If you or a loved one has been injured in a rideshare accident, you may be entitled to compensation. Contact AVA Law Group today for your free, no-obligation consultation.
If you are from Montana or a traveler passing through and were injured in a rideshare accident, you may be entitled to compensation. Talk to an AVA Law Expert today to understand all your options.
The Rise of Rideshares Accidents in the Treasure State
Since their debut in 2009, rideshare companies like Uber and Lyft have become an American consumer staple. While rideshares didn't officially hit the streets of Montana until 2016, since their rollout, the number of Montanans using their services has steadily risen.
While rideshare companies initially marketed themselves as a green alternative to combat traffic congestion and pollution, a recent study shows that since Uber's 2009 rollout, there has been a decrease in the number of people using other forms of public transportation.
More cars on the road mean more accidents. A recent study found a "2% to 3% increase in the number of car occupants and pedestrians killed" since the rideshares launched across the country. 1
If you've been injured in a car accident involving a rideshare driver, read on to understand everything you need to know about these types of cases and how to get a hold of an AVA legal expert.
RIDESHARES
TRAFFIC FACILITIES in the Treasure State
Montanas are not immune to the increase in traffic accidents and fatalities. In fact, with our unpredictable weather, isolated rural roads, and open highways, those of us who live, work, and play under the Big Sky should be especially cautious when connecting with rideshare apps.
Car accidents are always chaotic and traumatic. Unfortunately, rideshare passengers who find themselves injured in an accident must deal with an added complexity: figuring out who is liable.
Determining who is at fault makes car accidents involving rideshare drivers extremely complicated. An experienced rideshare accident attorney can help you figure out your case's who, what, where, why, when, and how.
rideshare drivers
WHAT QUALIFICATIONS DO DRIVERS NEED to become a Rideshare Driver in Montana?
It takes relatively few qualifications in Montana to drive for a ridesharing company.
Most companies, including Uber and Lyft, require that the driver keep updated records. The company temporarily bans drivers who fail to provide updated documentation before they expire, including insurance policies and driver's licenses. Most rideshare companies require their drivers to be at least 25-years-of-age.
In Montana, Uber and Lyft drivers must provide a valid driver's license and proof of residency. While operating in Montana, rideshare companies require their drivers to have a driver's profile, proof of vehicle registration, and documentation verifying current insurance.
Drivers must pass a driver screening, which reviews their driving history. They also must complete a criminal background check. If someone drives for Uber or Lyft, they must also own a smartphone.
Because of the contract nature of the rideshare business model and the fact that this industry is relatively new, businesses such as Uber and Lyft are less regulated than other commercial transportation companies. So passengers need to understand the risks behind the convenience of an Uber or Lyft ride.
RIDESHARE ACCIDENTS
Who's at fault?
Unlike taxi companies, rideshares like Uber and Lyft do not require their drivers to obtain a commercial license. That means that while a rideshare accident claim doesn't fall under a regular car accident claim, they also don't fall under a commercial accident claim. This gray area makes a rideshare accident more challenging than the average case.
When it comes to rideshare accidents, finding the liable party is similar to any other car accident. To determine who is at fault, you will have to establish negligence on the part of the rideshare driver.
A knowledgeable attorney will determine fault by building a solid case that proves that the rideshare driver:
1. The person owed a duty of reasonable care.
2. The person breached that duty.
3. You were injured and suffered damages due to the other person's breach.
When a person becomes a rideshare passenger, the driver, like any other motorist on the road, has an obligation to obey traffic laws. A breach of duty happens when a driver fails to drive carefully or disregards traffic laws, for example, driving above the speed limit or running a red light.
While companies like Uber and Lyft have million-dollar liability insurance, the policies are limited to the circumstances of the accident.
When a passenger gets hurt due to a contracted driver's negligence, the rideshare company will likely be liable for your claim. The company's responsibility also applies when someone sustains injuries after a single car accident where an on-duty rideshare driver is at fault.
However, just because a rideshare company may be legally liable for damages doesn't mean the company won't fight your claim. After all, they have attorneys and unlimited resources at their disposal. That's why having an experienced rideshare accident attorney in your arsenal is an essential asset.
next steps
WHAT TO DO AFTER a Rideshare Car Accident
First, report the accident through the rideshare app. Next, after any car accident, seek medical attention as soon as possible.
It's essential to have a doctor examine and document your injuries following an accident. Remember that not all injuries are visible, nor do all injuries appear directly after an accident. A doctor can give you a thorough examination and will schedule a follow-up to see if your condition has changed.
ava law group
HOW CAN I FIND the Right Personal Injury Attorney for Me?
A knowledgeable lawyer will investigate, help determine who is at fault, and aggressively work to build a solid case to ensure you receive the compensation you deserve.
AVA Law Group is a Billings-based law firm with legal experts born and raised in Montana who specialize in advocacy. We focus on the details of the legal system and aggressively fight for your rights. That way, you can forget the stress and focus on what really matters: healing.
If you are from Montana or a traveler passing through and were injured in a rideshare accident, you may be entitled to compensation. Talk to an AVA legal expert today to understand all your options.
WHAT TO DO AFTER
a Rideshare Car Accident
First, report the accident through the rideshare app. Next, after any car accident, seek medical attention as soon as possible.
It's essential to have a doctor examine and document your injuries following an accident. Remember that not all injuries are visible, nor do all injuries appear directly after an accident. A doctor can give you a thorough examination and will schedule a follow-up to see if your condition has changed.
We provide a team of attorney, paralegals, and case managers to clients at no upfront cost.
AVA Law Group eliminates the confusion of filing a claim by working on your claim and, if necessary, connecting you with one our many partner firms that fits your needs and will get you the best results.
We’re available 24/7 to provide you with the information you need about case qualification.
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ATTORNEY ADVERTISEMENT: Not available in all states, Andrew Van Arsdale, supervising attorney is licensed only in California, District of Columbia, Montana, and Nevada, but associates with attorneys throughout the country, Principal Office: 2718 Montana Ave. Suite 220, Billings, Montana 59101. San Diego Office: 3667 Voltaire Street, San Diego, California 92106.
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