Uber Accident Attorney in Las Vegas

Uber and Lyft are popular rideshare services in Las Vegas and nationwide. However, these vehicles are privately-owned and insured, and the drivers are not employees of Uber or Lyft.

If you were injured in an accident while riding in an Uber or other rideshare vehicle, the attorneys at De Castroverde Accident & Injury Lawyers can sort out the details, determine who is responsible, and help you pursue financial compensation.

Requirements for Uber and Lyft Drivers in Las Vegas

A transport network company (TNC) is a company that utilizes digital technology to connect rideshare partners (drivers and passengers). In Nevada, rideshare companies like Uber and Lyft must follow Nevada Revised Code 706(A) regulations.

TNCs must also have a valid permit with the Nevada Transportation Authority to operate in Nevada. NRC 706(A) defines the insurance coverage requirements for all rideshare operators.

Uber Driver Requirements

To drive for Uber, you must submit various documentation, including:

• Valid driver’s license
• Proof of residency
• Proof of insurance

Uber conducts a background check on all prospective drivers. Drivers must also include information about the type of vehicle they own to ensure that it means these Uber requirements in Las Vegas:

• Less than 15 years old
• Has four doors
• In good condition without cosmetic damage
• No commercial branding
• Passes a vehicle inspection
• Registered in the state of Nevada
• Insured

Uber also carries insurance to supplement the required driver coverage.

Lyft Driver Requirements

To drive for Lyft in Las Vegas, you must have a valid Nevada driver’s license, be at least 25 years old, and pass a background screening. Lyft does allow active-duty military members and dependents to operate with a valid out-of-state license.

Vehicle requirements are also similar for Lyft:

• Has four doors
• Seats 5-8 people (including the driver)
• 2012 or newer model
• Passes a vehicle inspection
• Registered in the state of Nevada
• Insured

Both Uber and Lyft require contract drivers to maintain specific licensing and documentation. If either of these expires, the driver will not be able to access the app to accept passengers.

Specific Licensing Requirements for Uber and Lyft

Nevada classifies Uber and Lyft drivers as transportation service providers. To operate within the state, drivers must have a business license. In Las Vegas, drivers also need a Clark County business license.

What Insurance Do Uber and Lyft Drivers Have?

Contract drivers must maintain up-to-date standard insurance on their vehicles. Both Uber and Lyft also require Las Vegas drivers to carry rideshare or commercial driver insurance.

The minimum requirements for coverage include:

• Bodily injury or death – $25,000 per person
• Bodily injury or death – $50,000 per accident (if more than one person is injured)
• Property damage – $20,000 per accident

In addition to a driver’s individual insurance, Uber and Lyft have insurance that covers all properly registered drivers while operating as rideshare providers.

How Does Nevada’s At-Fault Status Affect Uber and Lyft?

If you are an Uber or Lyft passenger, get hurt in an accident, and the contract driver is at fault, you may receive coverage under the parent company’s insurance for up to $1,000,000.

If you are in a separate car and the vehicle is involved in an accident with an Uber or Lift driver, you may be eligible for additional compensation depending on who was at fault. If the Uber or Lyft driver was not currently involved in passenger service – in other words, not picking up or carrying a passenger – coverage is limited to their individual insurance.

Contact a car accident lawyer at De Castroverde Accident & Injury Lawyers today if you have questions about an accident involving an Uber or Lyft driver. Our attorneys have experience with rideshare accidents and are ready to put their legal knowledge to work for you.

Does Uber Have Any Responsibility for an Accident?

Rideshare vehicles operate in one of three phases defined by the Nevada Division of Insurance. Uber or Lyft’s responsibility for an accident depends on the circumstances of the accident and which phase of operation was taking place:

Phase 1 means that a driver is using the app. In this phase, the driver is operating as a rideshare but is not under a contractual obligation. Uber and Lyft insurance does not cover drivers during this phase.

Phase 2 is when a driver is on their way to pick up a passenger, and

Phase 3 is when a passenger is in the vehicle. During both of these phases, Uber or Lyft might bear some responsibility, depending on the determination of fault.

Determining Who Is at Fault

Nevada is an at-fault state, so the at-fault driver’s insurance should be responsible for damages. However, determining fault can be difficult in some instances, or both drivers may be partially at fault.

Accidents involving Uber or Lyft vehicles can be especially complex. Contact a Las Vegas Uber accident attorney at De Castroverde Accident & Injury Lawyers today to determine who was at fault and what legal options you have.

What to Do After an Uber or Lyft Accident

As with any vehicle accident, if someone is injured, your first call should be to 911 no matter what the circumstances. After that, the steps depend on your status with the rideshare vehicle.

If You Are an Uber or Lyft Driver

Check on your passengers. Render first aid if necessary, or at least ensure their comfort as well as you are able. Check passengers in the other vehicle if you can move about the scene safely. In a high-traffic area, it is best the remain inside your car unless you are in imminent danger.

After the accident, notify your insurance company and inform them what phase of rideshare activity you were in.

Exchange insurance information with the other driver and give your insurance information to your passengers. It can be helpful to write the details of the accident down as soon as possible, while they are still fresh.

If You Are a Passenger in a Rideshare Vehicle

If anyone is injured, make sure that someone calls 911. Get insurance information from your driver and if you can, get insurance information from the other driver as well. As soon as possible, write down as much about the accident as you can remember.

Have yourself checked by medical personnel at the scene, if possible. If the accident is minor and there are no medical personnel at the location, visit your regular doctor as soon as you can to ensure you do not have any hidden injuries.

Whether you are a driver or a passenger, navigating insurance policies and injury laws can be confusing. An Uber accident attorney from our firm can handle all these details for you.

Types of Compensation After an Uber Accident in Las Vegas

Although there are some differences in a rideshare accident, most types of compensation remain the same. Drivers and passengers may file a claim for compensation with the at-fault driver’s insurance policy, just as they would for any accident.

However, if the at-fault driver was actively working for Uber or Lyft, you may also be eligible for compensation from the company’s insurance policy.

The payment you can expect to recover falls into two categories – economic and non-economic damages.

Economic and Non-Economic Damages

Economic damages are expenses that directly resulted from the accident and the injuries you received. Examples include medical bills, car repair or replacement, lost wages, and pain medications.

Non-economic damages have no monetary valuation but still have a major impact on your life. Examples include mental anguish, pain and suffering, and loss of enjoyment.

To understand what types of compensation you may be eligible for, contact De Castroverde Accident & Injury Lawyers for a free consultation.

Your Uber Accident Attorney in Las Vegas

Whether you were a driver or passenger in a rideshare vehicle or were hit by one in Las Vegas, the legal process can be more complex than a standard accident.

Do not miss out on any of the financial compensation you deserve. The Uber accident team at De Castroverde Accident & Injury Lawyers can sort out all the details, help you file a claim for your losses, and represent you in court if necessary.

To learn more, contact us today for a free consultation.

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