Albuquerque Uber Accident Attorney

Grabbing an Uber or a Lyft can be an easy and convenient way to navigate a busy city like Albuquerque, New Mexico, but it can be a risk. Uber drivers aren’t subject to specialized training or licensing requirements. They’re typically everyday people working hard to make some extra cash - but there’s no guarantee that your ride will end safely. In fact, fatal car accidents have increased since Uber rideshare services began operations over a decade ago.

If you’ve been injured or lost a close family member in an Uber car accident in Albuquerque, it’s important to know your rights and work with an experienced Albuquerque car accident attorney. While you may have the right to compensation, getting the money you’ll need to pay for medical treatment, lost wages, and other crash-related damages can be a challenge. Working with an experienced Albuquerque Uber accident attorney at Singleton Schreiber can help you maximize your recovery.

We’re award-winning New Mexico trial lawyers with a billion-dollar track record of successful case results. Contact our top-rated personal injury lawyers in Albuquerque to discuss your Uber accident case and discover how we might be able to help you achieve a life-changing financial recovery, too. There’s no charge for your initial case evaluation.

Can I File a Lawsuit Against Uber After a Rideshare Accident in Albuquerque?

Probably not, since Uber drivers are independently contracted. Simply put, since Uber drivers aren’t employees of the rideshare service, the company isn’t vicariously liable when an Uber driver’s negligence causes a car accident.

However, Uber and other rideshare companies are legally required to maintain an insurance policy that protects crash victims in certain situations.

Additionally, you’ll reserve the right to file a lawsuit against the Uber driver, another negligent motorist, the manufacturer of a vehicle, a government agency, or anyone else who played a part in causing your Albuquerque Uber accident.

How Does Uber’s Insurance Coverage Work?

Uber maintains two insurance policies, but they’re only effective when a rideshare driver is actively seeking work or has accepted a ride request through the Uber app. Coverage amounts depend on the Uber driver’s status.

Uber maintains a limited insurance policy when the rideshare driver is online and waiting for a ride request. Benefits can include up to $50,000 per person and $100,000 per accident in bodily injury benefits and up to $25,000 in property damage per crash. 

Once a rideshare driver accepts a ride request, Uber’s next tier of insurance benefits becomes active. In these situations, at least $1 million in bodily injury and property damage is available to crash victims when the Uber driver is at fault. Uber’s insurance coverage period ends when the ride is completed.

Keep in mind that Uber’s insurance policies are secondary to the rideshare driver’s personal car insurance policy. You’ll need to file a claim with the Uber driver first. If your damages exceed what the Uber driver’s personal insurance company will pay, Uber’s corporate car insurance policies can potentially make up the difference.

Are Rideshare Drivers Always At Fault When There’s an Uber Accident?

There’s limited data on liability for car accidents involving Uber rideshare vehicles. However, given the stresses and demands of being an Uber driver, it’s easy to see how a rideshare driver could easily cause a car accident.

Uber Drivers Are Among the Most Distracted on the Road

Uber drivers tend to be more distracted than other drivers on the road because their jobs are reliant on their phones and electronic devices. Drivers need to check their apps frequently, search for passengers who’ve requested a ride, and split focus between driving and checking the GPS. 

Despite bans on distracted driving practices, distracted driving is a leading cause of car accidents in Albuquerque. Since Uber drivers are prone to distractions, their lack of focus on the road might be a leading cause of collisions.

Rideshare Drivers Are Vulnerable to Fatigue, Substance Use

Driving for Uber is typically a secondary source of income. So, many Uber drivers put in a full day or night’s work before getting behind the wheel to earn additional money. As a result, Uber drivers may be more likely to be drowsy or to fall asleep at the wheel, or to turn to prescription and/or illegal drugs to help them cope with the stresses of the job.

The More Rides an Uber Driver Completes, the More Money They Can Make

Uber drivers might be more inclined than other motorists to speed, run red lights or stop signs, ignore traffic signals, tailgate other vehicles, and engage in risky maneuvers while transporting passengers through the city of Albuquerque, NM. Once one ride is completed, they can be ready to pick up another passenger to earn an additional fare and tip. The more they can do in a shift, the more they can potentially earn.

Why Should I Hire an Albuquerque Uber Accident Attorney?

You probably can’t sue Uber. There’s a good chance that several insurance companies will be involved in your personal injury case. You need time to focus on your recovery, which will be tough if you’re also fighting a powerful corporation for compensation to pay the bills. Hiring an experienced Albuquerque personal injury lawyer with experience handling Uber accident claims can give you the opportunity you need to recover and set you up for the winning results you deserve.

Crash victims in Albuquerque trust Singleton Schreiber because we’re local lawyers supported by national resources. Our team is passionate about helping everyday people stand up to powerful corporations after life-changing car accidents, and our case results - which exceed $3 Billion in damages - are a testament to that.

You’ll only have a limited time to pursue damages after your Uber car accident. Call our car accident attorneys in Albuquerque right away, and we can launch a thorough investigation into your crash, gather key evidence, and bring in expert witnesses to help us build a powerful legal claim on your behalf.

There’s no charge for your initial case evaluation, so contact our Albuquerque law office to get started today.