A serious rideshare accident can leave you injured, out of work, and unsure of who will cover your medical bills. With over 40 years of combined trial experience and millions of dollars recovered in compensation and settlements, we know what it takes to hold rideshare companies and drivers accountable.
Contact your Waterbury rideshare accident lawyer from The Law Offices of James A. Welcome to speak with your Waterbury car accident lawyer, who will stand up for your rights from the beginning.
How Liability Is Determined in a Waterbury Rideshare Accident
If you were hurt in a crash involving Uber or Lyft, liability depends on several key factors. The most important question is whether the rideshare driver was using the app when the accident happened.
In some cases, our Waterbury personal injury lawyer may be able to hold both the rideshare company and another driver responsible for your injuries.
What Happens When the Rideshare Driver Is at Fault
If your rideshare driver caused the crash, the type of insurance coverage that applies depends on their status in the app. When the driver is actively picking up or transporting a passenger, Uber or Lyft must provide full coverage under Conn. Gen. Stat. § 38a-799.
This includes up to $1 million in third-party liability insurance, which can help cover your medical bills, lost wages, and other damages.
If the driver was waiting for a ride request but had not yet accepted one, a lower level of coverage may apply. In that case, both the driver’s personal insurance and the rideshare company’s limited policy may come into play. We review exactly what the driver was doing at the time of the crash and fight to hold the right parties accountable.
Accidents Involving Other Drivers or Multiple Vehicles
If another driver caused the accident while you were riding in a rideshare, that person’s insurance may be the primary source of compensation.
These situations can quickly become complicated, especially if multiple vehicles are involved. A Waterbury rideshare accident lawyer from our team will review every detail of your case and pursue the full compensation you deserve from every available source.
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Common Causes of Rideshare Accidents in Waterbury
Driving for Uber or Lyft involves constant navigation, high-pressure timing, and frequent distractions. Many drivers work long hours or pick up shifts late at night, which increases the risk of fatigue-related errors.
When you combine that with unpredictable traffic or rushed decisions, accidents become more likely. Frequent causes of rideshare crashes include:
- Distracted driving
- Speeding through intersections
- Fatigue from long shifts or late-night driving
- Sudden U-turns or unsafe lane changes
- Picking up or dropping off passengers in traffic
- Failure to yield to pedestrians or other vehicles
- Driving in rainy or slippery road conditions
- Running yellow or red lights
- Using GPS apps while in motion
- Ignoring construction zone warnings
- Following too closely in stop-and-go traffic
- Getting lost and making last-second turns
Every one of these factors can increase the risk of a serious crash and impact who is found liable. We look at cell phone data, dashcam footage, and traffic reports to build your case. Your Waterbury Uber accident lawyer will use every available detail to hold the right parties accountable.
Insurance Complications After a Waterbury Rideshare Crash
Insurance coverage for rideshare accidents is not as straightforward as it is in other car crashes. Drivers for Uber and Lyft may be covered under both personal and commercial policies, depending on when the accident happened. This overlap often causes confusion, delays, and disputes over which insurer is responsible for paying your claim.
How Uber and Lyft Insurance Works in Connecticut
Rideshare insurance is divided into three distinct phases. If the driver is offline, their personal auto insurance applies. If they are logged into the app but have not accepted a ride, the rideshare company provides limited liability coverage. Once a ride is accepted or a passenger is in the vehicle, full coverage from Uber or Lyft takes effect.
Coverage also varies based on whether you were a rideshare passenger, another driver, or a pedestrian. If you were injured while riding in a rideshare vehicle, the company’s commercial policy may cover your damages.
If you were struck by a rideshare driver who was not yet engaged in a ride, your recovery may depend on their personal insurance or the company’s secondary policy. Conn. Gen. Stat. § 14-112 outlines general liability insurance requirements that may apply to some of these situations.
When Your Claim Is Delayed or Denied by an Insurer
Insurance companies often try to delay or deny claims by citing policy exclusions, disputing whether the driver was using the app, or offering low settlement amounts.
Your Waterbury Lyft accident lawyer will push back by applying state insurance regulations, reviewing app data, and submitting evidence that strengthens your claim. We do not let insurance carriers shift blame or avoid responsibility.
How to Maximize Your Compensation After a Rideshare Accident
If you were injured in a rideshare crash, you may be entitled to compensation for a variety of losses. These may include emergency room bills, follow–up medical care, physical therapy, lost wages, loss of earning capacity, pain and suffering, and damage to your property. You may also recover for future medical needs if your injuries require long-term treatment or rehabilitation.
To recover fair compensation, you must prove that someone else was at fault, that your losses were documented, and that coverage was available under the right policy if there is any dispute about who caused the crash, Conn. Gen. Stat. § 52-572h allows for shared fault to be considered in your claim.
Your Waterbury rideshare accident attorney with The Law Offices of James A. Welcome will build a detailed claim using medical records, income statements, and expert evaluations to maximize your recovery. We prepare every case with the full picture of your financial and physical losses.
Request Help From a Rideshare Accident Lawyer in Waterbury Today
You should not be left dealing with the aftermath of a rideshare accident on your own. Your rideshare accident attorney in Waterbury with The Law Offices of James A. Welcome will build a strong claim, communicate with the insurance companies, and push for the full compensation you deserve.
Submit a contact form today to schedule a free consultation with our legal team.
