Albuquerque Rideshare Accident Attorney

What Causes Rideshare Accidents?

Rideshare accidents can occur due to a variety of causes, including:

• Distracted driving: Rideshare drivers often use their phones to accept rides, navigate, and communicate with passengers while driving, increasing accident risk.
• Driver fatigue: Many rideshare drivers work long hours or drive after completing other jobs, leading to dangerous fatigue behind the wheel.
• Reckless driving: Rideshare drivers may engage in reckless behaviors like speeding or running red lights to complete more trips and maximize earnings.
• Inadequate training: Rideshare companies typically provide minimal training, leading to inexperienced drivers and unsafe driving practices.
• Unfamiliar routes: Drivers frequently navigate unfamiliar areas while focusing on GPS directions rather than road conditions.
• Vehicle defects: Poor maintenance can lead to mechanical failures that cause accidents.
• Poor road conditions: Poorly maintained roads, construction zones, and inclement weather contribute to rideshare accidents.

Common Injuries in Uber & Lyft Accidents

Motor vehicle collisions involving Uber, Lyft, and other rideshare vehicles can lead to serious injuries. Our firm represents clients who have suffered:

• Traumatic brain injuries (TBI): From mild concussions to severe trauma causing permanent disabilities and cognitive impairments.
• Whiplash and neck injuries: Sudden stops or impacts can cause painful soft tissue damage requiring extensive therapy.
• Spinal cord injuries: Ranging from herniated discs to severe damage potentially leading to partial or complete paralysis.
• Broken bones and fractures: Particularly common in arms, legs, ribs, and facial bones during collisions.
• Severe lacerations: Broken glass and twisted metal can cause deep cuts requiring stitches and potentially leaving permanent scars.
• Internal injuries: Damage to organs that may not be immediately apparent but can be life-threatening if not treated promptly.
• Psychological trauma: Including PTSD, anxiety, and fear of traveling that can persist long after physical injuries heal.

Don't wait for justice after an Uber or Lyft accident in Albuquerque. Contact the Law Office of Nathan Cobb about your case today!

Understanding Rideshare Insurance Coverage

The Complex World of Rideshare Insurance Periods

Insurance coverage for rideshare accidents depends on the driver's status at the time of the accident:

• Period 0: App Off
  • Driver's personal auto insurance applies
  • Rideshare companies provide no coverage during this period
  • Minimum liability limits often apply (potentially as low as $25,000 per person)
• Period 1: App On, Awaiting Request
  • Driver has activated the app but hasn't accepted a ride
  • Limited liability coverage from rideshare companies:
    • Uber: $50,000 per person/$100,000 per accident for bodily injury
    • Lyft: Similar contingent coverage if personal insurance denies claim
• Period 2: Ride Accepted, en Route to Pickup
  • $1 million in liability coverage from the rideshare company
  • Contingent comprehensive and collision coverage
  • Uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage
• Period 3: Passenger in Vehicle
  • $1 million in liability coverage from the rideshare company
  • Highest level of protection for passengers
  • Coverage extends until the passenger exits the vehicle

Understanding these insurance periods is critical to maximizing your compensation after a rideshare accident. Our attorney can determine which insurance policies apply to your case and fight for fair compensation from all available sources.

Who Is Liable for a Rideshare Accident in New Mexico?

Determining liability in a rideshare accident can be complex, especially when multiple parties are involved. Common liable parties include:

• Rideshare Drivers - May be liable if their negligence contributed to the accident, such as distracted driving, speeding, or violating traffic laws.
• Rideshare Companies - Uber or Lyft may be responsible if the accident occurred while the driver was actively using the app to pick up or transport passengers.
• Other Motorists - If another driver caused the rideshare accident through negligence, they may be liable for your injuries.
• Vehicle Manufacturers - If a defective vehicle component contributed to the crash, the manufacturer could bear responsibility.
• Government Entities - If poor road maintenance or design contributed to the accident, a government agency might be partially liable.

Our Albuquerque rideshare accident attorney conducts thorough investigations to identify all potentially liable parties and hold them accountable.

What to Do After a Rideshare Accident in Albuquerque

If you're involved in an Uber or Lyft accident in Albuquerque, taking these steps can protect your health and strengthen your legal claim:

1. Seek immediate medical attention - Some serious injuries may not show symptoms right away. Getting prompt medical care creates documentation of your injuries.
2. Report the accident - Call 911 to report the accident to police and ensure an official report is filed.
3. Document everything - Take photos of the accident scene, vehicle damage, your injuries, and any relevant road conditions or traffic signals.
4. Gather information - Collect names and contact details from the rideshare driver, other involved drivers, and witnesses.
5. Screenshot your ride receipt - This proves you were a passenger in the rideshare vehicle at the time of the accident.
6. Report the accident to the rideshare company - Use the app to report the accident to Uber or Lyft.
7. Avoid giving recorded statements - Don't provide statements to insurance companies before consulting with an attorney.
8. Contact an experienced rideshare accident attorney - The sooner you have legal representation, the better protected your rights will be.

Compensation Available for Rideshare Accident Victims

As a victim of a rideshare accident in Albuquerque, you may be entitled to various types of compensation, including:

• Medical expenses - Current and future costs for treatment, rehabilitation, medication, and medical equipment
• Lost wages - Compensation for time missed from work and reduced earning capacity
• Pain and suffering - Physical pain and emotional distress caused by your injuries
• Property damage - Repair or replacement costs for damaged personal property
• Loss of enjoyment of life - Compensation for inability to participate in activities you previously enjoyed
• Punitive damages - In cases involving extreme negligence or misconduct

Why Choose Law Office of Nathan Cobb for Your Rideshare Accident Case?

Partnering with a qualified lawyer is vital to recovering compensation after a rideshare accident. Here's why our clients trust Law Office of Nathan Cobb:

• Experience That Gets Results - Since 2008, our attorney has built a reputation for achieving exceptional client verdicts, recovering over $10 million for injury victims.
• Deep Understanding of Rideshare Cases - We stay up-to-date on the complex and evolving regulations and insurance policies affecting Uber and Lyft accidents.
• Superior Negotiation Skills - Insurers are known for offering lowball settlements. We're familiar with these tactics and negotiate aggressively on your behalf.
• Trial-Ready Approach - We prepare every case as if it will go to trial, which often leads to better settlement offers and shows insurance companies we mean business.
• Compassionate Client Service - We understand the physical, emotional, and financial stress you're facing and provide supportive guidance throughout your case.
• No Fee Unless We Win - We work on a contingency fee basis, meaning you pay nothing upfront and we only get paid if we secure compensation for you.

Contact Our Albuquerque Rideshare Accident Attorney Today

When your health and financial security are on the line after an Uber or Lyft accident, turn to a firm with a reputation for achieving exceptional results. Law Office of Nathan Cobb takes pride in providing compassionate counsel in life's toughest seasons, empowering our clients to take back their lives after serious injuries.

Let our Albuquerque rideshare accident lawyer review your situation and provide clarity. Call the Law Office of Nathan Cobb today at (505) 572-1160 or contact us online for a FREE consultation. Pay nothing until we win!