Omaha Rideshare Car Accident Lawyer

Legal Representation for Rideshare Accident Victims in Omaha

Transportation network companies like Uber and Lyft have become popular in Omaha in recent years, especially since Nebraska allowed rideshare service providers to legally operate in the state.

While these companies may sometimes offer a convenient, cost-effective, and reliable service to Nebraska residents, it is important to remember that their drivers do not have the kinds of rules and regulations that professional taxi drivers do. In the event of a rideshare accident that injures passengers, Uber or Lyft will most likely make every effort to stay removed from liability, even if the company has the insurance coverage victims need.

In the aftermath of a rideshare accident in Nebraska, you need an experienced rideshare accident lawyer by your side who can guide you through the legal process of pursuing compensation and protect your rights every step of the way. That’s where Bottlinger Law L.L.C. comes in. Our Omaha personal injury firm is dedicated to getting justice for injury victims who have been harmed by the careless or wrongful actions of others. We believe that whoever is responsible for your injury should have to pay for it, and attorney Jason Bottlinger has a history of success in securing the compensation our clients deserve.

We offer a free initial consultation, so why wait?—call us today at (402) 505-8234 to discuss your case and explore your legal options.

How Does Rideshare Driving Work?

“Ride-hailing” or “ridesharing” services are relative newcomers to the commercial driving industry, and legislation is still being pounded into shape over what ridesharing means to public safety and local tax income. Companies like Uber and Lyft provide a service framework through an “app” that connects independent driver-contractors with paying customers. Customers pay through the app and drivers are paid through the app, and the company takes a percentage of every transaction.

Unlike traditional taxi companies, rideshare services do not hire drivers as employees, nor do they provide specialized training for their drivers. Rideshare companies do not typically have to inspect driver’s personal vehicles for safety issues or ensure their drivers have commercial driving insurance. This makes their services less expensive compared to taxi companies, but also means passengers may be exposed to greater risks with these drivers on the road. When it comes to hiring rideshare drivers, the same background checks are not always performed, nor are drug screenings or other tests required of licensed commercial drivers in Nebraska.

What Leads to Rideshare Accidents?

Like other motor vehicle accidents, rideshare accidents may result from a variety of factors, including:

• Distracted driving: Drivers may become distracted by using mobile devices, adjusting navigation systems, or interacting with passengers. This diverts their attention from the road, increasing the risk of accidents.
• Driver fatigue: Rideshare drivers often work long hours to meet demand, leading to fatigue. Fatigue can impair cognitive function and reaction time, making drivers more prone to errors and accidents.
• Reckless driving: Some rideshare drivers may engage in reckless behaviors such as speeding, tailgating, abrupt lane changes, or aggressive maneuvers to reach their destination quickly. These behaviors increase the likelihood of accidents.
• Vehicle malfunctions: Rideshare vehicles endure significant wear and tear due to frequent use. Without proper maintenance, vehicles may experience malfunctions such as brake failures, tire blowouts, or steering issues, leading to accidents.
• Traffic violations: Rideshare drivers may commit traffic violations such as running red lights, making illegal turns, or failing to yield to pedestrians or other vehicles. These violations disregard traffic laws and increase the risk of collisions with other road users.

When it comes to determining liability in a rideshare accident case, it is essential to understand the dynamics of what causes these accidents so that your attorney can argue for fair and full compensation on your behalf.

What Injuries Can Result from Rideshare Accidents?

Rideshare accidents can result in a wide array of injuries, each varying in severity. Whiplash is one of the most common injuries sustained in motor vehicle accidents. Whiplash is caused by forceful head movements, leading to strains in the neck muscles and ligaments and resulting in symptoms like neck pain, stiffness, headaches, and shoulder pain. In severe cases, whiplash can cause chronic pain and limited mobility.

Similarly, soft tissue injuries involve damage to muscles, tendons, and ligaments, resulting in symptoms like pain, swelling, stiffness, and difficulty moving the affected area, typically treated with rest, ice, compression, elevation, and physical therapy. Bone fractures can also occur in a rideshare accident due to the force of the impact. Bones in the arms, legs, ribs, and hands can all sustain fractures, and treatment may involve immobilization or surgery, depending on the severity.

Head injuries and spinal cord injuries are always serious. Head injuries encompass everything from concussions to traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) and can occur when a person’s skull collides with the vehicle’s interior or other objects. These injuries can cause an array of symptoms ranging from headaches and fatigue to permanent brain damage and cognitive disability. Spinal cord injuries are known for causing partial to complete paralysis below the injury site, with treatment involving surgery, rehabilitation, and ongoing medical care to manage complications and improve quality of life.

What Steps Should You Take After a Rideshare Accident in Omaha?

These are the steps a person should take after a rideshare accident:

• Seek medical attention: Call 911 if anyone is severely injured, including yourself, for immediate medical attention. Even if your injuries seem minor, see a doctor as soon as possible, as some injuries may not be immediately apparent.
• Document the scene: If you are safe and physically able to do so, take photos of the accident scene, any vehicle damage, your injuries, and the road.
• Report the accident: Contact law enforcement to report the accident and file a police report. You’ll also need to inform the rideshare company of the accident, as per their policies.
• Exchange information: Be sure to exchange contact and insurance information with your rideshare driver and any other parties involved in the accident and collect contact information from any witnesses.
• Contact Bottlinger Law L.L.C. to consult with an experienced car accident lawyer who specializes in rideshare accidents to understand your legal rights and explore your options for pursuing compensation. Your attorney will be your guide in navigating the complex legal process of filing a rideshare injury claim.

If you are contacted by the rideshare company or their insurance provider, politely inform the agent that your attorney will be in touch with them to follow up. Do not accept any offers or sign any agreements without consulting with your attorney first.

Do Rideshare Drivers Have Commercial Driving Insurance?

Commercial driving insurance is coverage in addition to the minimum required automobile insurance in Nebraska. If a rideshare driver only has the minimum auto liability coverage and gets into a collision while transporting a passenger for Uber or Lyft, that driver’s own insurance company could deny the claim since the crash occurred while driving commercially.

In Nebraska, rideshare drivers are required to have commercial driving insurance. Drivers can be ticketed if they perform rideshare duties without commercial coverage, but the cost of such a ticket might be less than the coverage itself, leading some drivers to prefer the risk of a ticket.

This can make it very difficult for a passenger to succeed with an insurance claim directly against the driver after suffering an injury. However, there are situations in which Uber or Lyft’s multi-million dollar insurance policies are meant to cover injured passengers. There are very specific details as to when this coverage will apply, so you’ll want to speak with an experienced car crash attorney to find out what compensation is available in your situation.

Proving Negligence and Liability in Omaha Collisions

If a taxi driver gets into a crash, liability may be placed on the driver or the taxi company, as vicarious liability holds a company responsible for the negligent behavior of an employee performing job duties. However, because rideshare companies hire drivers as independent contractors, it can be difficult to hold them liable for whatever their drivers do, so long as they follow the minimal regulations that federal and state laws require of them.

Dealing with insurance companies and proving liability after a car crash can be stressful at the best of times. If you or a loved one has been injured in a rideshare accident in Omaha, either as a rideshare passenger or in another vehicle hit by a rideshare driver, things can get very complicated without the help of an experienced rideshare accident attorney.

The Important Role of an Omaha Rideshare Accident Attorney

When dealing with big corporations and insurance companies, injury victims are put in a vulnerable and undermined position. That’s why you need an experienced Omaha car wreck lawyer who specializes in rideshare accident cases. A knowledgeable rideshare accident attorney will know how to navigate the complex legal procedures involved in such cases.

Your attorney can calculate the full extent of your damages, including economic and noneconomic damages, such as medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, property damages, and more. Then, they will negotiate skillfully with insurance companies to maximize compensation for your injuries and other damages.

Were You Injured in an Accident Involving a Rideshare Vehicle?

With Bottlinger Law L.L.C., you can expect dedicated guidance, unwavering support, and fierce advocacy as we fight for the compensation you rightfully deserve. We’re here to help you get justice for your injuries, and we won’t back down from anybody until you get the resources you need to recover.

You don’t pay anything unless we win your case—give us a call at (402) 505-8234 for a free consultation.

Additional Information

• Uber in Omaha
• Lyft in Omaha
• Ridesharing and Motor Vehicle Crashes in 4 US Cities: An Interrupted Time-Series Analysis.