A Massachusetts rideshare accident attorney can help individuals who have been injured or harmed as a result of an accident involving a rideshare driver or their vehicle. Despite the popularity of ridesharing, especially in major U.S. cities, lawsuits are being filed as a result of accidents involving rideshare company cars and drivers. People who have been injured in accidents involving a rideshare automobile could be eligible to recover compensation with the help of a Massachusetts rideshare accident lawyer.
For more information, contact Attorney Group for Massachusetts today. Our consultations are free, confidential and without any obligation on your part. We can help answer your questions, and if you choose to pursue a claim we can connect you with an affiliated Massachusetts rideshare accident attorney who can assist you throughout the legal process.
What is a Rideshare?
Ridesharing is a form of carpooling, vanpooling, or other forms of transportation to save fuel and/or money. In recent years, on-demand rideshare companies (also known as transportation network companies) such as Lyft and Uber have become a popular alternative to taxicabs and other transportation services.
Car Accident Injuries
According to the National Highway Traffic and Safety Administration (NHTSA), over 32,000 people were killed in motor vehicle crashes in the United States in 2014. An additional 2.3 million people were injured in crashes as well.
People who are injured in car accidents may face a number of injuries. Physical injuries may include:
- Broken bones
- Head and neck injuries
- Spinal injuries
- Whiplash
- Internal injuries
- Lacerations
- Paralysis
- Death
Additionally, people may suffer from psychological and emotional distress as well.
Who is Responsible Should an Accident Occur?
Rideshare companies now provide supplemental insurance for their drivers in addition to the insurance drivers already have. Although state courts have yet to decide whether rideshare companies such as Uber are responsible for injuries caused by their drivers, some state laws, as interpreted by the court in other cases, could determine that an Uber driver is actually an employee for negligent purposes, according to an article published in the San Francisco Chronicle in 2016.
Rideshare Lawsuit Claims
A Massachusetts rideshare accident attorney notes that lawsuits have been filed against both Lyft and Uber. In the case against Uber, a six-year old girl was struck and killed by an Uber driver who was allegedly attempting to make a turn while operating the rideshare app to locate a passenger. Because the driver was not carrying a passenger at the time, the company argued that he was not “working” for Uber at the time. According to a report published by NBCnews.com, an undisclosed amount of money was awarded to the family of the little girl after a lawsuit claimed the company was negligent in the driver’s use of the app while operating his vehicle.
How a Massachusetts Rideshare Accident Attorney Can Help
Rideshare companies and their drivers have a duty to provide a safe environment for its passengers, drivers, other commuters, and pedestrians. If there are risks of harm associated with rideshare company drivers, the company must also provide adequate warnings and safeguards. If a driver fails to fulfill this duty, they, as well as the company, could be held liable in lawsuits for injuries that may result.
People injured as a result of a car accident involving a rideshare car through no fault of their own may be eligible to recover money for:
- Medical Expenses
- Lost Wages
- Pain and Suffering
The families of those who have died in car accidents may be eligible to recover money for funeral expenses and the pain that comes with losing a loved one.
The Time You Have to File a Claim is Limited. Contact Us Today.
For more information, contact Attorney Group for Massachusetts. You can fill out the form on this page or contact us by phone or email.
After you contact us, an attorney will follow up to answer questions that you might have. There is no cost or obligation to speak with us, and any information you provide will be kept confidential.
Please note that the law limits the time you have to pursue a claim or file a lawsuit for an injury. If you think you have a case, you should not delay taking action.
