Rideshare services like Uber and Lyft have transformed the way people travel in Hartford. However, they’ve also introduced new risks. When accidents involve a rideshare vehicle, it becomes more complicated than a typical car crash. Multiple drivers may be involved, insurance policies can conflict, and rideshare companies often try to avoid taking responsibility.
If you were injured in this type of crash, speaking with a Hartford rideshare accident lawyer is a smart first step. At Jonathan Perkins Injury Lawyers, we know how to get to the bottom of these complicated cases and seek full compensation on your behalf.
Whether you were hit by a rideshare vehicle or injured as a passenger, a Hartford car accident lawyer from our firm can guide you through your legal options. We’ve recovered more than $500 million for injury victims across Connecticut, and we’re here to fight for your rights.
What Makes Rideshare Accidents So Complicated?
Uber and Lyft drivers aren’t classified as employees. Instead, they operate as independent contractors, which means the companies try to limit their liability when a crash occurs. What’s more, the insurance coverage available depends on what the driver was doing at the time of the accident.
An experienced Hartford Rideshare accident lawyer can help determine which insurance policy applies and who is legally responsible. These distinctions are crucial when negotiating a fair settlement.
Rideshare coverage generally falls into three categories:
- Driver is off the app: Only the driver’s personal auto insurance applies.
- Driver is on the app but has no passenger: Limited liability coverage from Uber or Lyft may be available.
- Driver is on the app and has a passenger in the car: Uber and Lyft provide up to $1 million in liability coverage.
The sooner you contact a lawyer, the sooner we can start investigating and preserving key evidence about what phase the driver was in during the crash.
Who Can File a Rideshare Accident Claim?
Rideshare-related accidents can impact a wide range of people. You may be eligible to file a claim even if you weren’t the passenger in an Uber or Lyft vehicle.
Eligible claimants often include:
- Rideshare passengers who are injured during a ride
- Other motorists hit by a rideshare driver
- Pedestrians or cyclists struck by a rideshare vehicle
- Rideshare drivers harmed due to another driver’s negligence
Each case has its own unique facts, but time is always going to be a critical factor. A Hartford rideshare accident attorney who gathers evidence early can strengthen your claim and improve your chances of recovering full compensation.
Why Do Rideshare Accidents Happen?
While every car crash is different, rideshare accidents are often linked to the demands placed on drivers. These drivers are expected to navigate unfamiliar areas, respond quickly to trip requests, and spend long hours on the road—all of which can increase the risks of a collision.
Common causes of rideshare accidents include:
- Distracted driving from using navigation apps or managing ride requests
- Driver fatigue from working extended hours without adequate rest
- Reckless driving, including speeding to reach a destination faster
- Unsafe pickup or drop–off points like intersections or no-parking zones
- Failure to follow traffic laws, such as running lights or improper lane changes
When one of these factors plays a role in your injury, our team will investigate thoroughly to build a strong case on your behalf.
What to Do After a Rideshare Crash
Taking the right steps immediately after an accident can help protect both your health and your legal case. Even if you feel okay at the moment, it’s important to document everything and speak with a lawyer as soon as possible.
Here’s what we recommend:
- Call 911 to report the accident and request medical assistance.
- Get medical care even if your injuries seem minor. Some symptoms take time to develop.
- Gather evidence such as photos of the scene, vehicle damage, and your injuries.
- Collect information from all drivers, passengers, and any witnesses.
- Report the crash through the rideshare app, whether Uber or Lyft.
- Speak with a lawyer to make sure your rights are protected from the start.
Insurance companies move fast to minimize payouts. By getting legal representation from our Hartford rideshare accident attorneys, you level the playing field.
What Damages Can a Rideshare Accident Attorney in Hartford Help You Recover?
If someone else’s negligence caused your injuries, you have the right to seek compensation. A successful claim can help cover the physical, emotional, and financial impact of the crash.
Compensation may include:
- Medical expenses, including emergency care, surgery, rehabilitation, and follow-up treatment
- Lost wages from time off work or a reduced ability to earn income in the future
- Pain and suffering for the emotional and physical toll of the accident
- Property damage if your vehicle or belongings were damaged in the crash
- Wrongful death damages if a loved one was tragically killed in a rideshare-related crash
At Jonathan Perkins Injury Lawyers, we take the time to understand how your injuries have affected your life and will fight for full compensation.
Talk to a Hartford Rideshare Accident Lawyer Today
When rideshare companies and insurance carriers try to complicate the process, we cut through the noise. A Hartford rideshare accident lawyer from our team will work to uncover the facts, prove liability, and hold the responsible party accountable.
Let Jonathan Perkins Injury Lawyers take on the legal burden while you focus on recovery. With a proven track record and deep experience in rideshare injury cases, we’re ready to stand with you and help you move forward.
