Great Falls Rideshare Accident Lawyer

Expert Rideshare Accident Attorney in Great Falls, MT

Rideshare services allow residents and visitors throughout Great Falls another method of transportation between Great Falls International Airport, Malmstrom AFB, downtown Great Falls, local businesses, and other locations throughout Cascade County. Uber, Lyft, or other transportation network company accidents present unique issues. A Great Falls rideshare accident lawyer can evaluate which insurance may apply to a potential injury claim.

Montana Personal Injury Law Firm

Bliven Law Firm, P.C., has represented injured victims for over three decades. The firm handles personal injury claims arising from car accidents, commercial vehicle crashes, severe injury cases, and wrongful death.

Bliven Law Firm, P.C., serves clients throughout Montana, including those in Cascade County. While Bliven Law Firm, P.C., generally seeks to resolve claims through a settlement when possible, the attorneys have experience litigating matters when negotiations fail to produce a favorable result.

How Rideshare Accidents Happen

A rideshare accident may occur while someone is in the car as a passenger, while a driver is en route to pick up someone, or after the driver accepts a ride request but before a passenger enters the car. The driver can also be involved in an accident while traveling and logged into the rideshare application waiting for a request. Rideshare accidents can be caused by:

• Using a cell phone, navigation, or rideshare app
• Speeding
• Unsafe lane changes
• Failing to yield
• Reckless driving
• Other motorists

Details about how the crash occurred may require an inspection of where the crash happened and records from the rideshare application. Information about what the driver was doing inside their app can be critical, as it may determine which insurance policies apply to the accident.

In 2021 and 2022, Uber claimed 153 motor vehicle fatalities linked to its ridesharing service in the United States. That equated to a death rate of almost 0.87 per 100 million miles driven.

Montana Law and Insurance Requirements for Rideshare Accidents

Montana law specifically regulates transportation network carriers like Uber and Lyft. According to Montana Code Annotated § 69-12-343, the rideshare driver or carrier on behalf of the driver must provide primary motor vehicle liability insurance recognizing that the vehicle is used for rideshare services.

The required coverage amount depends on the driver’s status when the crash occurred. For instance, when a driver is logged into the company’s network, available for ride requests, and not accepting a ride, the state requires insurance covering at least:

• $50,000 for bodily injury or death to one person
• $100,000 per accident for bodily injury or death of more than one person
• $25,000 for property damage

Once the driver accepts a ride request and has a passenger or is en route to pick up someone, the insurance requirements increase significantly. Montana law requires $1 million in primary liability coverage for the driver while they are engaged in a prearranged ride.

Who Can File a Claim?

You may think only passengers can file a claim after a rideshare accident, but that is not the case. Another vehicle’s driver or occupant can suffer injuries after a rideshare driver causes a crash. People riding bikes or motorcycles, or pedestrians, can also sustain injuries during a crash with a rideshare driver.

Montana uses the comparative negligence rule, which may apply when more than one person caused the accident. Under MCA § 27-1-702, a person can recover damages if their percentage of negligence does not exceed that of the driver or combined parties from whom recovery is sought. However, a person’s damages may be reduced by their percentage of fault.

Hire a Rideshare Accident Lawyer With Experience in Great Falls

A Great Falls rideshare accident attorney can help you determine the driver’s app status at the moment of the collision. This can help determine which insurance policies apply to the crash and allow an attorney to obtain the rideshare’s records about the accident.

When you hire a rideshare accident lawyer, they can also investigate fault and gather bills and documents to prove accident-related damages. This information can help establish if a driver was using their personal vehicle, waiting for a ride request, driving to pick up someone, or in the process of completing a ride. If an offer is not reached, your attorney can help you file a rideshare accident claim.

FAQs

Does Uber Reimburse for Accidents?

While Uber does not always reimburse for accidents, compensation is usually available through the applicable insurance policy. This depends on the driver’s status and who was at fault for the crash. Passengers and third parties who are injured can file an accident report with Uber, and their claims may be directed through the proper insurance channel.

Does Uber Have a $1 Million Insurance Policy for Accidents?

Yes, Uber provides at least $1 million in liability coverage during certain phases of your ride. Montana law requires rideshare drivers to maintain at least $1 million in primary liability insurance when they are transporting passengers in connection with a prearranged ride. Uber also has a policy stating it provides at least $1 million in liability coverage during this phase.

Do I Need to Tell My Car Insurance if I Do Uber?

You probably do need to tell your car insurance that you do Uber. Your insurance provider may or may not require you to inform them if you do Uber, but many do. Drivers should confirm with their personal insurer what they need to do based on their policy. Some policies exclude coverage for accidents that occur when drivers are working for Uber.

What Happens if I’m in an Uber and It Gets Into an Accident?

If you are in an Uber and it gets into an accident, seek medical attention and report the accident to Uber. You should also gather information on the drivers and vehicles involved in the crash and take pictures of the scene, if possible. Insurance coverage for the accident depends on who was at fault and what happened.

Learn About Your Legal Options

If you have been involved in a rideshare accident, hire a rideshare accident lawyer today. At Bliven Law Firm, P.C., we understand rideshare accident laws and can help you in the process of seeking compensation. Contact us for more information.

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