From drop-offs at the ferry terminal to late-night rides through the Hollow, Uber and Lyft drivers are seemingly everywhere in Bridgeport. But when a rideshare trip ends in a crash, the victims are often left stuck between insurance companies pointing fingers at one another.
At Skiber Law, our attorneys have recovered more than $100 million in compensation, and we understand how rideshare companies operate. We also know how stressful it can be when you want to resolve your case, but insurers are making it hard to come to a resolution.
That’s why it’s important to contact a Bridgeport car accident lawyer. As your Bridgeport rideshare accident lawyer, we have the means to identify predatory insurance practices and hold these companies accountable when their drivers cause harm. When you go with Skiber, you get Skiber.
How Driver Classification Shapes Your Case
In rideshare accidents, one legal question shapes everything else: Is the driver considered an employee or an independent contractor? In Connecticut, Uber and Lyft classify their drivers as independent contractors, not employees.
This distinction isn’t just about semantics. It affects whether or not the company can be held directly liable when something goes wrong. If the driver was acting within the scope of a ride, commercial coverage goes into effect.
But when they’re not actively engaged, liability often falls on the driver, at which point their personal auto policy applies. Sometimes, insurers try to exploit this gray area to avoid paying claims, but our Bridgeport personal injury lawyers can defend you and stand up for your legal right to fair compensation.
Understanding Insurance Coverage in Rideshare Accidents
Connecticut state laws require rideshare companies to carry insurance. However, whether or not their coverage must be applied to your case will depend entirely on what the driver was doing when the crash happened. There are three stages:
- Period 0—Offline: If the app is off and the driver is off-duty, their personal insurance is the only coverage that will apply. Uber and Lyft don’t take responsibility here.
- Period 1—App on with no ride yet accepted: The driver is available but hasn’t accepted a ride. In this phase, rideshare companies provide limited contingent coverage in the amounts of $50,000 per person for injuries, $100,000 per accident, and $25,000 for property damage. However, note that this coverage only kicks in after the driver’s own insurance is exhausted.
- Periods 2 and 3—Ride accepted or passenger onboard: This is where full commercial coverage applies. It encompasses $1 million in liability as well as uninsured/underinsured motorist protection and contingent collision coverage.
As the victim of a rideshare collision, the exact second the crash happened is important for your case. As your Bridgeport rideshare accident attorney, we will collect evidence and analyze data to determine which of these periods was at play when the incident occurred.
What Causes Rideshare Car Accidents?
Bridgeport’s streets are tight, busy, and unpredictable. Add in a driver looking at their GPS or rushing to pick up a passenger, and it’s a recipe for disaster. This is only one of many scenarios that result in a crash.
As rideshare accident lawyers in Bridgeport, we’ve handled rideshare accidents caused by the following circumstances:
- Distracted driving, especially due to using apps behind the wheel
- Speeding to complete more rides per hour
- Driver fatigue after working back-to-back shifts
- Blown signals or rolling stops on congested downtown corners
- Rain, sleet, and snow since Bridgeport sees it all
- Drivers behaving recklessly on the road
These aren’t just unfortunate accidents. They’re preventable crashes often caused by poor decisions, and we treat them that way. As your rideshare accident attorneys in Bridgeport, fighting for justice on your behalf is our priority.
Who’s Liable for the Collision and Why Does It Matter?
Liability in rideshare crashes isn’t always straightforward. Under Connecticut’s modified comparative fault rule, you can only recover damages if you’re less than 51% responsible for the collision, and your percentage of responsibility reduces your compensation.
As an example, if you’re 25% at fault, your total payout will subsequently be reduced by 25%. But if your liability crosses that 51% threshold, you will walk away with nothing. That’s why we investigate everything—from driver behavior to app status to the condition of the vehicle.
The Injuries We Often See as a Result of Rideshare Crashes
Rideshare collisions in Bridgeport cause real, lasting harm. As rideshare accident lawyers in Bridgeport, our clients often suffer from the following injuries:
- Whiplash and soft tissue damage
- Fractures and orthopedic injuries
- Traumatic brain injuries (TBI)
- Spinal cord injuries and paralysis
- Organ damage and internal bleeding
- Lacerations, abrasions, and burns
- Psychological trauma, including PTSD
You Have Two Years to Take Legal Action
Connecticut gives you two years to file a personal injury claim as the victim of a rideshare crash. If you miss this 24-month deadline, you could lose your right to recover compensation entirely.
Don’t wait. Rideshare cases involve digital data that can disappear fast. The sooner you call us, the sooner we can preserve evidence and put pressure on insurers on your behalf.
Contact Our Bridgeport Rideshare Accident Law Firm Today
A rideshare accident can leave you injured, confused, and unsure where to turn. Whether you were a passenger, another driver, or a pedestrian at the time of the crash, you shouldn’t have to deal with complicated insurance issues and legal matters all alone.
At Skiber Law, we know how rideshare companies operate. With over 50 years of combined experience, our attorneys also know how to hold at-fault parties accountable when things go wrong as a result of their actions or inaction.
We’re here to advocate for you and help you pursue maximum compensation. Call our Bridgeport rideshare accident law firm today. The sooner we get involved, the sooner we can start building your case and pushing for the justice you deserve.