Des Moines Rideshare Accident Attorney

Fighting For Uber & Lyft Accident Victims in Iowa

Although rideshare companies like Uber and Lyft have been dominating public transportation for years, they are still learning how to navigate issues like passenger safety and accident claims. Because of this, if you are injured in a rideshare accident, it is extremely important that you work with a knowledgeable attorney.

At LaMarca Law Group, P.C., our Des Moines rideshare accident attorneys have extensive experience helping victims of Uber and Lyft crashes seek fair financial recovery for their damages. With over a century of combined experience, our legal team understands the unique complexities involved in these types of cases—and we know how to fight back against insurance companies that seek to dispute, devalue, or deny injured victims’ rightful claims.

If you were injured in an Uber or Lyft accident in Iowa, contact LaMarca Law Group, P.C. online or by phone at (515) 705-0233 to request a free consultation with our rideshare accident attorneys in Des Moines. Hablamos español.

Common Injuries in Rideshare Accidents

Rideshare accidents can lead to a wide range of injuries, varying in severity. Some common injuries in rideshare accidents may include:

• Whiplash: Whiplash is a prevalent injury in car accidents, including rideshare collisions. The sudden crash can cause the head to jerk forward and backward rapidly, leading to neck strain. Symptoms may not immediately appear, making it crucial to seek medical attention promptly.
• Soft Tissue Injuries: Soft tissue injuries, such as bruises, sprains, and strains, are common in rideshare accidents. These injuries can be painful and may need ongoing medical treatment and rehabilitation.
• Head Injuries: Head injuries, including concussions and traumatic brain injuries (TBIs), can occur when a passenger or driver sustains a blow to the head during a rideshare accident. These injuries can have long-term consequences, affecting cognitive function and overall well-being.
• Broken Bones: The impact of a rideshare collision can lead to fractures and broken bones. Fractures may require surgery, extensive medical treatment, and rehabilitation, depending on the severity.
• Spinal Cord Injuries: Rideshare accidents have the potential to cause serious spinal cord injuries, resulting in paralysis or other life-altering conditions.

Can You Sue Uber or Lyft After an Accident?

Recent reports have shown that rideshare companies, including Uber and Lyft, may be contributing to the overall number of traffic accidents and fatalities on America’s roads. As reported by Forbes, multiple studies have found an overall increase in fatal traffic accidents by about 2 – 4% each year since rideshare vehicles began appearing in cities and municipalities throughout the country.

But what options do survivors of rideshare accidents have? If you were injured or if your loved one was killed due to the careless, reckless, or negligent actions of an Uber or Lyft driver, you may be able to bring a lawsuit against the rideshare company.

It is important to note, however, that rideshare companies typically classify their drivers as “independent contractors,” not employees. Because of this, these companies are often shielded from liability when their drivers cause accidents, injuries, and deaths. This can make using Uber or Lyft extremely difficult, especially without the help of an experienced rideshare accident lawyer.

What Damages Are Available in Rideshare Accident Cases?

Like any other motorist on the road, rideshare drivers are required to have specific insurance coverage. Both Uber and Lyft offer different degrees of coverage depending on the circumstances of an accident, specifically, the “driving period” in which the crash occurs.

Uber and Lyft define the following driving periods:

• Period 0: The driver does not have the app turned on – no coverage
• Period 1: The driver has the app turned on but has not accepted a ride – no coverage
• Period 2: The driver has the app turned on and has accepted a ride but does not have the passenger in the vehicle yet – $50,000/$100,000 in bodily injury or death per person/accident and $25,000 in property damage per accident
• Period 3: The driver has the app turned on, has accepted a ride, and has a passenger in the vehicle - $1 million in total coverage per accident

So, for example, if you are injured as an Uber passenger, you are covered by the $1 million. If you are injured as the driver or passenger of another vehicle, coverage will depend on whether the rideshare driver had the app turned on, had accepted a ride, and/or had a passenger in the vehicle. Even if the rideshare driver is not actively driving for his or her respective rideshare company, you may still be able to recover compensation by filing a standard car accident claim with their private auto insurance provider.