Rideshares like Lyft employ an army of drivers who take to Idaho roads and highways all day long. Each ride request puts another car on the street and, unfortunately, those additional drivers all rushing from here to there definitely adds to the accident risks for other motorists on the road.
Help for Rideshare Accident Victims in Coeur d’Alene
Whether you are just getting into town or you’ve lived in Kootenai County your whole life, rideshare companies owe you a safe journey on local roads. Companies like Uber and Lyft make their money off of our visitors and residents and they shouldn’t be allowed to dodge responsibility when their drivers cause collisions.
If you’ve been injured after a careless mistake by a rideshare driver, contact CCD Law of Spokane and Idaho. Our attorneys have experience in holding drivers and their companies liable for the pain and suffering of their victims. Let us examine your case to determine just who should be responsible for helping you make a full recovery from your injuries.
Distracted Rideshare Drivers in Coeur d’Alene
The beauty of Idaho’s mountains, lakes, and streams can be enough of a distraction for local drivers, but rideshare workers have much more to deal with as they navigate their daily tasks.
The pick-ups and drop-offs that pay their bills all utilize the biggest distraction for any driver, the cellphone. A glance down at a new customer request or a map can allow a car to veer onto a curb, across a double yellow line, or into the lane you’re currently in.
The dangers of distraction are seen in yearly accident statistics across the nation. Idaho’s Office of Highway Safety found that in 2017, distracted driving was a factor in 19% of motor vehicle crashes in the state, costing us 39 lives. Those tragic numbers are likely underreported too. Drivers do not always admit when a distraction caused them to make an unsafe maneuver.
Uber drivers have the distractions that can tempt any driver, but then also have the attention-stealers that are built into their work. These are just some of the work duties that can pull a rideshare drivers attention from the road:
- Working for more than one rideshare – As if the first job wasn’t enough distraction, many rideshare drivers work for both Uber and Lyft. They switch between the two apps all day long, hoping to double their ride requests, but also doubling the distraction while behind the wheel.
- Pleasing the Customer – The desire to get a good driver rating can make a Lyft driver make some careless decisions. Speeding. Stopping in ill-advised spots. The customer can also provide the distraction with conversation or complaints while the car is in motion.
- Driver emotional and physical state – We’ve all had bad days at work, but a rideshare driver is on the job and at the wheel. They may be suffering from too little sleep. They may be distracted by relationship or family issues. A driver may just have worked too many hours in a row.
Rideshare Companies and Accident Insurance
Professional drivers can represent national companies as they drive, but in the event of an accident, those companies may seemingly fade into the background to let their drivers bear the brunt of responsibility. That’s bad news if you’re a victim in an accident caused by a rideshare driver.
Rideshare companies require their drivers to carry their own car insurance. The problem comes when the insurance companies find out their drivers were on-the-clock when an accident happened. Many companies will deny claims in these cases, leaving any victims high-and-dry.
Both Lyft and Uber provide some insurance coverage to their drivers, but it only applies in certain situations. They don’t cover drivers who aren’t logged into the Lyft or Uber app at the time of a collision.
For more on the coverage rideshare companies provide check out these links:
These are a few of the rideshare companies our attorneys have taken on in personal injury cases. If you are injured in an accident involving any rideshare driver’s negligence please talk to an attorney with CCD Law about your options.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I get a police report in Coeur d’Alene?
Crash reports are one of the most important pieces of evidence you’ll have in your case against a rideshare driver. The investigating officer’s report is usually available on-line. In some cases, you’ll have to visit the department or call them to obtain a copy of the report. You can identify the report you need by knowing the accident report number. You can also locate the report with the names of drivers involved, a badge number for the officer, the date of the crash, and the street or streets where the accident took place.
What kind of damages can I sue for?
Your claim can demand compensation for all costs seen in the aftermath of an accident. Bills for things like hospital stays, surgery fees, rehabilitation therapy can be covered. Travel costs for every doctor’s appointment can also be compensated. The hours you’ve missed at your place of employment can also be added up and reimbursed. The physical and mental pain you’ve had to cope with can also be factored into an award.
How can I prove a driver was on-the-clock when the accident happened?
Rideshare drivers may decide to conceal that they were working when they caused a crash. Their insurance companies may deny the claim if the fact comes to light. This could turn out bad for you if their insurance doesn’t provide enough coverage to pay for your injuries. You won’t be able to extend your lawsuit to involve a company like Lyft or Uber. Immediately after an accident, it’s important to get visual proof that the driver is on-the-clock. You may notice any signage or logos in their windows. Get photos. Look for passengers who may be in the backseat. Note your suspicions to the investigating officer. An attorney can also check phone records or request the rideshare company’s records to prove what happened.
Contact a Coeur d’Alene Accident Lawyer
In an accident claim involving a rideshare employee, you may end up facing a team of lawyers and insurance agents all working for a nationwide company like Uber. Make sure you don’t face this challenge alone. A local attorney can protect your rights and make sure you get fair compensation for the pain and suffering you’ve experienced.
Established in Spokane in 1948, Crary & Domanico, P.S. is licensed and practices in both Washington and Idaho. If our Coeur d’Alene Delivery Driver Accident Lawyers represent you for your accident case, you have our assurance that we will use our absolute best efforts to win your case. Contact us after any accident resulting in a serious injury for a free, confidential consultation and case evaluation. We will only offer you advice which is in your best interest.
