By now, most of us have used a transportation network company (TNC) at some point. Indeed, TNCs like Lyft or Uber have become a regular part of our lives. As TNCs become more popular, so does the chance of being in a rideshare accident. If you suffered injuries in a crash involving a TNC driver’s vehicle – whether as a passenger, pedestrian, or another driver – you might be entitled to compensation through an insurance claim or a personal injury lawsuit.
Our Little Rock ridesharing accident attorney is prepared to help you pursue the compensation you deserve. Whether you were injured by a rideshare driver or a third-party driver, attorney Tim Reed will help you understand your legal options. He advocates tirelessly for his clients to obtain all the compensation they deserve for their past and future medical expenses, property damage, pain and suffering, and more. Contact the Reed Firm today to schedule a free car crash case evaluation.
Determining Liability for the Rideshare Accident
The first step in recovering compensation involves determining which party or parties are at fault for the accident and your injuries. If you were a passenger using a rideshare service, your rideshare driver could be the negligent driver who caused the accident. It may be that a third-party driver caused the accident. Or your TNC driver and another driver may share responsibility for the crash.
The best way to determine who is liable for your injuries and develop an effective strategy to recover compensation is to speak to an attorney as soon as possible. Your case could be complicated, particularly with respect to the available insurance, so don’t make the mistake of thinking you can handle it yourself. You will need a skilled, rideshare attorney on your side if you want to achieve the best possible outcome.
Understanding TNC Insurance Requirements
Under Arkansas law, either the TNC driver must carry the required amount of insurance on his or her personal policy, or the TNC must carry the required amount of insurance on the driver’s behalf. Note, though, that TNC drivers are individuals just like you and me, and they usually use their personal vehicles to provide rides. That means that a TNC driver’s insurance company has to be willing to cover these types of accidents, and usually they don’t.
If the TNC driver’s insurance company won’t cover your losses, then the TNC’s insurance company will. But, the amount of coverage available will depend on what the TNC driver was doing at the time of the accident.
Does it Matter if the TNC Driver is Logged On?
If the TNC driver is logged on to the TNC’s digital network and is available to receive transportation requests but is not engaged in a prearranged ride, then the following minimum coverages may be available:
- $50,000 for death and bodily injury per person
- $100,000 for death and bodily injury per incident (two or more injured people)
- $25,000 for property damage
You are likely to encounter these types of situations when the TNC driver is logged on and available to offer rides but hasn’t received a request for a ride. If the TNC driver is logged on and has accepted a request for a ride, the amount of coverage available is different, beginning the moment the TNC driver accepts the request via the digital network.
Does it Matter if the TNC Driver is Actually Giving Someone a Ride?
Once a TNC driver has accepted a ride request through the app, then the amount of insurance coverage available changes drastically, even if the TNC driver has not yet picked up the rider. Once the TNC driver accepts a request for a ride, the driver is considered to be on a “prearranged ride,” in which case the following minimum coverages may be available:
- $1,000,000 for death
- $1,000,000 for bodily injury
- $1,000,000 for property damage
Obviously, it matters a great deal what the TNC driver is doing at the time of the accident. Thankfully, the TNC’s insurance company and the driver’s insurance company are required by law to cooperate in accident investigations to determine which policy might apply to a given situation.
Compensation Available in a Rideshare Accident Lawsuit
As with all personal injury cases, victims are entitled to a number of different damages. “Damages” is a legal term that includes economic losses like medical bills and lost wages. Non-economic losses like pain, suffering, and mental anguish; the nature of the injuries themselves; permanency of any injuries; and scars and disfigurement are also damages recognized under Arkansas law.
In these cases, regardless of the severity of your injuries, the best thing you can do is discuss your case with a rideshare attorney who understands how to pursue your claim and maximize your recovery. That’s the best way to ensure the greatest possible outcome.
How Much Time Do I Have to File a Claim?
In Arkansas, victims of personal injury accidents only have three years to file a personal injury lawsuit. This time limit is called the statute of limitations. If you wait too long, you will lose the opportunity to thoroughly investigate the accident, gather evidence, and prepare a personal injury lawsuit. The sooner you talk to an attorney, the better.
Contact a Little Rock Rideshare Accident Attorney
Have you suffered serious injuries, extensive medical bills, loss of income, and pain and suffering at the hands of a rideshare driver? If so, you need an experienced attorney on your side. Attorney Tim Reed is focused on helping rideshare accident victims obtain the justice they deserve. He will pursue the maximum damages available and keep you informed of your options every step of the way. Contact our office today to schedule a free consultation.