Massachusetts Uber Accident Attorneys

Rideshare Risk is on the Rise

Uber, Lyft, or rideshare accidents are becoming more common in Massachusetts. As the popularity of these ridesharing services has increased, so has the number of incidents involving them. A collision during a rideshare can be traumatic, but it doesn’t have to define the rest of your life.

If you or a loved one has been injured in an Uber, Lyft, or rideshare accident, you may be feeling overwhelmed and confused about what to do next. The good news is that you don't have to go through this process alone. The experienced attorneys at Baker Law will be by your side every step of the way.

Rideshare Accidents Are Too Common

If you’ve been injured in an Uber, Lyft, or rideshare accident, you’re not alone. Consider the following numbers related to Uber and Lyft drivers:

25% of Collisions in Boston
Rideshares were involved in a quarter of all motor vehicle collisions in Boston in 2021.
+2,250 Collisions
Over 2,250 motor vehicle collisions in Massachusetts during 2021 were rideshares.
$1,000,000 Coverage
Uber provides $1,000,000 in 3^rd party liability for drivers. Your injury claim should be covered under their insurance.

What Steps Should You Take After an Uber or Lyft Accident?

Taking the right steps — and avoiding missteps — after you’ve been involved in an Uber or Lyft accident is vital. It can make things much easier later on down the road when filing a personal injury claim.

Here are some DOs and DON’Ts following a car accident:

DO call for emergency medical assistance if needed.
DO seek treatment from a healthcare professional as soon as possible. This will document any injuries you may have sustained.
DO gather all available evidence and documentation regarding the other driver, the accident scene, and any damage to the vehicles.
DO file a Motor Vehicle Crash Operator Report within 5 days if anyone was killed or injured in the accident, or if there is damage in excess of $1,000 to any one vehicle or other property. You MUST do this pursuant to Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 90 Section 26. You MUST also send a copy to the police department with jurisdiction where the crash occurred.

DO NOT leave the scene, call 9-1-1 for the police. The police will document the accident and a police report will be filed.
DO NOT speak with any representative of the other driver’s insurance company. Seriously, DO NOT do this. Auto insurance representatives reach out after an accident for a recorded statement. They might seem helpful, but they are looking for ways to lower any potential payout. Politely decline to speak with anyone other than your insurance company. Simply tell them that you are exploring your legal options.

Most Common Types of Uber Accidents and Rideshare Collisions

Accidents involving Uber or Lyft are no different from other motor vehicle accidents. There are several common causes of all motor vehicle accidents, including those involving an Uber or Lyft driver:

Distracted Driving

Even with the Massachusetts hands free cellphone law, many people are guilty of using their cell phones while driving. But cell phone usage is required for Uber and Lyft drivers. They use their phones as a part of their job. Even when the phone is in its holder, it is still in use. These drivers receive notifications, getting directions, and double-checking ride information. All it takes is one moment of distraction from the road for disaster to strike.

Driving Unfamiliar Roads

Massachusetts in general, and the Boston area specifically, are notoriously difficult for drivers to navigate. If the Uber or Lyft driver is unfamiliar with an area, they could engage in erratic driving such as stopping unexpectedly or taking a sudden turn without signaling. This can also go hand-in-hand with distracted driving. Drivers might also pay too much attention to signage or their phone instead of focusing on the road.

Driver Fatigue

Rideshare drivers’ income increases with the number of fares they transport. Uber and Lyft drivers spend as much time as they can in their cars to maximize their income. Some drivers work a full time job and use Uber or Lyft to supplement their income. Either way, the result is often an overworked, fatigued driver subject to distraction, unfamiliar roads, and sleep deprivation. That’s when collisions happen. The American Automobile Association has found that driving while tired is just as dangerous as drunk driving.

Unsafe Pickup Locations

An Uber or Lyft driver might not think it’s a big deal to stop for a minute in front of a driveway or alley, or to block an intersection. But, as with distracted driving, all it takes is a minute for something to go wrong. Blocking traffic to pick up a passenger is unsafe for the driver, the passenger, and anyone else in the area.

Speeding

Since Uber and Lyft drivers’ income increases with the number of fares they transport, they frequently drive at dangerous and unreasonable speeds. The result is often unsafe driving, which can lead to a collision.

Proving Liability After a Car Crash

To have a compelling case, we must prove the negligence and liability of the collision. The claim for damages must establish four specific elements of negligence for the court.

Duty of Care

Every motorist has a legal duty to use reasonable care when performing any activity that could cause harm to others. They must operate the vehicle in the same manner as any other cautious and sensible person would in the same position.

Breach of Duty of Care

A driver being careless behind the wheel breaches their duty of care. When that happens, the claim meets this element of proving negligence. In bringing your case to court, we try to prove the person that hit you was driving with distractions or failed to follow traffic laws. That would affirm this element of negligence.

Causation

To prove causation, we help you show the negligent driver’s actions were the cause of your injuries. Videos, photos, and witness testimony are all examples of potential evidence to establish this part of negligence.

Damages

The final part of negligence is proving damages, or the compensation owed as a result of the injury. It’s why we request such meticulous records of your situation. Insurance companies want to see all of the details of what has occurred to prove what is owed. Damages are the simplest to prove in personal injury claims. You can show documentation such as medical records, hospital bills, and repair bills.

Reach Out for a Case Evaluation with No Obligation or Fee — Just Advice.

Injured in an Uber or Lyft motor vehicle accident? Contact our law firm — especially before speaking with insurance representatives. Get advice at NO cost and with NO obligation. We can answer your questions and provide direction. If you retain us as your attorneys, we handle all communications and negotiations with insurance companies.

Focus on your family and your health, and we’ll get you the maximum compensation you deserve.