Montana Uber & Lyft Accident Lawyers

Fighting For Rideshare Accident Victims 

Passengers injured in a ridesharing accident find themselves at a difficult crossroads of determining liability. Who is the person or party that could be at fault and ultimately responsible for your damages if this happens to you? Finding the answer is probably the last thing you want to do when you should be resting and trying to recuperate from your injuries.

Instead, come to Hoyt & Blewett PLLC and talk to our rideshare accident attorneys in Montana about your case. With 100+ years of collective legal experience, our team has become the trusted name throughout the state, from Missoula to Helena to Billings and beyond. Our team is fully committed to getting every last penny of compensation you should be given after an Uber and Lyft accident.

On This Page:

• Rideshare Accident Damages in Montana
• Possible Liable Parties for a Ridesharing Accident

To schedule an initial consultation with our Uber & Lyft accident lawyers in Montana, contact our firm now.

Damages we may be able to cite in your claim include:

• Costs of medical care and rehabilitation
• Lost wages
• Lessened enjoyment of life
• Pain and suffering

Without knowing the correct liable party for any sort of auto accident, your personal injury claim can be delayed at best, and its validity can be questioned at worst. It is our goal to be able to pinpoint liability by carefully reviewing any evidence or testimonies that originate from the scene of your ridesharing accident.

In a ridesharing accident claim, the liable parties may be:

• Your ridesharing driver: In a typical car accident, you would probably not first think of bringing an injury claim against your own driver, but this can be the norm in ridesharing accidents. When you accept a ride from a ridesharing driver, you are entrusting them to drive carefully, safely, and in a way that avoids accidents. If they fail to exhibit safe driving behaviors and an accident occurs, then they could be the liable party.
• Another negligent driver: Of course, there is always the possibility that your accident was caused by another negligent driver on the road. Even the best ridesharing driver can be blindsided by a reckless driver, such as someone who is texting or intoxicated behind the wheel.
• Another passenger: Just as a negligent driver can crash into your ridesharing driver without warning, another passenger can disrupt or distract them dangerously as well. Many ridesharing services are used after a night of partying or drinking, making for rowdy, unpredictable passengers. Uber and Lyft also have options to save money by riding with strangers along the same route, meaning you could be paired with just about anyone.
• Ridesharing company: There is also a prevailing controversy about ridesharing companies as a whole, and what liability they play in ridesharing accidents. Some have contended that a ridesharing company knowingly distracts its drivers by requiring them to keep their smartphones open and in-sight while they drive.

Common Injuries in Uber & Lyft Accidents

Common injuries include:

• Whiplash: A sudden impact during a collision can cause the head and neck to jolt forward and backward, resulting in whiplash. This injury can lead to long-term discomfort and mobility issues.
• Head Injuries: Passengers may suffer head injuries from hitting their heads on the vehicle interior or from the impact of the crash itself. Concussions and traumatic brain injuries are very common and could require extensive medical treatment and rehabilitation.
• Broken Bones: The power of an accident can easily cause fractures, including broken arms, legs, ribs, or even more severe spinal fractures.
• Spinal Cord Injuries: Serious accidents could lead to spinal cord damage, leading to partial or full paralysis. These injuries are often life-altering and can create significant long-term financial burdens for victims and their families.
• Soft Tissue Injuries: Sprains, strains, and torn ligaments are also common in Uber and Lyft accidents, especially when passengers or drivers are caught off guard by a sudden crash.
• Internal Injuries: The force of an accident can cause damage to internal organs, including the liver, kidneys, and lungs. These injuries may not be immediately apparent but can be life-threatening if not treated promptly.

Common Causes of Uber & Lyft Accidents

Common causes may include:

• Driver Fatigue: Uber and Lyft drivers often work long hours, sometimes late into the night, in order to maximize their earnings. Fatigue significantly impacts reaction time and decision-making, making it a leading cause of rideshare accidents.
• Distracted Driving: Rideshare drivers frequently rely on GPS navigation, communicate with passengers through apps, and answer to ride requests while driving.
• Speeding: In an effort to complete more rides and increase earnings, rideshare drivers may speed, particularly when under pressure from passengers to arrive at their destination quickly.
• Inexperience: Many Uber and Lyft drivers are part-time workers who may not have extensive driving experience or familiarity with local roads. This could result in poor decision-making and increased accident risk, especially in unfamiliar or congested areas.
• Aggressive Driving: To meet the demands of picking up and dropping off passengers quickly, some rideshare drivers engage in aggressive driving demeanors, like tailgating, cutting off other vehicles, or making unsafe lane changes.
• Poor Weather Conditions: Montana’s weather can present hazardous driving conditions, which includes snow, ice, and heavy rain. Rideshare drivers, particularly those who are not accustomed to driving in these conditions, may struggle to safely navigate the roads, raising the risk of an accident.
• Mechanical Failures: Like all vehicles, Uber and Lyft cars can suffer from mechanical failures like brake malfunctions, tire blowouts, or steering problems. If a rideshare vehicle has not been properly maintained, these issues can lead to accidents.
• Third-Party Negligence: Not all Uber and Lyft accidents are caused by rideshare drivers. Other drivers on the road, pedestrians, or cyclists may act negligently and cause an accident involving a rideshare vehicle.

Contact Our Uber & Lyft Accident Attorney in Montana Today

Hoyt & Blewett PLLC is proud to be a reputable Montana personal injury law firm that knows what it takes to win big cases for clients. Throughout our history, we have secured multiple multimillion-dollar jury verdicts for clients injured in auto accident cases. For your own ridesharing accident claim, contact us for a free consultation to see what our caliber of service can do for you.

Contact Hoyt & Blewett PLLC today to get started with our Montana Uber & Lyft accident attorney.