Ridesharing services like Uber and Lyft have become an essential part of transportation in Minneapolis. However, with the rise of these services comes an increased risk of accidents involving rideshare vehicles. When accidents happen, they can leave passengers and drivers with serious injuries.
Our Minneapolis rideshare accident lawyer at Nelson Personal Injury, LLC, is ready to help you understand your rights and recover the compensation you deserve. Whether you were a passenger, driver, or other party involved in the accident, we support you every step of the way.
A Results-Driven Law Firm That Helps Victims
Being involved in a rideshare accident can be overwhelming, especially when dealing with medical expenses, lost wages, and the emotional impact of the incident. We understand that victims carry a heavy financial burden after these accidents, and our goal is to ease that burden by providing strong legal representation.
At Nelson Personal Injury, LLC, we follow a straightforward process to help you get the compensation you need:
Step 1: Schedule a Free Consultation
We begin by offering a free consultation to discuss the details of your accident. This allows you to share your story and how the accident has affected your life. We listen carefully and provide advice on the best way to move forward.
Step 2: Create a Personalized Legal Plan
Every rideshare accident is unique, so we develop a personalized plan for each case. Our Minneapolis rideshare accident attorney will work closely with you to build a case that fits your specific situation and needs. This approach allows us to tailor our strategy to maximize your chances of a favorable outcome.
Step 3: Focus on Recovery
After an accident, your primary concern should be healing. While you focus on your recovery, we handle all the legal work. Our Minneapolis car accident lawyer will handle communication with insurance companies, gather evidence, and negotiate settlements on your behalf, ensuring that you receive fair compensation.
If you’ve been in a rideshare accident, don’t wait to get legal help. The sooner you reach out to a car accident attorney in Minneapolis, the better your chances of achieving a positive result.
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What Are the Primary Factors That Cause Rideshare Accidents?
Like any other form of transportation, rideshare accidents can be caused by various factors. Some of these causes are specific to ridesharing, so understanding the risks involved when using Uber or Lyft is important.
Fatigue from Long Hours
Many rideshare drivers work long hours to maximize their earnings. This can lead to fatigue, which reduces reaction times and impairs decision-making. Fatigued driving is a significant factor in many rideshare accidents in Minneapolis.
Inexperience
Unlike traditional taxi drivers, many rideshare drivers do not receive formal training. This lack of experience can make it harder for drivers to handle difficult driving conditions, emergencies, or high-stress situations, increasing the likelihood of accidents.
Traffic Violations
To increase their earnings, some rideshare drivers may engage in risky driving behaviors like speeding, running red lights, or making unsafe lane changes. These traffic violations can lead to dangerous accidents, putting passengers and other drivers at risk.
Poor Vehicle Maintenance
Rideshare drivers are responsible for maintaining their own vehicles. Some may skip necessary maintenance due to time or cost, which can result in mechanical failures such as brake issues or tire blowouts. In some cases, rideshare vehicles may lack advanced safety features like automatic emergency braking (AEB) or backup cameras, further increasing the risk of accidents.
Distracted Driving
Rideshare drivers rely heavily on mobile apps to navigate and accept rides. Constant interaction with these apps can be distracting, taking the driver’s focus off the road. In addition, engaging with passengers, answering questions, or dealing with disputes can further contribute to distracted driving.
Environmental and Road Factors
Bad weather conditions, such as snow, rain, or fog, can make driving more dangerous. Additionally, poor road conditions like potholes, uneven surfaces, or construction zones can increase the risk of accidents. Minneapolis roads, especially during the winter, can be particularly hazardous for rideshare drivers and passengers.
Impaired Driving
While rideshare services provide an alternative to driving under the influence, some drivers may still engage in risky behavior by driving under the influence of alcohol, drugs, or medication. This can impair their ability to operate a vehicle safely.
Technology Issues
GPS and navigation systems can sometimes provide inaccurate directions, causing drivers to make sudden stops or unsafe maneuvers. Technical glitches in the rideshare app may also lead to confusion, contributing to accidents.
External Factors
Other drivers on the road, pedestrians, and cyclists can all impact the safety of a rideshare trip. Sudden stops, illegal maneuvers, or unexpected actions from others on the road can result in accidents involving rideshare vehicles.
What Are the Typical Rideshare Accident Injuries?
Rideshare accidents can cause a wide range of injuries, some of which can have long-lasting effects. Here are some of the most common injuries sustained in Minneapolis rideshare accidents:
- Whiplash: A common neck injury caused by the sudden back-and-forth movement of the head during an accident.
- Fractures: Broken bones, including arms, legs, and ribs, are common in high-impact crashes.
- Head Injuries: Concussions and traumatic brain injuries can occur if the head is struck during the accident.
- Back and Spinal Cord Injuries: These can range from mild back pain to severe spinal cord injuries that result in paralysis.
- Soft Tissue Injuries: Sprains, strains, and torn ligaments are common in car accidents.
- Chest Injuries: Impact with the steering wheel or dashboard can cause bruising or fractures in the chest area.
- Lacerations and Abrasions: Cuts and scrapes from broken glass or impact with vehicle surfaces.
- Psychological Injuries: Anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) are common after traumatic accidents.
- Internal Injuries: Damage to internal organs may not be immediately apparent but can be life-threatening.
- Burns: If a vehicle catches fire or there’s an explosion, burn injuries can occur.
If you’ve been injured in a rideshare accident, it’s essential to seek medical attention right away and reach out to a Minneapolis auto collision lawyer to determine if you’re eligible for compensation.
What Steps to Take After Being Involved in an Uber or Lyft Accident?
If you’ve been in an Uber or Lyft accident, knowing what to do immediately afterward is crucial for protecting your rights:
- Ensure Safety: Assess yourself and those around you for any injuries, and if it’s safe to do so, relocate to a secure area.
- Call 911: Report the rideshare crash to the police and request medical assistance for any injuries.
- Gather Information: Collect the driver’s information, including their insurance details, license plate number, and the rideshare company they work for. If there are witnesses, get their contact information as well.
- Take Photos: Document the crash scene, vehicle damage, injuries, and road conditions with photos.
- Report to the Rideshare Company: Use the phone app to report the collision to Uber or Lyft.
- Contact a Minneapolis Car Accident Lawyer: Speak with a Minneapolis Lyft or Uber accident attorney to ensure you understand your legal rights and options.
Why Does the No-Fault Law Matter in Rideshare Car Accidents?
Minnesota operates under a no-fault insurance system, which means that each driver’s insurance covers their own medical expenses and lost wages, regardless of who was at fault. This system applies to rideshare accidents as well.
Personal Injury Protection (PIP) Coverage
For passengers in rideshare vehicles, your auto insurance policy’s Personal Injury Protection (PIP) coverage will typically be the first to cover your medical expenses. If you don’t have auto insurance, the rideshare company’s insurance will provide coverage. For rideshare drivers, the rideshare company’s insurance may step in once their personal policy’s coverage limits are reached, depending on the circumstances.
A car crash lawyer in Minneapolis can help you understand how the no-fault system works and ensure you receive the appropriate compensation for your injuries.
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How to Pursue a Wrongful Death Case in Minneapolis
Losing a loved one in a rideshare accident is a devastating experience. In Minnesota, families can seek justice by filing a wrongful death claim. Here’s how the process works:
- Who Can File: The personal representative of the deceased’s estate, often a spouse, parent, or child, can file the claim on behalf of the surviving family members.
- Types of Compensation: A wrongful death claim can seek compensation for any resulting medical costs leading up to the passing of your loved one and the resulting funeral and burial costs, as well as other losses and expenses.
- Statute of Limitations: In Minnesota, you have three years from the date of death to file a wrongful death claim. It’s important to act quickly to protect your rights.
Who Can You Sue in an Uber or Lyft Lawsuit?
When you’re involved in a rideshare accident, multiple parties may be responsible for your injuries. Potential parties you can sue in a Minneapolis rideshare accident include:
- The Rideshare Driver
- The Rideshare Company (Uber or Lyft)
- Other Drivers Involved
- Vehicle Manufacturers
- Government Entities Responsible for Road Maintenance
An Uber accident lawyer in Minneapolis will help you determine who is at fault and fight to hold them accountable.
Let Us Help Settle Your Rideshare Claim
A rideshare accident can turn your life upside down. If you’re struggling with the aftermath of an accident, our Minneapolis rideshare accident lawyers at Nelson Personal Injury, LLC are here to help. Contact us today for a free consultation and let us fight for the compensation you deserve.
