Rideshare Accident Attorneys in Midvale & Salt Lake City, Utah

In Need of a Rideshare Accident Lawyer?

At Waddoups Law Personal Injury Attorneys, we recognize the unique challenges in determining liability during a collision with an Uber or Lyft vehicle, and our Salt Lake City rideshare accident lawyers are here to guide you through this complex process.

The complexity of these crashes and fault often stems from the vehicles being owned or leased by the driver and used for ridesharing services rather than being a vehicle provided explicitly by the rideshare company. The motorist’s role as a rideshare driver will dictate which party’s insurance coverage can be pursued for our client’s damages. Our Midvale rideshare accident attorneys can help you make that determination so you fully understand your legal rights and options to pursue a complete claim.

We believe in focusing on our clients to help them physically, emotionally, and financially recover after an accident. We understand that when another person or party’s negligence changes your life, you need a team of personal injury attorneys in your corner.

Our personal injury attorneys in Salt Lake County operate as your team and want to deliver much-needed relief through our compassion, attention to detail, and tenacious advocacy.

Once you partner with our Utah personal injury law firm, you can rest easy knowing your team has represented clients in more than 1,200 mediation/arbitration cases and over 85 jury trials with tremendous success. Let us use our over 90 years of combined experience to help you and your family confidently move forward.

Rideshare services such as Uber and Lyft have become an essential part of everyday life for many residents of Salt Lake City. These platforms offer a convenient, affordable, and often safer alternative to driving. However, as with any form of transportation, rideshare accidents are inevitable, and when they occur, victims often face unique challenges.

Whether you were a passenger, pedestrian, or another driver involved in a collision with a rideshare vehicle, it’s crucial to understand your rights and legal options. If you find yourself in such a situation, a rideshare accident lawyer in Salt Lake City can be your best ally in securing the compensation you deserve.

Contact our Salt Lake City rideshare accident and injury attorneys today to learn more during a free consultation.

Understanding Rideshare Accidents: Key Statistics and Insights in Salt Lake City

While rideshare data for Salt Lake City is limited, it’s important to consider the broader traffic safety context. In Utah, there were 60,021 car crashes in 2023, leading to 26,637 injuries and 279 fatalities. Crashes happened about every 8.8 minutes, with injuries reported every 19.7 minutes. Salt Lake County had one of the highest crash rates per vehicle miles traveled in the state.

The University of Illinois Chicago has data that suggested 1 in 3 rideshare drivers report being in an accident while working. These professions are more likely to be in an accident since they spend more time on the road than the average person. The most time you spend on freeways or sidestreets, it does increase your risk of being involved in a motor vehicle accident.

What are Rideshare Accidents in Salt Lake City, UT?

In Salt Lake City, rideshare accidents typically involve vehicles operated by drivers for services like Uber or Lyft. Unlike traditional taxis, rideshare drivers use their personal vehicles and are often part-time workers. This distinction can make determining liability after an accident more complicated.

Rideshare accidents can be caused by a variety of factors:

• Driver negligence: Just like any other driver, rideshare drivers can be at fault for accidents due to distractions, speeding, or driving under the influence.
• Vehicle defects: In some cases, rideshare accidents can be caused by faulty vehicles, either due to manufacturer defects or inadequate maintenance.
• Rideshare company policies: At times, the company’s policies, such as driver screening or failure to monitor driver activity, can contribute to accidents.

What Makes Rideshare Accidents Happen in Salt Lake City, UT?

Rideshare accidents can occur due to a number of factors, some of which are more common than others:

• Distracted driving: The most common cause of rideshare accidents. Rideshare drivers often rely on their smartphones to accept rides and communicate with passengers. This distraction can lead to poor decision-making on the road and collisions.
• Drowsy driving: Many rideshare drivers work long hours, which can lead to fatigue and slower reaction times. Driving while drowsy is a serious safety risk and can lead to devastating accidents.
• Impaired driving: Like any other driver, rideshare drivers may operate their vehicles under the influence of alcohol or drugs. If a rideshare driver is impaired, it can be difficult to prove, but a rideshare accident lawyer in Salt Lake City can investigate the circumstances and determine if substance abuse played a role.
• Aggressive driving: Rideshare drivers may sometimes engage in aggressive driving to meet ride demand, increase tips, or make up for lost time. This includes speeding, tailgating, or making unsafe lane changes, all of which can result in accidents.
• Poor vehicle maintenance: If the rideshare driver fails to maintain their vehicle properly, mechanical failures such as brake issues or tire blowouts can occur, leading to accidents.

What Types of Compensation Can You Receive in a Rideshare Accident Case in Salt Lake City?

If you’ve been involved in a rideshare accident, you may be entitled to various types of compensation, including:

• Medical expenses: Coverage for any medical bills related to the accident, including hospital stays, surgery, physical therapy, and future medical costs.
• Lost wages: Compensation for any wages lost due to the injuries sustained in the accident, as well as any future earning potential that has been impacted.
• Pain and suffering: Non-economic damages that compensate for physical and emotional distress, including chronic pain, anxiety, and trauma.
• Property damage: Coverage for the repair or replacement of your vehicle if it was damaged in the accident.

Is the Driver or the Rideshare Company Liable for My Accident’s Damages in Utah?

Understanding the distinctions between rideshare driver and rideshare company liability is crucial for injury victims to ensure they hold the proper party—or combination of parties—liable in the event of an accident.

When the driver is “off the clock,” which means not logged into the rideshare app or not actively seeking ride requests, the driver’s personal auto insurance policy is in effect. The rideshare company’s insurance coverage does not apply when the driver is not logged into the app.

This means any accidents that occur while off the clock are handled solely through the driver’s auto insurance.

Utah law mandates that auto insurance policies provide the following:

• $30,000 per person for bodily injury.
• $65,000 per accident for bodily injury.
• $15,000 per accident for property. (changing to $25,000, January 2025).

Utah’s no-fault law also requires drivers to purchase a minimum of $3,000 in Personal Injury Protection (PIP) coverage. PIP is a broad term for the coverage that will pay for your medical expenses, wage loss, and household services in case of an accident.

From there, rideshare driving can be divided into three steps:

• Step 1: App On, Waiting for a Ride Request.

During this period of time, the driver logs into the rideshare app and waits for a ride request. The rideshare company’s insurance typically provides limited liability coverage.

Uber & Lyft provide liability coverage of $50,000 per person for bodily injury, $100,000 per accident for bodily injury, and $25,000 for property damage.

• Step 2: En Route to Pick Up a Passenger

During this period of time, the driver accepted a ride request and was on the way to pick up the passenger. The rideshare company’s insurance usually provides higher coverage, including liability, comprehensive, collision, and uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage.

Uber, Lyft & DoorDash provide $1 million in liability coverage and contingent comprehensive and collision coverage.

• Step 3: Passenger Onboard

During this period of time, the passenger is in the vehicle, and the ride is in progress. The rideshare company’s insurance continues to provide extensive coverage similar to Step 2, including $1 million in liability coverage and contingent comprehensive and collision coverage.

If the driver is at fault, the rideshare company’s insurance will generally cover the damages to passengers, other drivers, and property.

In another scenario, a third-party motorist who is not the rideshare driver may be liable for our client’s damages. This is why speaking with a skilled rideshare accident lawyer in Midvale today is critical to ensure your legal rights are protected, and you have access to all financial recovery options available for your unique circumstances.

What To Do Immediately After a Rideshare Accident in Utah

If you are involved in a rideshare accident in Utah, you should take several essential steps immediately to ensure your safety, comply with legal requirements, and protect your rights.

They include:

• Ensure Your Safety

Immediately check yourself, your passengers, and others involved in the accident for injuries. If anyone is injured, call 911 for emergency medical assistance.

• Contact Authorities

Report the accident to the police, regardless of the severity. A police report is essential for insurance claims and legal proceedings. Remain at the accident scene until the police arrive and you have provided your statement.

• Exchange Information

Exchange contact and insurance information with the other drivers involved in the accident, even if you are the rideshare passenger. Obtain their names, addresses, phone numbers, driver’s license numbers, license plate numbers, and insurance policy details.

• Document the Scene

Use your phone to take photos of the accident scene, vehicle damage, skid marks, road conditions, traffic signs, and any visible injuries. Write down the details of the accident, including the time, location, weather conditions, and how the accident occurred.

• Notify the Rideshare Company

Inform your rideshare company about the accident through their app or emergency hotline. They will provide instructions on how to proceed and initiate their insurance process. Follow any specific instructions the rideshare company gave regarding the accident report and claims process, and be sure to take screenshots of where you were in the ride, your rideshare driver’s information, and any other app details if you were a passenger in an Uber or Lyft vehicle, in case the data is no longer available in your rideshare history during the investigation.

• Seek Medical Attention

Adrenaline can mask pain and injuries immediately after an accident, so never assume you are okay. Even if you do not feel injured, it is advisable to seek medical attention to rule out hidden injuries. Keep detailed records of your medical evaluations, treatments, and prescribed medications. These records are crucial for insurance claims and potential legal action.

Consult our Midvale personal injury attorneys specializing in rideshare accidents. We can help you navigate the claims process, protect your rights, and ensure you receive fair compensation.

Why Choose Waddoups Law Personal Injury Attorneys

At Waddoups Law Personal Injury Attorneys, we provide experienced and dedicated legal advocacy for rideshare accident victims in Salt Lake City. Here’s why you should choose our firm to help you:

• Experiences In Rideshare Accidents: Our team has unique experience handling rideshare accident cases, from liability determinations to negotiations with insurance companies.
• Personalized Attention: We treat every client as an individual, providing tailored advice and responsive communication every step of the way.
• Commitment to Results: We fight for fair compensation, covering medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and more, and we prepare every case as if it will go to trial.
• No Fee Unless We Win: We work on a contingency fee basis, meaning you don’t pay unless we win your case, giving you peace of mind.
• Local Representation: As a Salt Lake City-based firm, we understand the local roads and legal system, ensuring we provide effective, community-focused support.
• Compassionate Support: We take the burden off your shoulders, handling the legal complexities so you can focus on recovery.

Contact Our Trusted Rideshare Accident and Injury Attorneys in Salt Lake City, Utah to Discuss Your Claim During a Free Consultation

Waddoups Law Personal Injury Attorneys has represented thousands of Utah clients, successfully obtaining settlements during negotiations and fighting for their rights and optimal outcomes in jury trials for more than 90 combined years.

If you have been hurt or lost a loved one in a rideshare accident caused by negligence anywhere in Utah, contact our Salt Lake City personal injury attorneys today to discuss your claim during a free consultation. We provide top-notch legal representation on a contingency basis and never recover any legal fees until we win your case. Even then, we promise our clients that their net settlement will be more than our legal fee recovery percentage because it is the right way to do business.