Columbus Rideshare Accident Lawyer

Rideshare Accident Attorney in Columbus, OH

Uber and Lyft are convenient, cost-effective, and increasingly popular travel options in Columbus, Ohio. However, as more riders use the apps, more rideshare vehicles will be involved in accidents, harming drivers, passengers, and others on the road.

Many victims of rideshare accidents face an uphill battle when recovering compensation. These complex claims often involve multiple overlapping insurance policies and difficult liability issues. Let an experienced and skilled Columbus Uber and Lyft accident lawyer from Gervelis Law help you with your claim. If you suffered injuries in a rideshare accident, our car accident lawyers can guide you through your rideshare accident case.

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Who Can File a Rideshare Accident Claim in Columbus, OH?

Anyone who suffers injuries in a rideshare accident can file a claim. In many cases, the victim is an Uber or Lyft passenger who is involved in a crash or collision during a ride.

You may also have a case if a rideshare driver has hit you while driving, cycling, or walking. Rideshare drivers can also file claims if an accident occurred because of another driver’s negligence or recklessness.

Victims who lose their lives in rideshare accidents also deserve justice. A personal representative for their estate can file a wrongful death claim.

Who Is Liable in an Uber or Lyft Accident?

Determining who pays for damages in an Uber accident generally comes down to liability. However, determining who is liable can be more complex because multiple parties are involved.

Potential Liable Parties in an Accident

Depending on the specifics of your case, one or more of these parties might be liable for your rideshare accident:

• A passenger who interfered with the driver’s ability to handle the car
• A negligent rideshare driver
• The rideshare company
• Drivers of other vehicles involved in the crash
• Third parties, such as the vehicle manufacturer or a government entity responsible for road conditions

When evaluating liability, your Columbus Uber accident lawyer will examine the behaviors of all the parties involved. For example, a driver who was intoxicated or speeding would likely share some—if not all—of the blame. Meanwhile, rideshare companies might be liable if they fail to conduct a proper background check on the driver or take proper action after previous accidents.

Another critical factor is the status of the Uber or Lyft driver at the time of the accident. In most cases, you can’t sue Uber or Lyft directly because their drivers are independent contractors rather than employees. However, the rideshare company’s insurance might cover the accident if the driver is in the middle of an active ride. Conversely, the driver’s personal insurance comes into play if they weren’t logged into the app at the time of the accident.

Comparative Negligence

Liability isn’t always clear-cut, and several people or groups might be responsible for your accident. You can recover damages from multiple parties—even if you share some fault.

Ohio’s comparative negligence rule allows you to seek compensation when you’re partially responsible for an accident. However, your percentage of fault affects the compensation you receive. For example, if the court finds you were 20 percent responsible for the accident, they would lower your compensation by that same amount.

Why Choose Gervelis Law Firm for Your Uber and Lyft Accident Case?

Gervelis Law Firm has handled many Uber and Lyft accident cases in Columbus, Ohio. We have a proven track record of securing compensation for rideshare accident victims. These are a few of our successful settlements and verdicts:

• Attorney Stephanie Mehle secured a $495,000 settlement for a client injured in Columbus, OH. The settlement provided significant compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
• Stephanie Mehle also obtained a $130,000 settlement for a client who suffered personal injuries in Columbus, Ohio. This settlement helped cover medical costs and provided financial support during the client’s recovery.
• Our attorneys recovered $140,000 for a client whose car malfunctioned, causing several vehicles to rear-end each other.

In addition, you don’t have to worry about affording a rideshare accident lawyer in Ohio when you choose to work with Gervelis Law Firm. We work on a contingency fee basis—we don’t charge any upfront fees and only get paid if we win your case.

Our Columbus, OH Uber & Lyft Accident Lawyers

The legal landscape is complicated and often challenging to navigate. If you need high-quality legal representation following a rideshare accident, our trusted attorneys are ready to fight for you.

Mark S. Gervelis

Attorney Mark S. Gervelis is a board-certified civil trial lawyer who founded Gervelis Law Firm. He has decades of litigation experience and has received recognition from Super Lawyers and the Million Dollar Advocates Forum.

David Michael Tschantz

Attorney David Michael Tschantz has been with Gervelis Law Firm since 2011. He is a dedicated advocate for victims of rideshare, car, truck, and motorcycle accidents.

Stephanie M. Mehle

Attorney Stephanie M. Mehle joined Gervelis Law in 2015 and offers legal representation for accident victims. She is an active member of the Mahoning County Bar Association and the Mahoning and Trumbull County Academy of Trial Lawyers.

What Type Of Compensation Is Available to Uber & Lyft Accident Victims in Columbus, OH?

Your compensation for a rideshare accident should cover all the damages you sustain, including the financial, physical, and emotional impacts. In Ohio Uber and Lyft accident claims, you can recover compensation for the following losses:

• Medical expenses, such as hospital bills, prescriptions, physical therapy, and assistive equipment
• Lost wages from missed work while you recover
• Diminished earning capacity resulting from ongoing medical issues related to the accident
• Property damage to your vehicle or other personal belongings
• Pain and suffering
• Emotional anguish
• Loss of enjoyment of life
• Loss of consortium, or the loss of companionship and social relationships

Compensation is also available in wrongful death claims for rideshare accidents. An Ohio wrongful death attorney can help recover damages for funeral expenses, final medical bills, lost wages, loss of income and benefits, and loss of companionship.

When filing a rideshare accident claim, an Uber or Lyft accident attorney in Columbus can help you calculate your total damages. They will look at all your past, present, and future expenses so you receive the settlement or verdict you deserve.

How Our Uber & Lyft Accident Lawyers at Gervelis Law Can Help You

At Gervelis Law, we manage every step of your case. Ohio personal injury attorneys will carefully review your accident’s unique circumstances to determine liability. They will also gather relevant evidence, including Uber or Lyft app data and driver histories.

With extensive experience handling rideshare insurance claims and negotiations, our attorneys will then work to recover damages for your financial losses. If necessary, they will file a lawsuit to maximize your compensation.

Our client Reviews reflect our commitment to seeking justice:

“This law firm office is very fantastic. They work hard for the best of customers. The attorney Geverlis is one of the best lawyers that I firmly recommend to anybody…

Flory K.

“I appreciate their kindness and devotion to work with me during my case in a protectional way. They are really professional.”

Blanche K.

“Amazing staff, kind and patient people, and an overall sense of concern. Couldn't have done better, and you definitely get more than you pay for.”

Noah M.

Uber & Lyft Insurance Coverage in Columbus, Ohio

Rideshare insurance coverage differs based on whether the driver was online at the time. In Ohio, drivers fall under different coverage periods:

• Driver is offline: Their personal auto insurance applies.
• Driver is logged in but hasn’t accepted a ride yet: Limited Uber or Lyft insurance applies, with policy limits of $50,000 per person, $100,000 per accident, and $25,000 for property damage.
• Driver has accepted a ride but hasn’t picked up the passenger: Uber or Lyft’s full commercial insurance of $1 million in liability coverage applies.
• Passenger is in the vehicle: Uber or Lyft’s insurance covers any accident that occurs during the ride.

If you’re unsure of the status of a rideshare driver when the accident occurred, your attorney will help you find that information.

The Legal Process After a Rideshare Accident

Filing a rideshare accident claim can be intimidating, particularly if you don’t have experience with the legal system. Having an attorney to guide you makes the process less stressful.

Your attorney will start by investigating the accident to determine the cause and who is responsible. Our Rapid Investigation Team will be on-site within 24 hours to gather evidence to support your claim. We’ll interview witnesses, collect medical records, and request police reports. This evidence is crucial to proving liability and damages in your claim. We will examine this information and our experience to nail down the details of the accident.

With a clear understanding of what occurred and who was responsible, your Ohio rideshare accident attorney will negotiate with any insurance companies involved in the claim. If they cannot reach a fair settlement, they will complete the necessary paperwork and file a lawsuit against the at-fault parties within the statute of limitations.

Contact Gervelis Law Firm Today

A rideshare accident can permanently alter the course of your life, but recovering damages can help limit your financial suffering. A Columbus Uber and Lyft accident lawyer can support you, helping you recover fair compensation for your injuries.

If you or someone you know suffered harm during a rideshare accident, Gervelis Law Firm is here to help. Contact us online or call 330-533-6565 to schedule your free consultation today.