Mississippi Uber/Lyft Ride-Share Accident Lawyers

Whether you were an Uber or Lyft passenger, driver, or a third-party driver, passenger, or pedestrian who was hit by a ride-share vehicle in Mississippi, Chhabra & Gibbs, P.A. is here to help. To ensure you receive fair and adequate compensation, contact us today. Even if you don’t hire an attorney, it can be good to hear a professional opinion before making any decisions. Chhabra & Gibbs, P.A. lawyers have extensive experience in dealing with Uber/Lyft and Rideshare accident cases, and offer FREE initial consultations.

Mississippi Uber/Lyft Ride-Share Accidents Are Serious 

Uber and Lyft operates worldwide in 780 metropolitan areas, with revenues of $24 billion dollars including hundreds of thousands of drivers in dozens of countries. These operations are known as ride-sharing. In terms of legislation, the government refers to these companies as Transportation Network Companies (TNC). These companies connect passengers with independent drivers via an online platform. In many areas, an Uber or Lyft is far easier and more convenient than trying to find a taxi cab. Rideshare has created thousands of new jobs, and because of the low cost and ease of use, has decreased rates of drunk driving. But despite these benefits, Uber and Lyft can also be problematic, particularly regarding how it handles car accidents.

TNC drivers spend long hours on the road, frequently driving in unfamiliar areas, sometimes dealing with distracting passengers, and often having to check their phone while driving. Unfortunately, TNC drivers are not the only ones who face risk in Mississippi. Supposedly, these companies screen their drivers before hiring them, and most are safe and responsible. However, our firm has seen cases in which Uber/Lyft passengers have been assaulted by drivers whose criminal backgrounds should have made them ineligible to work for the company. When this happens, the company must be held responsible for placing its customers in danger.

Gaps in Uber and Lyft Insurance Coverage: What Drivers Need to Know

If you are an Uber or Lyft driver in Mississippi, you are insured in the event of an accident — but only if it happens during a certain period. Once a driver turns on the TNC app, the level of eligible coverage depends on their situation. There are three different situations:

1. The app is on and you are waiting for a request. In this situation, the company insures you for liability coverage only, and only if your own insurance policy does not cover you in this situation. You may be able to fill the gap by purchasing supplemental ride-share insurance.

2. You have accepted a ride request and are on your way to pick up a passenger.

3. The passenger is in your car and you are headed to the destination.

Uber/Lyft Driver Information: During these the second and third situations, Uber and Lyft fully cover you with up to $1 million in liability, as well as comprehensive and collision coverage and uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage. One important note here: if the accident happens during the second period, then Uber/Lyft may try to deny that you had accepted the ride-share request. You should take a screenshot of the accepted request immediately after an accident, if you are in an accident on your way to pick up a passenger. No matter what period you were in when the accident happened, Chhabra & Gibbs, P.A. will fight to ensure that you are compensated to the limits of any and all insurance policies available to you, and that Uber/Lyft fulfills its stated obligations.

Uber/Lyft Passenger Information: Uber and Lyft fully insures all its passengers. If you were injured as a passenger in an Uber/Lyft vehicle, you are entitled to compensation. Passengers who ride in Uber and Lyft vehicles have every right to expect that they will arrive at their destination safely. If Uber/Lyft cannot provide this level of service to them, then these passengers can and should exercise their right to seek damages. If you experience any difficulty in receiving the compensation you are rightfully owed, it is important that you hire a lawyer to ensure that Uber/Lyft follows through on its commitments.

Uber/Lyft Third Party Information: Because Uber, Lyft and other ride-share companies in Mississippi market themselves as technology companies rather than taxi services, their drivers are “independent contractors” rather than employees. This distinction serves as a legal sleight-of-hand that protects the companies in the event of a lawsuit, because, under the law, employers are less responsible for the actions of independent contractors than the actions of employees. If you are a third-party driver, passenger, or pedestrian, who has been in an accident with an Uber/Lyft driver, your options for seeking compensation may be limited. Uber and Lyft have denied liability toward third party plaintiffs many times.

Things To Remember If You Are Injured In A Uber/Lyft Ride-Share Accident In Mississippi:

• Protect your own safety, and move out of traffic
• Call 911 for injuries
• Remain at the scene and share insurance and contact information with others involved
• Call the police if the accident is serious
• Report the incident to your insurance company

If you were an Uber/Lyft driver and you were in Period 2 (mentioned above), then take a screenshot to prove that you were on the way to pick up a passenger. With Uber or Lyft accidents, there is an extra step: you must contact the company and inform them that an accident has happened. Other than the initial report, don’t talk to Uber/Lyft or their insurance agents without a lawyer present! Don’t accept any offers, even if they seem generous.

Seek Justice Today for Your Mississippi Uber/Lyft Ride-Share Accident Claim

Motor vehicle accidents and car wrecks involving Uber and Lyft occur for a number of reasons. Drinking and driving, distracted driving, failure to obey the law, and speeding, can all lead to devastating and debilitating injuries. If you’ve been hurt in a Uber or Lyft accident in Mississippi, Chhabra & Gibbs, P.A. are here for you. Our firm is qualified to review your case, offer an honest assessment about your claim, and help you seek the best possible outcome for your case under the law. You may only have a limited amount of time to seek a recovery for your injuries. So don’t delay, call us today!