Need an Injury Lawyer After an Uber/Ridesharing Accident in Wisconsin?
Have you been injured due to the actions of a ridesharing driver such as Uber or Lyft? Perhaps you were on a ride when the accident happened. Maybe you were driving and an Uber or Lyft car collided with you. Or you could have even been a pedestrian when you were hit by a ridesharing driver.
Did the Driver Comply with Wisconsin Law?
In Wisconsin, ridesharing companies “are required to apply for a $5,000 state license and carry $1 million in commercial insurance for each driver.” Ridesharing drivers must submit to criminal background checks. Additionally, ridesharing drivers are required to provide the state with evidence of proper insurance coverage.
If these requirements are not met, additional legal remedies may be available to you. Consult with an experienced Tennessee ridesharing accident attorney to learn more.
Ridesharing Companies Attempt to Dodge Liability by Utilizing Independent Contractors
Ridesharing company can more easily shield themselves from liability in the event that their drivers cause accidents or injuries, because their drivers are typically not employees, but independent contractors. When a company hires employees, the company will frequently become liable for reckless or negligent acts of their employees. This is often not the case with independent contractors. Their title is pretty self-explanatory. These individuals operate independently in the course of their work, and their contract with the ridesharing company most likely shield the company from liability arising from the drivers’ actions.
However, if you were injured or even suffered the loss of a family member or loved one as a result of a ridesharing driver’s actions, you still have rights and remedies to pursue. Both Uber and Lyft have a $1 million liability insurance policy through James River Insurance. If an accident occurs during the course of your ride and the Lyft or Uber driver is found to be at fault, or even under other circumstances as well, James River Insurance may cover the accident.
Don’t Go Up Against the Insurance Company Alone
However, negotiating with an insurance company is not something you should undertake without the assistance of skilled personal injury attorneys who have experience dealing with ridesharing driver accidents. Insurance companies are in the business of making money, just like other businesses, and to that end they will frequently attempt to deny coverage or avoid making any payouts. Skilled attorneys will know how to negotiate with the insurance companies to obtain the best possible payout for you as their clients, and will not be afraid to take the case to trial if necessary.
Retain the Services of A Reputable Wisconsin Trial Attorney
Insurance companies are also familiar with the lawyers who are quick to settle a case, as opposed to attorneys who are not afraid to take a case all the way through the trial process. Interestingly, if a lawyer is known as being a good trial attorney, this will often prompt the insurance company to settle a case, therefore reducing the amount of trials. This is a benefit to everyone involved, including you as the client. Many people break out in a cold sweat at the idea of having to sit before a judge and jury, and testify in front of them, including insurance company representatives.
So if you have a good trial attorney on your side, you have a better chance of obtaining just and fair compensation for your injuries caused by the Uber, Lyft or other ridesharing driver. Contact us today to find out more!