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Although rideshares market themselves as a “safe alternative” to driving yourself, rideshare drivers for companies like Uber and Lyft continue to cause accidents. If you’ve been involved in a collision, you may be wondering about your legal options after a New Haven rideshare accident. If you have questions beyond what’s addressed below, reach out to an experienced New Haven rideshare accident attorney for additional information.
After an accident, your legal options are likely determined by the driver’s app status now of impact, as well as Connecticut’s comparative negligence laws. It’s worth speaking with a lawyer about your compensation options, which include:
You can file an insurance claim to cover your damages related to your accident, and the compensation that is available to you depends on the driver’s status at the time of impact:
If you find that the compensation you receive through your insurance claim is insufficient to cover your damages, you can consider filing a personal injury claim. It’s worth speaking with an attorney about filing a case in the Connecticut Superior Court. Although drivers are typically independent contractors, their employer can sometimes be responsible for their actions if they were negligent in their hiring or screening of drivers.
Under Connecticut law, you can recover for your losses as long as you are not more than 50% at fault for the crash, though your recovery will be reduced by your percentage of blame. Reach out to an experienced personal injury lawyer for additional information.
In just one recent year, 2.44 million people were hurt in car collisions. Also, distracted drivers claimed the lives of 3,275 individuals. As a consequence, 2024’s average liability claim was $28,278 per accident.
Notably, one-third of all rideshare drivers self-report having been involved in a past crash. Additionally, the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) reports that rideshare services carry a 4.6 percent increased crash risk for passengers.
These figures mean that you’re not alone and your accident wasn’t an isolated incident. It’s part of a systemic problem for drivers and their rideshare companies. While these companies market themselves as a “safe alternative” to driving, the reality is often much different.
Drivers are frequently exhausted, distracted by their devices, and forced to navigate city traffic under pressure. Despite these known risks, many rideshare companies use lackluster vetting and training procedures that fail to account for passenger safety.
When a crash occurs, identifying the responsible party becomes complicated. Liability often hinges on figuring out the driver’s app status at the time of impact. This is nearly impossible without the help of an attorney. Hire an attorney who routinely battles these large companies to gain an advocate who can hold the correct parties accountable. Plus, they can make sure you get the most compensation possible for your accident.
Our firm has extensive experience helping victims of rideshare accidents. We know from drugged or drunk driving. We know driver negligence takes many forms. Whether a driver was lost or lacked the experience to avoid a collision, these choices have consequences. Our attorneys hold rideshare drivers accountable. We are dedicated to helping our New Haven neighbors get the compensation they deserve after a careless driver caused a crash.
With a successful claim, you may be entitled to receive compensation for your medical expenses for care at facilities like Yale New Haven Hospital. You may also receive money for your time away from work, and your future lost earning capacity. You might also receive compensation for your pain, suffering, and emotional trauma. Contact a lawyer to further discuss your available compensation for a rideshare accident claim.
While you don’t have to hire an attorney to file an insurance claim in Connecticut, most people find having an attorney by their side through the filing process provides peace of mind. When you hire a lawyer, they can answer any questions you may have and make sure what you file is accurate and filed on time. Filing against rideshare companies can be challenging because of the layers of complex insurance policies. Having a lawyer can make the entire process easier.
Rideshare accidents usually happen because of careless driving, distracted driving, speeding, and aggressive driving. Drivers may be navigating new areas while distracted by traffic or their GPS. They may be under the influence of alcohol or drugs, and they may be tired. Accidents happen for many reasons, and pinpointing the exact cause of an accident is important. Hire an attorney after an accident so they can identify every responsible party and make sure you’re positioned for a full recovery.
You cannot file a personal injury claim after four years. In Connecticut, the deadline for most personal injury cases, including a rideshare accident case, is two years from the date the injury happened, according to Connecticut General Statute § 52-584. If you file after this deadline, your case will be automatically dismissed, and you won’t be able to recover any compensation.
At Loughlin FitzGerald, P.C., we’re ready to discuss your available rideshare accident options. From Dwight to Amity, we’re here to listen to you and provide dedicated legal support. Contact us to schedule a free, no-risk initial consultation with an experienced attorney. Let us use our knowledge and experience to help you pursue the damages you may be entitled to.