Boston Uber Accident Lawyer

Have you been injured in an Uber or Lyft accident in the Boston area? We may be able to help you if the accident was due to someone else’s negligence. Contact Rubenstein Law today for your free consultation.

Boston was among the first U.S. cities to embrace ridesharing services like Uber and Lyft. The first Uber ride in the city occurred in 2011, just a few months after the service launched in San Francisco. As of 2021, there are over 20,000 Uber and Lyft drivers in the Boston area, making it one of the largest ridesharing markets in the country.

These innovative services have made it easier to get around the city, providing affordable, on-demand transportation accessible from your smartphone. Of course, with any new technology, there are hazards associated with ridesharing that can make them dangerous.

Imagine a recent college grad is on her way home from hanging out with friends at The Bell in Hand Tavern, and her Uber driver is texting on their phone, causing them to miss a red light and crash into another vehicle. Or, perhaps, a Lyft passenger is heading to work at the Seaport District when his rideshare driver turns wrong and crashes into a parked car, leaving him with a broken arm and head injury.

Unfortunately, scenarios like these can and do happen in the Boston area. An accident involving an Uber or Lyft vehicle can happen anytime, leaving rideshare accident victims with serious injuries and mounting medical bills.

At Rubenstein Law, we understand the devastating impact a rideshare accident can have on your life. That's why we're committed to helping those injured get the compensation they deserve. We offer a free consultation to discuss your case and answer any questions you may have about the legal process.

Our experienced Boston Uber and Lyft injury lawyers have the knowledge and resources to fight for your rights and hold negligent parties accountable. Don't let a rideshare accident derail your life. With a compassionate Uber accident lawyer or Lyft accident lawyer on your side, you can get past this challenging time in your life.

What Is a Rideshare?

Ridesharing is a transportation service that connects passengers with drivers using a mobile app or website. The concept of ridesharing began to gain popularity in the 2010s with the launch of companies like Uber and Lyft, which offered an alternative to traditional taxi services.

Rideshare companies use GPS technology to match passengers with nearby drivers, and payment is typically processed through the app, making the process quick and convenient for both parties.

Are Rideshare Car Accidents Common?

Rideshare car accidents are a growing concern as the popularity of rideshare services continues to increase. According to recent statistics, these accidents are becoming more common and can have severe consequences for drivers and passengers.

• A 2018 Uber safety report revealed that 107 people died in crashes involving Uber rides in 2017 and 2018 in the US.
• Uber’s Safety Report showed that Uber drivers and passengers experienced 5.8 fatal crashes per 100 million miles traveled in 2019 and 2020, a decrease from the previous year's report.
• According to a report by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), there were 857 fatalities in crashes involving "for-hire" vehicles (which include rideshare services) in 2018. This represents an increase of 10% from the previous year.

These statistics suggest that rideshare car accidents are becoming more common and can have serious consequences. Both drivers and passengers need to take steps to minimize the risk of accidents, such as following traffic laws, using seat belts, and avoiding distractions while driving or riding in a vehicle.

Who's at Fault in an Uber or Lyft Car Accident?

Determining who is at fault in an Uber or Lyft car accident can be complicated, especially if multiple parties are involved. The liable parties may include:

1. The Uber or Lyft driver: If the Uber or Lyft driver operated a vehicle in a reckless manner while under the influence of drugs or alcohol, or violated traffic laws during the accident, they could be held liable. For example, if a Lyft driver runs a red light and causes an accident, they would be at fault.
2. The rideshare company: The rideshare company could be held liable if they failed to properly screen their drivers or maintain their vehicles, resulting in an accident. For example, Uber could be liable for negligent hiring practices if a driver causes an accident while driving with a suspended driver's license.
3. Other drivers or parties involved in the accident: In some cases, another driver, a pedestrian, or a defective vehicle part may cause the accident. In these cases, the liable party would be the party who caused the accident, regardless of whether they were driving for a rideshare company.

Common Rideshare Accident Injuries and Damage

Rideshare accidents can result in many injuries and damages, from minor cuts and bruises to serious, life-threatening conditions. Some of the most common injuries and damages associated with rideshare vehicle accidents include:

Whiplash

Whiplash is a type of neck injury that occurs when the head is thrown forward and then back in a quick, forceful motion, resulting in strain on the muscles and ligaments of the neck. The Mayo Clinic cites car accidents are a common cause of whiplash. Additionally, this bodily injury can occur even when a car is driving 10 mph.

Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs)

TBIs occur when the brain is subjected to sudden impact or force, resulting in damage to the brain tissue. A TBI can range from mild concussions to more severe ones resulting in permanent brain damage.

Broken bones

Car accidents can also result in broken bones, which are painful and require significant medical treatment. For example, a ridesharing car accident involving an Uber passenger may suffer a broken arm or leg if the vehicle gets struck from the side or rear.

Soft tissue injuries:

Soft tissue injuries damage the body's muscles, tendons, and ligaments. These injuries can be challenging to diagnose and treat, but can be painful and long-lasting. For example, a Uber or Lyft passenger may suffer a torn rotator cuff if the vehicle is involved in a side-impact collision.

Property damage

Rideshare vehicle accidents can also result in significant property damage, including damage to the vehicle itself and any personal belongings at the time of the accident, such as cracked laptops, dented luggage, or damaged jewelry.

What Causes Most Rideshare Accidents?

Distracted driving

A distracted Uber or Lyft driver is one of the leading causes of rideshare accidents. This can include texting, talking on the phone, eating, or using a GPS device while driving. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), in 2019, 424,000 people were injured and over 3,100 people were killed due to crashes involving a distracted Uber or Lyft driver in the US.

Reckless driving

Reckless driving is a type of driving behavior characterized by a disregard for the safety of oneself and others on the road. Examples include:

• Speeding
• Tailgating
• Failing to yield the right of way
• Running red lights or stop signs
• Passing in a no-passing zone
• Driving while under the influence

Driver Fatigue

Driver fatigue can be a major problem for rideshare drivers who work long hours without taking proper breaks. Fatigued Uber and Lyft drivers are more prone to making mistakes or falling asleep at the wheel, leading to serious accidents.

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), there were a total of 4,111 fatalities that involved drowsy driving between 2013 and 2017.

What To Do After a Lyft or Uber Accident in Boston

When you are involved in a Lyft or Uber accident in Boston, there are several steps you should take to protect yourself and ensure that you receive the proper medical care and compensation for your injuries and damages. Here are three main actions you should take:

Seek Medical Treatment

The first and most crucial step is to seek medical attention for any injuries sustained in the Uber or Lyft accident, no matter how minor they may seem. This includes calling 911 or going to the emergency room, depending on the severity of the injuries.

Hold on to your medical records and bills related to the accident. They provide evidence of the injuries sustained and the treatment you received. This paperwork can help demonstrate the extent of the injuries, the impact on your daily life, and the cost of medical care.

Report the Accident

File a report with the police as soon as possible. Key information the document provides includes:

• Date, time, and location of the accident
• Description of the accident, including the direction of travel and the vehicles involved
• Diagrams or photos of the accident scene and damages to the vehicle
• Police officer's observations and opinions on the cause of the accident
• Any injuries sustained by Uber and Lyft drivers or passengers.

Contact an Uber and Lyft Accident Attorney

An experienced attorney is essential to safeguard your rights and ensure fair compensation. They can handle communication with Uber, Lyft, and insurance companies, leaving you to focus on recovery. Our Boston Uber and Lyft injury lawyers operate on a contingency fee basis, meaning you pay nothing out of pocket, and we only get paid if we win your case.

Can You Sue After a Uber or Lyft Car Accident?

You can file a lawsuit after an Uber or Lyft car accident, and there are several reasons why you may consider this option. The primary reason is to seek compensation for medical expenses, lost income, and other damages resulting from the accident.

If you're involved in an Uber car accident in Boston, you may be entitled to compensation for your injuries and other damages. The payment you can receive will depend on several factors, including who was at fault for the collision, the Uber driver's car insurance coverage, and the rideshare company's commercial liability insurance policy.

The insurance coverage available will depend on who was at fault for the accident. If the Uber driver was at fault, their personal car insurance policy would likely cover the first $20,000 in damages, with any additional damages covered by the rideshare company's commercial liability insurance policy.

Under Massachusetts law, rideshare companies must have liability insurance coverage. Uber and Lyft have insurance policies that cover up to $1 million for any harm caused to someone else's property or person in an accident. These companies also have insurance coverage that protects passengers if the liable party does not have enough insurance to cover their losses, with third-party liability coverage up to $1 million per car accident.

Compensation also depends on the policy coverage limits. For example, if the damages exceed Uber’s $1 million liability insurance coverage limit, you may need to file a lawsuit to recover additional compensation.

What Do Boston Rideshare Accident Injury Lawyers Do?

Boston rideshare accident injury lawyers provide various legal services to help victims of Uber or Lyft accidents receive fair compensation for their injuries and damages. Here are three primary services a rideshare lawyer offers to help someone win a case:

Legal representation – An experienced rideshare accident lawyer will provide legal representation to victims of Uber or Lyft accidents. They gather evidence, investigate the accident, obtain witness statements, review the police report, analyze Uber or Lyft app data, and build a solid case to demonstrate fault and liability. They will also handle communication with insurance companies and other parties involved in the accident on behalf of their clients.

Negotiation and settlement – In many cases, an attorney can resolve an Uber or Lyft accident case through negotiation with the insurance company or the rideshare company. An experienced lawyer can often work out a settlement on behalf of their client, ensuring maximum compensation. If the insurance company refuses to settle for a fair amount, the attorney can proceed to trial.

Knowledge and experience – Uber and Lyft cases often involve complex legal and regulatory issues related to technology, data privacy, and labor laws. Personal injury lawyers must stay updated on the latest developments in these areas to provide the best legal representation to their clients.

Lawyers handling Uber and Lyft cases may face unique or challenging aspects compared to other personal injury cases. One of the challenges with rideshare vehicles is determining who is liable for the accident, as it may involve the driver, the rideshare company, or other parties. Rideshare companies may argue that their Uber and Lyft drivers are independent contractors, which can complicate the determination of liability.

Overall, lawyers handling cases involving Boston Uber or Lyft accidents must deeply understand the industry, the technology, and the legal and regulatory landscape to obtain the best possible outcome for their clients.

How to Find the Best Uber & Lyft Accident Lawyer

If you've been involved in an accident using a ridesharing service like Uber or Lyft, you'll need a qualified lawyer to represent you. But how do you find the best Boston Uber and Lyft accident lawyer for your case? Here are three suggestions to help you in your search:

Look for a lawyer with experience in Uber and Lyft accidents.

If you're looking for a capable Boston Uber & Lyft accident lawyer, aim for someone specializing in this legal area. Uber accidents and Lyft accidents are intricate because they involve various parties. A seasoned lawyer in this field can adeptly handle the legal terrain and secure the optimal result.

Check the lawyer's credentials and reputation.

A rideshare accident attorney's reputation and credentials should be considered when seeking legal representation. When selecting an attorney, confirm that they possess a valid law license in Massachusetts and have a good reputation in the legal community.

You can check their credentials on Massachusetts Bar Association's website or other legal directories. On the site, you can view records of disciplinary actions taken against any lawyer.

Schedule a free consultation and ask questions.

A consultation with a personal injury attorney allows you to ask them questions, which helps you determine if they are a good fit for your case.

During the free consultation, you can inquire about their success rate in handling rideshare accident cases, fee arrangements, case strategy, and other concerns. This will allow you to gauge whether the lawyer meets your requirements and objectives.

With these three recommendations, you can secure the services of a competent and proficient lawyer specializing in Boston Uber and Lyft accidents. They will advocate for your case and ensure you receive the appropriate financial relief.

Remember, the right lawyer can make all the difference in the outcome of your Uber or Lyft accident claim, so do your research and choose wisely.

Get Justice for Your Rideshare Case

Perhaps you were in the backseat of a Boston Uber or Lyft, enjoying the scenery of beautiful Boston. Suddenly, another driver runs a red light and crashes into your ride. You're in shock, your body is shaking, and your head is throbbing. The ambulance arrives, and you're whisked away to the hospital, where you spend the next few days recovering from your injuries.

The medical bills start mounting, and you can't return to work anytime soon due to your injuries. You're struggling to make ends meet and unsure how you'll get back on your feet. You don't know where to turn.

That's where Rubenstein Law comes in. We have over 25 years of experience in personal injury law. We strive to ensure Uber or Lyft accident victims obtain the compensation and justice they deserve.

We will only charge you legal fees if we win your Uber or Lyft accident claim, so contact us now for a free case evaluation. You deserve the best legal representation. Choose Rubenstein Law to get the best possible outcome for your situation.