Anchorage Rideshare Accident Lawyer

How Uber and Lyft Insurance Works in Alaska

Rideshare companies like Uber and Lyft are required by law to carry significant insurance coverage for their drivers, but this coverage only applies at certain times. Understanding these different periods is key to knowing what compensation may be available to you. Alaska law outlines specific insurance requirements for Transportation Network Companies (TNCs), which is the legal term for rideshare services.

The insurance coverage is typically broken down into three main phases based on the driver’s activity in the app.

Phase 1: The App is Off

When the driver is not logged into the rideshare app, they are considered to be driving for personal reasons. If they cause an accident during this time, only their personal car insurance policy would apply. Rideshare companies provide no coverage in this situation.

Phase 2: The App is On, and the Driver is Waiting for a Request

Once a driver logs into the app and is available to accept ride requests, a limited insurance policy from the rideshare company is activated. This coverage is for liability, meaning it pays for injuries or damages the driver causes to others. The required coverage includes:

• $50,000 for bodily injury per person
• $100,000 for bodily injury per accident
• $25,000 for property damage

This coverage applies if the driver’s personal insurance doesn’t cover the incident, which is often the case, as many personal policies exclude commercial driving activity.

Phase 3: The Driver Has Accepted a Ride or Has a Passenger

From the moment a driver accepts a ride request until the passenger is dropped off, the rideshare company’s full insurance policy is in effect. This is a much larger policy that provides at least $1,000,000 in third-party liability coverage. 

This policy covers injuries to passengers, people in other vehicles, pedestrians, and cyclists if the rideshare driver is found to be at fault. It also includes uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage, which can protect you if the at-fault driver has no insurance or not enough to cover your damages.

Navigating these different insurance policies can be a difficult process, but a skilled lawyer can identify all available sources of compensation.

What an Anchorage Rideshare Accident Lawyer Can Do for You

After a rideshare accident, you may receive a quick call from an insurance adjuster offering a settlement. It is important to remember that their goal is to pay out as little as possible. Hiring an experienced rideshare accident lawyer in Anchorage levels the playing field and signals to the insurance company that you are serious about receiving fair compensation.

Your attorney will manage every aspect of your claim so you can focus on your recovery. This includes:

• Conducting a Full Investigation: We will gather all the evidence, including police reports, witness statements, traffic camera footage, and data from the rideshare app, to build a strong case.
• Identifying All Liable Parties: We will analyze the facts to determine every party that may be responsible for your injuries, from the drivers involved to the rideshare company.
• Calculating Your Total Damages: We work with you and your doctors to understand the full extent of your injuries and calculate all your past, present, and future losses, including medical costs and lost income.
• Handling All Communications: Our team will take over all communication with insurance companies, protecting you from their tactics and handling the complex paperwork and negotiations.
• Fighting for a Fair Settlement: We will use our experience to negotiate aggressively for a settlement that fully covers your damages. If a fair offer is not made, we are prepared to advocate for you in court.

Having a dedicated legal advocate on your side ensures your rights are protected throughout the entire process.

Types of Compensation Available After a Rideshare Crash

If you have been injured in a rideshare accident, you may be able to recover compensation for a wide range of losses. This compensation, legally known as “damages,” is intended to help you become whole again financially and to account for the personal impact the injuries have had on your life. 

Damages in a personal injury claim are generally divided into two main categories.

Economic Damages

These are the direct financial losses you have suffered because of the accident. They are tangible and have a specific dollar amount attached.

• Medical Expenses: This includes all costs for your medical care, from the initial ambulance ride and emergency room visit to ongoing physical therapy, surgery, medication, and any future care you may need.
• Lost Wages: If your injuries prevented you from working, you can be compensated for the income you lost during your recovery.
• Loss of Earning Capacity: If your injuries are permanent and affect your ability to earn a living in the future, you can seek compensation for this loss.
• Property Damage: This covers the cost to repair or replace your vehicle or any other personal property damaged in the crash.

Non-Economic Damages

These damages are for the non-financial ways the accident has affected your life. They are more subjective but are just as real and important as your economic losses.

• Pain and Suffering: This compensates you for the physical pain, discomfort, and emotional distress caused by your injuries.
• Emotional Anguish: This can include compensation for anxiety, depression, fear, or sleep disturbances resulting from the trauma of the accident.
• Loss of Enjoyment of Life: If your injuries prevent you from participating in hobbies, activities, or social events you once enjoyed, you may be entitled to compensation for this loss.

Our team will carefully document all of your losses to ensure we seek the maximum compensation possible in your case.

Steps to Take After a Rideshare Accident in Anchorage

The actions you take in the days and weeks after a rideshare crash can have a big impact on your health and your ability to file a successful injury claim. Once you have received emergency medical care and are safely back home, it’s important to be mindful of protecting your rights.

Here are some important steps to consider:

1. Prioritize Your Medical Treatment: Your health is the most important thing. Be sure to attend all follow-up appointments with your doctor and follow their treatment plan completely. This not only helps your recovery but also creates an official record of your injuries.
2. Keep Detailed Records: Start a file to keep all documents related to the accident. This should include medical bills, receipts for out-of-pocket expenses, letters from insurance companies, and notes about how your injuries are affecting your daily life.
3. Be Careful When Talking to Insurance Adjusters: You will likely get a call from an insurance adjuster soon after the crash. It is best to avoid giving a recorded statement or accepting a settlement offer until you have spoken with a lawyer. Anything you say can be used to downplay your claim.
4. Stay Off Social Media: Do not post any details about the accident, your injuries, or your daily activities on social media. Insurance companies often look at social media profiles to find information they can use against you.
5. Consult with a Rideshare Accident Attorneuy: The best way to protect your rights is to get advice from a legal professional who understands these types of cases. A consultation allows you to learn about your options without any obligation.

Taking these steps can help create a strong foundation for your personal injury claim.

Anchorage Rideshare Accident FAQs

Here are answers to some common questions we receive about rideshare accident claims in Alaska.

How long do I have to file a rideshare accident claim in Alaska?

In Alaska, the statute of limitations for most personal injury claims is two years from the date of the injury. This is a strict deadline. If you fail to file a lawsuit within this two-year window, you will likely lose your right to seek compensation forever. It is critical to speak with a lawyer well before this deadline approaches.

What if the at-fault driver was uninsured or underinsured?

This is where the rideshare company’s Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist (UM/UIM) coverage becomes very important. If you were injured while on a trip (Phase 3), Uber and Lyft’s large policies include UM/UIM coverage that can compensate you if the at-fault driver has no insurance or not enough to cover all of your damages.

Do I have to sue Uber or Lyft to get compensation?

Not necessarily. In most cases, a claim is filed with the applicable insurance company, whether it’s the driver’s personal policy or the rideshare company’s commercial policy. Most claims are resolved through a negotiated settlement without ever going to court. A lawsuit is typically filed only if the insurance company refuses to make a fair settlement offer.

What if my injuries seemed minor at first but got worse over time?

This is a very common situation. The adrenaline from a crash can mask pain, and some serious injuries, like whiplash or internal injuries, may not show symptoms for hours or even days. It is essential to seek a medical evaluation after any accident, even if you feel fine. This creates a record connecting your injuries to the crash and ensures you get the care you need.

How much does it cost to hire an Anchorage Uber and Lyft accident lawyer?

At Crowson Law Group, we handle personal injury cases on a contingency fee basis. This means we only get paid if we successfully recover money for you, either through a settlement or a court award. Our fee is a percentage of the total recovery, so you never pay anything out of your own pocket.

What if I was a rideshare driver and another motorist hit me?

If you were working as a rideshare driver and were injured by a negligent driver, you have the right to file a personal injury claim against that driver’s insurance policy. You may also be able to use your own UM/UIM coverage. We can help you understand all the options available to you as an injured driver.

Crowson Law Group: Trusted Rideshare Accident Lawyers in Anchorage

If you have been injured in an Uber or Lyft accident, you don’t have to handle the complex insurance claims process by yourself. The dedicated team at Crowson Law Group is here to help. We will handle the legal details so you can put your energy where it belongs—on your physical and emotional recovery. Our goal is to provide you with a positive experience and to fight for the full and fair compensation you need to move forward.

Contact our Anchorage or Wasilla offices today to schedule a free, no-obligation consultation with an experienced Uber and Lyft accident attorney. Let us show you how we can help. Call us at (907) 418-3116 or visit our contact page to get started. As Anchorage, AK, personal injury lawyers, we are available 24/7 to take your call.

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Crowson Law Group –  Anchorage Office Location

Address: 637 A Street Anchorage, AK 99501

Contact No: (907) 777-7777