Bridgeport Lyft & Uber Accident Lawyer

The last thing you expected when using a rideshare app was to be injured in a car accident in Bridgeport, CT on Route 25. But you suddenly find yourself drowning in medical bills and unable to work. To make matters worse, Lyft, Uber, or the other driver’s insurance company is refusing to compensate you for injuries.

That’s when it’s clear you need professional legal representation! A Bridgeport rideshare accident lawyer at the Carter Mario Law Firm will fight to protect your rights and get you the compensation you deserve. Our seasoned legal team has recovered over $1 billion in compensation for car accident victims and will build you a strong case so you can focus on recovering and rebuilding your life.

Our Bridgeport accident lawyers know the financial struggles injured clients face, so our law firm does not charge any upfront legal fees pursuant to our Zero-Fee Warranty. 

Contact us at the Carter Mario Law Firm today to receive a free no-obligation case consultation from a dedicated Lyft and Uber accident attorney in Bridgeport, Connecticut.

Injured in an Uber or Lyft Accident? Our Rideshare Accident Attorneys are Standing by to Help

Dedicated advocates!

If you’ve been injured in a rideshare accident, our award-winning Bridgeport accident attorneys are ready and willing to fight for you and your future. Unlike other personal injury law firms, our rideshare accident lawyers in Bridgeport are not afraid to battle powerful insurance companies in court. Our results, specifically our achievement of securing over $1 billion dollars for our injured clients, speak for themselves! 

Check out the Carter Mario Law Firm 8-Point Guarantee

Eight reasons to trust the Carter Mario Law Firm!

The Carter Mario Law Firm was founded over 30 years ago with the goal of protecting the rights of injured victims in Connecticut. Our 8-Point Guarantee ensures you receive the highest level of legal representation.  Specifically, our attorneys and staff guarantee:

• Immediate Response: We respond promptly to your inquiries and concerns.
• Regular Updates: We will provide you with regular updates on the progress of your case.
• Diligent Investigation: Our team will conduct a thorough investigation to gather crucial evidence.
• Maximum Compensation: We tirelessly pursue the maximum compensation you deserve.
• 24/7 Availability: Reach us any time, day or night, for legal support.
• No Upfront Fees: You only pay when we win your case.
• Personalized Attention: Our attorneys and staff will provide you with the personalized attention you deserve.
• Aggressive Representation: Carter Mario rideshare accident lawyers are not afraid to fight a powerful insurance company to ensure you receive the compensation your injuries deserve.

With our 8-Point Guarantee, you can trust our legal team to guide you through the aftermath of a Bridgeport rideshare accident.

Why You Need a Bridgeport Uber Accident Attorney

Serious injuries require real legal representation!

Instead of doing the right thing, insurance companies often try to bully victims into giving up or accepting minimal settlement offers. An Uber accident attorney in Bridgeport, CT can protect your rights and help you build a strong case against the Uber driver who caused your injuries. 

From dealing with the confusing legal aspects to ensuring your rights are protected, our experienced Uber and Lyft accident lawyers are here to guide you through the aftermath of a motor vehicle accident and help you obtain the compensation you need.

How Common Are Uber Accidents?

Rideshare apps provide drivers with a relatively easy way of earning extra income. However, as Uber drivers get strong financial incentives to complete their rides in a short period of time, they are more likely to drive recklessly. A study by the University of Chicago suggested that rideshare apps may have resulted in an increase in fatal car accidents.

Why do Bridgeport Uber Accidents Happen?

Uber drivers earn more income by providing more rides. Therefore, they are more likely to cut corners while driving. Common causes of Uber collisions include:

• Distracted driving: Drivers looking at their phones instead of the road.
• Speeding: Drivers violating the speed limit in order to reach their destination faster.
• Sudden lane changes: Drivers suddenly switch lanes due to being unfamiliar with the surroundings or driving carelessly
• Failing to yield: Drivers fail to properly yield to passing cars, causing an accident on the main road or highway.
• Disregarding traffic control devices: Drivers disobeying red lights or stop signs.

How Rideshare Companies Work

Rideshare drivers are not direct employees of Uber or Lyft. Instead, they are independent contractors who set their own hours and drive their own routes. While this can make it difficult to hold rideshare companies legally liable, their drivers can still be held accountable if they engage in negligent driving that causes riders to suffer injuries in a serious car accident.

Vehicles Used by Uber & Lyft Drivers Must Be in Good Condition

Rideshare companies are subject to minimal regulations. However, Connecticut law (13b-119) imposes some maintenance regulations on Uber and Lyft. Specifically, these drivers must provide certifications regarding the status of their brakes, steering equipment, windshield, windows, windshield wipers, lights, speedometer, mirror, safety belts, tires, and airbags.

What Should You Do When You Are in an Uber Accident in Bridgeport?

Due to the confusing nature of motor vehicle accidents, victims often make simple mistakes when reporting the details of the accident. Insurance companies routinely exploit these mistakes in order to deny or minimize valid personal injury claims. There are several steps you can take following a Lyft or Uber accident in Bridgeport, CT, to strengthen your personal injury claim.

Seek Medical Attention (if Necessary) and Stay at the Scene of the Accident

Following a car accident in Connecticut , your health should be your top priority. You should seek medical attention immediately after a car accident. If your injuries are not life-threatening, you should remain at the accident scene, contact the police, and report the accident.

Document the Rideshare Accident by Taking Photos and Notes

Insurance companies often deny automobile accidents even after they have occurred. Photos and police reports can quickly and easily defeat this defense. Additionally, this documentation can provide a clear account of the car accident and act as invaluable information when seeking fair compensation for damages.

Seek Statements from Witnesses Who Saw Your Uber Accident

Independent witnesses can offer unbiased testimony regarding how your Uber accidents occurred. Attempt to gather statements from witnesses who observed the accident, as they can provide essential evidence to corroborate your version of events and strengthen your rideshare accident case.

Contact Your Insurance Company and the Rideshare Company

Initiate contact with both your insurance company and the rideshare company involved. Prompt communication is vital to ensure a timely and thorough investigation, facilitating the resolution of your rideshare accident claim. Additionally, you may have personal injury protection (PIP) benefits available from your insurance policy, which can be used to pay your medical expenses and lost wages.

Contact a Bridgeport Rideshare Accident Attorney

If you were injured in a rideshare accident in Bridgeport, CT, you do not have to face the insurance companies alone. The car accident attorneys at the Carter Mario Law Firm can successfully guide you through the personal injury claims process. 

Contact us at Carter Mario Law Firm today, and our Bridgeport Lyft and Uber accident attorneys will begin the process of building your case.

Who Will Pay for Damages in a Rideshare Accident?

The issue of insurance coverage and payment in a rideshare accident depends on the status of the rideshare driver and their app. Under Connecticut state law (13b-120), the following coverage applies:

• Rideshare app off: The driver’s personal insurance policy provides coverage.
• Rideshare app on and the driver is heading to pick up a rider: Lyft or Uber provides insurance coverage in the amount of up to $50,000 per person, $100,000 per claim.
• Rideshare app on and the driver is providing a ride: Lyft or Uber provides insurance coverage in the amount of up to $1 million.

Our seasoned legal team can help you handle insurance coverage and recover rightful compensation in your rideshare accident case.

Who Is at Fault in a Connecticut Rideshare Accident?

Passengers are uniquely situated in personal injury law, as they are blameless in car accidents if they are not driving. However, this means a rideshare passenger must sue the driver of their vehicle, the other vehicle, or both and then allow the issue of fault to be decided at trial.

You Have Limited Time to File an Uber Accident Claim

If you were injured in a rideshare accident in Bridgeport, CT, do not wait to file a car accident claim. Connecticut law (52-584) imposes a two-year statute of limitations on all personal injury claims. You will be permanently barred from pursuing a personal injury claim if you fail to file a lawsuit within two years of your accident.

Damages Available in Bridgeport Rideshare Accidents

Injured victims are entitled to seek financial compensation. Connecticut law (52-572h) allows victims to obtain compensation by claiming economic and non-economic damages. If the at-fault driver’s actions were particularly egregious, Connecticut law (14-295) also allows victims to seek punitive damages.

Compensatory Damages

The injuries from your rideshare accident likely required you to seek extensive medical treatment. An economic damages claim allows you to seek compensation for the cost of your medical treatment. If your injuries prevented you from working, you can also seek compensation for your lost wages.

Non-Compensatory Damages

In addition to financial losses, a non-economic damages claim allows you to seek compensation for your intangible losses. You can receive financial compensation for the physical pain you suffered as a result of your injuries from the accident. You can also receive financial compensation for your mental anguish, emotional distress, and loss of enjoyment of life.

Punitive Damages

A claim for punitive damages is designed to punish a person who engages in intentional or highly reckless conduct. Under Connecticut law, you can seek punitive damages if the at-fault driver was drinking and driving, speeding, or engaging in reckless driving. Your punitive damages are limited to three times the amount of your compensatory damages.

Bridgeport Rideshare Accident FAQs

If you have additional questions, our experienced legal team is ready to assist you.

How do you prove damages in an Uber accident?

Evidence regarding your losses, along with possible expert witness testimony!

Proving your injuries and financial losses requires copies of your medical records and bills. If your injuries caused you to miss work, you will likely need documentation such as sick slips. If your injuries are particularly severe, your case may require testimony from an expert medical witness at trial.

What do I do when my Uber Driver leaves the scene of the accident?

Contact Uber and your insurance company!

If your Uber driver leaves the scene, you should immediately contact the company and report the collision. This will cause Uber to investigate the collision and retain records regarding your ride and the driver’s identity. You should also contact your insurance company, as you may have to pursue an uninsured motorist claim pursuant to Connecticut law (38a-336) if Uber disclaims insurance coverage.

What should I ask my rideshare accident lawyer?

Preparation is key!

Prepare for your consultation with a rideshare accident attorney by understanding the key questions to ask. Specifically, you should ask your personal injury attorney questions regarding the strengths and weaknesses of your case. You should also ask about the steps you can take to increase the strength of your accident claim.

What is the statute of limitations for rideshare accident lawsuits in Bridgeport, CT?

Act fast!

The statute of limitations for rideshare accidents is two years. This two-year time limit begins to run from the date your accident occurred. Timely action is crucial, and understanding the legal timeframe will help you navigate the process effectively.

Are Lyft and Uber drivers trained?

Minimal training!

The requirements to be an Uber or Lyft driver are minimal. Drivers are only required to have a functioning vehicle along with a valid driver’s license. Drivers are disqualified under Connecticut law (14-1(86)) if they have been convicted of certain serious moving violations.

Are there different types of rideshare accidents?

Many types!

Aside from the complex legal issues surrounding employment status and insurance coverage, rideshare accidents are just like any other car accident. Common car accidents include:

• Rear end collisions
• Sideswipe collisions
• Head on collisions
• T-bone collisions
• Pedestrian collisions

No matter the facts of your accident, you can be confident the Bridgeport rideshare accident attorneys at the Carter Mario Law Firm will fight to maximize your compensation.

Does my Uber driver need special insurance for ridesharing?

If the driver had the app on, yes!

Uber drivers are independent contractors, which means they set their own schedules. Uber only provides varying amounts of insurance when the driver has the app on and is working. If the Uber driver is not working and the app is off, they are covered by their own personal insurance policy.

What is ridesharing, and how is it different from a taxi service?

Less regulation and licensing!

Ridesharing involves drivers using their personal vehicles to provide rides to paying customers. Taxis are owned by private companies and driven by paid employees. Unlike taxis, rideshare companies like Uber or Lyft do not require special business licenses such as taxi medallions.

What do I do if I am a Lyft or Uber driver and I’ve just been in an accident?

Document the scene of the collision and contact Lyft or Uber!

Following a car collision, you should contact the police and document the collision. Specifically, you should take photos of the vehicles. Finally, you should contact Lyft or Uber to ensure they investigate and document the collision.

Trust Bridgeport’s Best Rideshare Accident Attorneys

If you were injured in a rideshare accident in Connecticut, you need a top-notch Bridgeport Lyft and Uber accident attorney by your side. Insurance companies know who Carter Mario is and know that our lawyers always fight for the best possible results for your case.

Contact us at the Carter Mario Law Firm today to see how our Uber accident lawyers in Bridgeport, CT can get the rightful compensation you deserve.