From a Rideshare Accident in Omaha?
Determining who pays for an Uber or Lyft accident or other rideshare accident in Omaha depends on several factors, including the circumstances of the accident and the insurance coverage in place. Here's a general overview:
Rideshare Driver's Insurance
- When a rideshare driver is not actively working (i.e., the app is off), their personal auto insurance is typically responsible for covering any accidents they're involved in.
- If the driver is actively working but hasn't accepted a ride request, their personal insurance may still be the primary coverage, but some rideshare companies provide contingent liability coverage in this situation.
Rideshare Company's Insurance
- Once a rideshare driver accepts a ride request and is en route to pick up passengers or has passengers in the car, the rideshare company's insurance typically becomes the primary coverage.
- Uber and Lyft, for example, provide liability coverage for bodily injury and property damage to third parties. This coverage can extend to passengers and drivers of other vehicles involved in the accident.
Passenger Injuries
- If you're a passenger in an Uber or Lyft and the accident was the rideshare driver's fault, you generally seek compensation from the rideshare company's insurance. Both Uber and Lyft carry $1 million insurance policies to cover damages to passengers.
- If another driver caused the accident, that driver's insurance may be responsible for covering damages and injuries.
- If the at-fault driver is uninsured or underinsured, the rideshare company's uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage may come into play.
Complex Scenarios
- In complex situations, such as when the rideshare driver is at fault but is underinsured, or if the accident involves multiple parties, determining liability and coverage can be more intricate.
- In such cases, you must consult a rideshare accident attorney to navigate the legal complexities and ensure you receive fair compensation.
Speak with an Omaha rideshare accident attorney at Steffens Law Offices to understand your rights and to get help navigating insurance claims and pursuing compensation.
How Do I Prove Negligence in an Omaha Rideshare Accident Claim?
As with any personal injury claim, you must prove the rideshare driver or other driver acted negligently, leading to the accident. Working with an attorney, you must show that the at-fault driver owed a duty of care to you and breached that duty through their carelessness or recklessness.
In breaching that duty, the driver caused the accident that injured you, and you suffered compensable damages as a result.
Your attorney can establish liability by collecting evidence, such as documentation of the accident scene, information in the police report, eyewitness testimony, and more. This may show, for instance, that the driver violated traffic laws, engaged in distracted driving, was driving intoxicated, or failed to maintain their vehicle.
Your lawyer can also submit your medical records to show you suffered an injury and received treatment, as well as the severity of your injuries. If necessary, they may also rely on expert opinions and accident reconstructionist testimony that shows how the accident occurred.
However, Uber and Lyft claims add an extra layer of complexity because rideshare companies don’t consider their drivers employees.
Uber and Lyft classify their drivers as independent contractors, which means you typically can’t sue the rideshare company under the concept of vicarious liability for the fault of their drivers.
Even though the rideshare companies do not directly employ drivers, drivers still have to follow company guidelines and maintain a standard of care while providing services.
Given the independent contractor status of Uber and Lyft drivers, establishing the breach of duty becomes critical in proving negligence. By demonstrating how the driver deviated from their duty of care, your lawyer can strengthen your case for seeking compensation for injuries and damages resulting from the rideshare accident.
Contact an experienced rideshare accident lawyer in Omaha at Steffens Law Offices right away to discuss your claim and learn how we can help hold the driver accountable for your injuries and losses.
What Types of Compensation Can I Receive from an Omaha Rideshare Accident Claim?
After suffering injuries in a rideshare accident in Omaha, you may feel overwhelmed by medical bills and lost income from missing work. You may also wonder how you can get compensation for the pain and suffering you’re going through.
By working with an experienced rideshare accident attorney from Steffens Law Offices, you could obtain compensation that include:
- Medical expenses, including future medical expenses
- Lost wages that may include diminished earning capacity or future income losses
- Property damage to repair or replace your vehicle or other personal property the accident damaged or destroyed
- Compensation for pain and suffering as well as emotional distress, permanent disability, disfigurement, loss of consortium, and other non-economic damages
- Wrongful death damages if the accident killed a close family member
- Rehabilitation costs
- Related out-of-pocket expenses and legal fees
The specific compensation you may be eligible to receive depends on the details of your case. An Omaha rideshare accident attorney from Steffens Law Offices can evaluate the full extent of your damages and seek appropriate compensation for your unique situation.
Contact Steffens Law Offices Today for Help with Your Omaha Rideshare Accident Claim
Whether an Uber or Lyft driver caused the rideshare accident that injured or another driver collided with the rideshare vehicle you were riding in, you have legal rights to pursue compensation.
However, seeking justice and compensation following a rideshare accident in Omaha requires the skills and knowledge of an experienced personal injury attorney.
Our dedicated team of rideshare accident attorneys in Omaha is here to guide you through the legal process and fight for your rights and future. Do not try to navigate the process on your own and contact us today for a free consultation.You can call us at (402) 414-4896 or contact us online to receive a complimentary case evaluation. Our lawyers work on a contingency fee basis, so you won’t pay anything upfront for us to represent you. We will only accept a fee if we recover compensation on your behalf; otherwise, you owe us nothing.