fbpx

If you suffered injuries in a Tennessee car accident while riding in a rideshare such as Uber, Lyft, or taxi, you might be able to file an insurance claim to recover compensation for the damages you suffered in the crash. You can expect this settlement to cover your medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other related losses.

However, the insurance company responsible for your damages will depend on the circumstances of your crash. At the Law Offices of Ogle, Elrod & Baril, PLLC, we can help you make a claim if your Uber, Lyft, or taxi driver was in a car accident. Call 865-546-1111 today for a free consultation with a car accident lawyer.

What Should I Do First Before Filing a Claim?

Get the same type of information that you would if you were driving your own personal car. Be sure to exchange contact and insurance information with your rideshare driver or taxi cab driver. Taxi cab drivers may give you a business card and refer you to their company for commercial insurance information.

Photographs are helpful to your attorney when they pursue your claim. If you are physically able, take pictures of your injuries and the crash scene—or ask someone else to take photos.

Get contact information for eyewitnesses who are willing to make a statement about the accident. You should also get the police report for your car accident. Write down as many details about the crash as you can remember.

Do I File a Claim Against the Driver or the Driver’s Company?

Before you can file a claim, you must determine who to hold liable for your injuries. The liable party depends on the exact situation of your accident.

If You Were in a Rideshare Accident

State law requires Uber and Lyft to carry a minimum of $1 million in liability insurance coverage. When an Uber or Lyft driver causes a crash, the rideshare company’s auto insurance should pay for the bodily injuries, death, and property damage of passengers or other parties involved in the accident.

It is important to note that this $1-million policy only applies when a rideshare driver is logged into the app and is engaged in a ride. If the driver did not have a passenger at the time of your crash, you may need to file a claim with a different insurance provider. Our Uber and Lyft accident lawyers can help you determine which insurer is liable for your losses.

If You Were in a Taxi Crash

If your taxi driver caused a crash, and you suffered injuries, you can file a claim against the taxi cab company’s commercial auto insurance policy. Taxi cabs companies must follow state regulations. This means these companies must have a license to operate and must carry liability insurance that protects passengers in the event of a wreck.

Before filing a claim, speak to one of our taxi cab accident lawyers. We can offer you legal guidance about this complex matter.

What If Another Driver Was at Fault for the Accident?

You can file a third-party insurance claim with the at-fault driver’s auto insurance company. This insurance company will pay your medical bills or any other damages you suffered.

If the at-fault driver did not have auto insurance, the rideshare or taxi cab companies’ uninsured motorist policy should cover your damages. If the driver did not have enough insurance to cover your damages, the rideshare or taxi company’s underinsured motorist coverage should take care of your remaining expenses. Our attorneys can help you file an uninsured or underinsured motorist claim.

What If the Other Motorist Blames the Taxi or Rideshare Driver for the Wreck?

Disputes over fault are common; not just among rideshare or taxi cab drivers. If the involved parties disagree on who caused your crash, the insurance company could put your claim on hold until it can identify the at-fault driver and determine how the crash happened. In this situation, it can get tricky for passengers to recover damages from their losses from the accident.

If you speak with us about your accident, our law firm can preserve your rights throughout the claims process. We can also investigate the accident to determine liability and collect evidence to prove who caused your crash. For instance, if a taxi driver caused your wreck, we can a letter to the transportation company asking that it preserves all documents related to your accident. This could include employment history information on the driver, dash cam footage, and any prior traffic violations.  

We would also file an insurance claim on your behalf and negotiate a fair settlement with the insurance company. You will not have to deal with a confusing insurance situation and risk losing compensation for your damages.

How Can I Get Legal Help With My Claim?

If you have questions about an accident involving a rideshare vehicle or a taxi, call the Law Offices of Ogle, Elrod & Baril, PLLC, at 865-546-1111 today. We offer complimentary case evaluations to car crash victims.

Get In Touch