Getting around Billings using a rideshare service like Uber or Lyft is usually a simple part of your day. But when a relaxing ride turns into a serious collision on a busy road like King Avenue West or near the downtown area by Billings Clinic, the path forward can feel confusing.
If you were injured in a crash involving a rideshare vehicle, you are likely facing medical bills, time off work, and significant stress. It’s important to understand that you have rights and options for your recovery. A Billings rideshare accident attorney from Rimrock Law can help you navigate this complex situation and seek the accountability you need to move forward.
Our dedicated injury lawyers are here to help you understand your rights and options, allowing you to focus on what matters most: your recovery.
Why Choose Rimrock Law for Your Billings, MT Rideshare Accident Claim?
After a traumatic event like a car wreck, choosing a legal advocate is a significant decision. You need a team that not only understands Montana law but also understands what you and your family are going through. At Rimrock Law, we approach every case with dedication and compassion, focusing on your well-being while we handle the legal complexities. Our approach is built on a foundation of clear communication and determined advocacy for people right here in our Billings community.
We believe our commitment to clients sets us apart. When you work with our team, you will find that we focus on:
- A Team-Based Strategy: You benefit from the combined experience of our entire legal team. We collaborate on cases to explore every angle and build a strong approach tailored to your unique circumstances.
- Deep Experience with Insurance Companies: Rideshare accident claims involve navigating complicated insurance policies. We have extensive experience dealing with insurance carriers and are prepared to counter their tactics to protect your rights.
- A Focus on Your Recovery: Our mission is to handle the legal burdens so you can focus on what truly matters: healing. We manage the paperwork, communications, and negotiations on your behalf.
We are dedicated to being strong advocates for those injured in our community. We have seen firsthand how an accident can disrupt a person's life, and we are committed to helping our clients find a path to a more stable future.
We have resolved dozens of car accident claims over the last two decades resulting in multi-million dollars in recovered damages.
Cases Resolved
- $500K recovered for an injured young woman stemming from an automobile accident that occurred just outside of Billings, Montana.
- Middle six-figure recovery for a passenger of a vehicle driven by a friend that was involved in an accident with a semi-trailer on I-90 in Western Montana.
- Near seven-figure recovery for an injured logging employee who was injured in an automobile accident while driving to work in Western Montana.
- Mid-six-figure recovery on behalf of an injured couple who were injured by a negligent driver in Western Montana.
While we can’t guarantee a value for your case, we will fight for full and fair compensation in your case. Contact us today to discuss your situation and options for financial recovery.
Who May Be Eligible to Make a Rideshare Accident Claim?
When an Uber or Lyft is involved in a crash, it's easy to assume that only the passenger has a valid claim. However, the reality is that several different people could be injured and may be eligible to seek compensation for their losses. The responsible party's insurance and the rideshare company's policies can provide coverage for a wide range of victims.
Depending on the specific details of the collision, a claim could be made by:
- A Rideshare Passenger
- The Driver of Another Vehicle
- A Pedestrian or Bicyclist
- The Rideshare Driver
Understanding who is eligible is the first step. The next step is figuring out which insurance policy applies, which can be one of the most confusing parts of these cases.
How Does Insurance Work After a Rideshare Accident?
Rideshare accident claims are different from typical car accident claims because they often involve multiple layers of insurance coverage. Which policy applies depends entirely on the driver's status at the exact moment of the crash. Uber and Lyft have structured their insurance policies to activate based on what the driver was doing in the app.
Offline or the App is Off
When a rideshare driver is not logged into the app, they are considered to be driving for personal reasons. If they cause an accident during this time, their personal auto insurance policy is the primary source of coverage. In this situation, the claim proceeds much like any other car accident claim.
Montana law requires all drivers to carry a minimum amount of liability coverage. According to the Montana Code Annotated 61-6-103, drivers must have coverage for bodily injury and property damage. If the driver's personal insurance is insufficient to cover your damages, the situation can become more complex.
Available or Waiting for a Ride Request
This is a unique period where the driver is logged into the rideshare app and is available to accept a ride, but has not yet been matched with a passenger. During this phase, the driver's personal auto insurance is still considered the primary coverage. However, many personal policies have exclusions for commercial driving activity. Recognizing this gap, rideshare companies like Uber and Lyft provide a layer of contingent liability coverage.
This coverage typically includes:
- $50,000 in bodily injury liability per person
- $100,000 in bodily injury liability per accident
- $25,000 in property damage liability per accident
This insurance only applies if the driver's personal insurance company denies the claim or if the driver's policy limits are lower than these amounts. A Billings rideshare accident attorney from Rimrock Law can help determine if this coverage is applicable to your case.
En Route to Pick Up a Passenger or During a Ride
The moment a rideshare driver accepts a ride request and is on their way to pick up a passenger, or once the passenger is in the car, the rideshare company’s full commercial insurance policy is triggered. This coverage remains in effect until the passenger is dropped off at their destination. This is the highest level of coverage provided.
These commercial policies typically provide at least:
- $1 million in third-party liability coverage
- Uninsured/underinsured motorist (UM/UIM) bodily injury coverage
- Contingent collision and comprehensive coverage (may be subject to a deductible)
This substantial policy is in place to protect passengers and others on the road from the significant damages that can result from a serious accident. Dealing a claim with these large commercial insurance carriers requires a lawyer with a detailed understanding of their processes and a firm approach to negotiation.
Should I Accept the First Offer from the Insurance Company?
After an accident, you may feel immense pressure to resolve things quickly. An insurance adjuster might contact you within days of the crash, offering what seems like a reasonable settlement. It can be tempting to accept this first offer to pay off immediate medical bills and get the process over with. However, it's important to understand that initial offers from insurance companies are often far less than what you may truly need for a full recovery.
Insurance companies are businesses, and their goal is to resolve claims for the lowest possible amount. The first offer rarely accounts for the full scope of your losses, especially those that may not be obvious right away.
Before accepting any offer, consider these potential future costs:
- Long-Term Medical Care: Will you need ongoing physical therapy, future surgeries, prescription medications, or rehabilitative care? A quick settlement may not cover these expenses.
- Lost Earning Capacity: If your injuries prevent you from returning to your previous job or limit your ability to work in the future, you may suffer a significant loss of income over your lifetime.
- Chronic Pain and Suffering: The physical pain and emotional distress from an accident can last for months or even years, affecting your quality of life in ways that are hard to quantify.
Accepting a settlement offer is final. Once you sign the release, you give up your right to seek any further compensation for the accident, even if your injuries turn out to be more severe than you first realized. Our experienced rideshare accident lawyer in Billings can help you assess the true value of your claim and advocate for a settlement that addresses both your current and future needs.
Compensation Available to Rideshare Accident Victims in Billings, Montana
If you have been injured due to someone else's negligence in a rideshare accident, Montana law allows you to seek compensation for your losses. This compensation is legally referred to as "damages," and it is intended to help restore you, as much as possible, to the financial position you were in before the accident occurred. Damages are generally broken down into two main categories: economic and non-economic.
Economic damages are the measurable financial losses you have incurred because of the accident. These are tangible costs that can be calculated using bills, receipts, and pay stubs.
- Medical Expenses: This includes everything from the initial ambulance ride and emergency room visit to hospital stays, surgeries, doctor's appointments, and prescription costs.
- Future Medical Needs: Compensation can be sought for anticipated future medical care, such as ongoing therapy or additional medical procedures.
- Lost Wages or Income: This covers the income you lost while you were unable to work during your recovery.
- Loss of Future Earning Capacity: If your injuries have permanently affected your ability to earn a living, you may be compensated for this long-term financial loss.
Non-economic damages are designed to compensate you for the intangible, personal losses that do not have a specific price tag. While they are harder to calculate, they are just as real and impactful as economic losses. As outlined in the Montana Code Annotated 27-1-220, these damages are a critical part of a personal injury claim.
- Pain and Suffering: This compensates for the physical pain and discomfort you have endured as a result of your injuries.
- Emotional Distress: This includes compensation for things like anxiety, depression, fear, and sleep disturbances that stem from the traumatic event.
- Loss of Enjoyment of Life: If your injuries prevent you from participating in hobbies, activities, or family life that you once enjoyed, you can be compensated for this loss.
An Uber and Lyft Accident lawyer from Rimrock Law can conduct a thorough investigation of your case to identify all the damages you may be eligible for to ensure that your claim reflects the total impact the accident has had on your life.
Billings Rideshare Accident Claim FAQs
We understand you have many questions right now. Below are answers to some common concerns people have after being involved in an Uber or Lyft accident.
What should I do in the days following a rideshare accident?
After you have received initial medical care and are safely back home, focus on documentation. Keep a file of all medical bills, receipts for prescriptions, and any correspondence from insurance companies. It is also helpful to write down your memory of the accident while it is still fresh. Finally, make sure to follow all of your doctor’s treatment recommendations, as this is important for both your health and your potential claim.
How long do I have to file a rideshare accident claim in Montana?
In Montana, the time limit for filing a personal injury lawsuit is called the statute of limitations. For most personal injury cases, including rideshare accidents, you generally have three years from the date of the injury to file a lawsuit, as stated in the Montana Code Annotated 27-2-204. If you miss this deadline, you will likely lose your right to seek compensation in court.
Can I still file a claim if I was partially at fault for the accident?
Yes, you may still be able to. Montana follows a rule called modified comparative negligence. According to the Montana Code Annotated 27-1-702, you can still recover damages as long as your percentage of fault is not greater than the combined fault of the other parties. Your total compensation would then be reduced by your percentage of fault. For example, if you were found to be 10% at fault, your final award would be reduced by 10%.
Do I have to go to court for a rideshare accident claim?
The majority of personal injury claims are settled out of court through negotiations between your lawyer and the insurance companies. A settlement can often be reached without the time and expense of a trial. However, if the insurance company refuses to make a fair offer, having a legal team prepared to take your case to court is a powerful tool in compelling a just resolution.
Contact Rimrock Law’s Trusted Billings Rideshare Accident Lawyers Today
You do not have to deal with an Uber or Lyft claim alone. While you focus on healing, let our team focus on advocating for you. Our attorneys at Rimrock Law are committed to helping injured people in Billings and across Montana stand up for their rights and seek the resources they need to rebuild. We understand the local legal landscape and are prepared to handle the challenges of complex rideshare accident claims.
If you or a loved one has been injured, reach out to our team at (406) 606-1650 or through our online form for a free, confidential consultation. We can review the details of your case, answer your questions, and explain your legal options. Contact Rimrock Law today to learn how our dedicated Billings, MT personal injury lawyers can help you on your path to recovery.