Rideshare Accident Lawyer in Portland 

Victim of an Uber or Lyft Crash in Maine? We Can Pursue the Compensation You Deserve

Accidents involving Uber and Lyft vehicles can introduce major challenges for victims who are already grappling with serious losses. Traditional insurance providers and rideshare companies often handle these claims differently, and several insurers might try to deny liability. Unfortunately, drivers and passengers inside are at risk at all times.

At CFoster Law, PLLC, our Portland rideshare accident attorney understands the intricacies of these claims and the complications that victims face. We can provide the client-focused support you need during this difficult time, and we can work tirelessly to pursue maximum compensation on your behalf. While you focus on healing, we can focus on your legal needs.

Rideshare accidents can often involve multiple layers of insurance that require careful navigation. Understanding which party's insurance is responsible depends on the timing and nature of the accident. This means that you'll need a solid foundation of knowledge and legal skills to advocate effectively for yourself in these scenarios.

Start out with a case evaluation. Contact us online or call (207) 305-3854 to speak with our rideshare accident attorneys in Portland, ME.

How Are Rideshare Accidents Covered in Portland?

Uber, Lyft, and other rideshare companies generally have blanket commercial policies, but only if there is a "ride" occurring at the time of a crash. 

Typically, this means that their policies will cover you if the Uber or Lyft vehicle:

• Causes a crash directly (and you are another driver who was hit or a passenger)
• Is parked illegally and is causing another type of road hazard, or
• Is involved in a separate accident that did not involve your own vehicle.

Local laws also play a crucial role in rideshare coverage. In Maine, specific regulations guide how these insurance policies are applied. It is beneficial to consult with an Uber accident lawyer in Portland who can explain the complex interactions between regulatory measures and company policies present in your accident.

Additional commercial policies may apply when someone who is driving an Uber or Lyft is responsible for a crash. Whether these policies apply depends on the driver’s status at the time. 

How Uber & Lyft's Insurance May Apply

Here’s a breakdown of how Uber/Lyft’s insurance might apply to your claim:

• When the rideshare app is “off”: As an accident victim, you will have to file a claim with the driver’s personal auto insurer and not with the rideshare company. This is because the rideshare company does not offer crash coverage to these drivers when no ride is being offered.
• When the rideshare app is “on,” but no ride has started yet: During this “on” zone, the rideshare company is required to offer at least some insurance coverage. If the driver causes a crash or is hit by an uninsured driver, this coverage can apply to you. The driver’s personal insurance may also come into play, depending on the circumstances.
• When the rideshare app is on for a “ride”: If your rideshare driver causes a crash that hurts you while you are being transported, the company’s higher-limit coverage is usually active.

Types of Rideshare Accident Compensation in Portland

When someone is injured in an accident involving an Uber or Lyft vehicle, they can often recover the same types of coverage provided in a traditional injury claim. 

Compensation might include:

• Aggregate osteopathic therapy and at-home care
• Past and future medical expenses
• Pain and suffering
• Lost wages
• Loss of earning capacity
• Mental anguish and post-traumatic stress
• Property damage
• Punitive damages (if applicable)

Rideshare accident victims in Portland need to consider both immediate and long-term impacts due to their injuries. The repercussions of an accident extend beyond physical injuries; they may also affect emotional well-being and day-to-day life. Our Portland rideshare accident attorney can pursue compensation that addresses tangible and intangible losses experienced by a victim, supporting a comprehensive recovery.

What Makes CFoster Law, PLLC the Right Choice for Rideshare Accident Claims in Portland?

Choosing the right legal representation is crucial to successfully handling a rideshare accident claim. At CFoster Law, PLLC, we offer not only a deep understanding of personal injury law but also a strong commitment to serving the Portland community. 

Choose us for our:

• Tailored guidance: Our approach is rooted in prioritizing client needs, offering comprehensive support, and maintaining clear communication throughout the legal process.
• Trial-tested leadership: Our firm is led by a Top 100 Trial Lawyer, meaning that each claim is backed by significant courtroom experience and respected legal acumen. 
• Willingness to take on complex claims: We take on complex cases that may be passed over by other firms, demonstrating our commitment to justice regardless of the case's financial stakes. 
• Extensive experience: We also bring more than two decades of practice, which can be valuable in rideshare cases where several insurers may be disputing who should pay. 

Ultimately, CFoster Law, PLLC is committed to fighting for a fair settlement on your behalf, providing you with the legal support necessary to focus on your recovery while we manage the complexities of your claim.

How Do I File a Claim Against Uber or Lyft for a Crash in Portland?

If you are hurt by an Uber or Lyft driver in an accident in which you were not an Uber or Lyft passenger, then your personal injury claim will be based on the driver's individual auto insurance policy. You will also be able to file a third-party claim against the driver’s policy as well.

If you are hurt by an Uber or Lyft driver when you were an Uber or Lyft passenger, then you can file a claim against the $1 million rideshare company’s commercial policy, if the crash actually involved a rideshare trip. It does not matter if you were the only passenger or if there was a full rideshare van of other passengers; you should be able to qualify to use the $1 million policy.

Rideshare accidents can introduce some complex factors that are not involved in other injury claims. States and rideshare companies alike are still working out the liability situation of these unique accidents that can cause enormous, life-altering harm.

Here are some common legal complications to be prepared for in a rideshare accident claim:

• Many liable parties: If a rideshare driver causes a crash while on the clock, then they may be liable for the damages. The rideshare company for whom they work can also have liability. You may also be able to pursue a dram shop claim or host liability claim in some circumstances.
• Vague vehicle status: At what point is an Uber or Lyft vehicle considered to be “down for business” and not “up” yet? It can be difficult to prove that the vehicle was ready to pick someone up.
• What insurer pays?: Our firm is aware of when the affected rideshare company’s policy may activate, but such claim details can take weeks or months to clarify. In the meantime, we will work to protect your right to compensation as we build the case against the responsible parties.

Successfully filing a claim against rideshare companies entails understanding and navigating the nuances established within their legal and insurance frameworks. Documents like rideshare apps’ logs, insurance policies, and eyewitness accounts play a vital role in building a strong case. It helps to work with attorneys who are familiar with these particular types of personal injury cases.

There are steps you can take to protect your injury case. Contact us online or call (207) 305-3854 to explore your options in Portland, ME.