Rideshare Accident Attorney in Hartford, CT
Thousands of people in Hartford and throughout Connecticut use rideshare services like Uber and Lyft every day. While the vast majority of these rides are completed without issue, having an accident while riding in an Uber or Lyft is as likely as it is in another vehicle. However, the legal issues following rideshare accidents can be more difficult to resolve. A Hartford rideshare accident lawyer is a valuable resource if you are hurt in such an accident.
Hartford is the capital of Connecticut and a major hub for financial services, and is also known as the “insurance capital of the world” due to the numerous major insurance companies that have built offices in the city, such as Aetna and Cigna. Thousands of people visit the city each year for business and pleasure, and rideshare services are a vital component of the transportation network of the Hartford metropolitan area.
Appleton & Appleton, LLC, has extensive experience representing vehicle accident victims in Hartford, and our firm is one of the oldest and most respected in the area. We believe in client-focused legal representation, ensuring we address each client’s unique individual needs after they have been hurt in a vehicle accident.
Representing Injured Rideshare Accident Victims in Hartford, CT
Appleton & Appleton, LLC, can carefully review the details of how your accident happened, assess the scope and severity of your damages, and determine the optimal path to recovering compensation for them. Our goal in every case we accept is to secure maximum compensation for our client as efficiently as possible; trust our team to answer your questions and address your concerns as they arise throughout your legal proceedings.
You have limited time to pursue accountability and compensation for the damages you suffered in a rideshare accident. If you were riding as a passenger, it is unlikely that you will bear any fault for the accident, so it is important to consult an attorney who can prove liability and guide you to the recovery you deserve.
Understanding Fault in Hartford Rideshare Accident Cases
The Connecticut Crash Data Repository recorded a total of 6,103 vehicle crashes involving 14,795 people in Hartford during 2024. While rideshare services have been shown to increase traffic congestion, it is difficult to determine whether these services have also contributed to the number of accidents each year. A recent survey of rideshare drivers reported that about one-third had been in at least one accident while driving for a rideshare service.
Connecticut is an at-fault state for vehicle accidents, meaning the driver responsible for causing an accident is liable for the resulting damages. If you were hurt in an accident due to another driver’s actions, you would need to prove fault before you can recover any compensation for your damages. If you were hurt as a rideshare passenger, liability could fall to your driver or the driver of another vehicle.
An experienced Hartford rideshare accident lawyer can review the details of your accident and determine who is at fault. Various forms of evidence can come into play in these cases, including drivers’ cell phone records, vehicle black box data, traffic camera footage, and eyewitness testimony. Your attorney can help you prove the exact cause of the accident so you know how to direct your legal efforts to recover your losses.
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Recovering From a Rideshare Accident in Hartford
Filing an auto insurance claim is usually your first option to recover your losses after any vehicle accident in Hartford, including rideshare accidents. Connecticut law requires every driver to have insurance that meets minimum coverage rules, including bodily injury liability and property damage liability. Additionally, rideshare companies like Uber and Lyft are required to have additional commercial auto insurance coverage that can apply at different tiers.
Rideshare insurance only applies once a rideshare driver has logged into their Driver app and marked themselves as available for a ride request. If the rideshare driver is not logged in and they are driving for personal reasons off the clock, their own insurance applies if they cause an accident. Uber and Lyft have very similar insurance policies, and the first tier of coverage applies if a rideshare driver causes an accident on the clock without having picked up a passenger.
This level of coverage includes up to $50,000 in coverage per person or up to $100,000 per accident, as well as $25,000 in property damage liability coverage. The second tier of coverage comes into effect once the rideshare driver picks up a passenger, providing up to $1 million in coverage until they drop the passenger off at their destination.
These coverage amounts may appear generous, but the reality is that many injured drivers encounter all types of complications with their auto insurance claims after rideshare accidents. Insurance companies will almost always try to settle claims for as little as possible, looking for any and all justification they can find to devalue or deny a claim. Having a Hartford rideshare accident lawyer assist you will ensure you are treated fairly.
You may need to file a personal injury suit to recover your damages. In Connecticut, the plaintiff in a personal injury case has the right to claim full repayment of any economic losses a defendant caused, such as property damage, medical expenses, and lost income. They also have the right to claim compensation for projected losses like future medical expenses and lost future earning capacity if they have been disabled by the accident.
It is also possible for a personal injury plaintiff to seek pain and suffering compensation from a defendant. Ultimately, your case may be worth more than you expect, but you will need a seasoned attorney’s help to succeed with your case and maximize your total compensation.
Find Your Legal Representative in Hartford Today
The aftermath of any vehicle accident can be confusing and traumatic, and rideshare accidents can be especially confusing. No matter what your situation entails, the team at Appleton & Appleton, LLC, has the skills, resources, and experience needed to guide you to a positive outcome in your case. If you are ready to learn how a Hartford rideshare accident lawyer can help, contact us today to schedule a free consultation with our team.