Milwaukee Uber and Lyft Accident Lawyer

Throughout the greater Milwaukee area, many people make use of popular ridesharing apps such as Uber and Lyft. As these types of services become more popular, so too do accidents involving rideshare vehicles.

Some of the most common causes of accidents involving Uber and Lyft vehicles include the failure to use turn signals, speeding, tailgating, and even drunk driving. If you were involved in an accident involving a negligent Uber or Lyft driver, you should be aware of your ability to recover compensation, whether you were in another vehicle, riding a bicycle, walking, or riding in the rideshare vehicle itself.

To get immediate and reliable legal assistance in recovering compensation for your injuries, reach out to the seasoned Milwaukee Uber and Lyft accident lawyers at Wruck Paupore. When you call our offices today at (219) 322-1166, you can get your first case evaluation for no charge.

Common Causes of Uber and Lyft Accidents in Milwaukee

Any number of factors can contribute to a car accident. A few of these factors, such as those listed below, affect Uber and Lyft drivers at a relatively higher rate than others.

Speeding

Rideshare drivers often try to get their fares from pickup to destination as quickly as possible. This allows them to maximize their time spent driving. However, this incentive may cause drivers to speed. Speeding not only increases the chances of an accident but also increases the chances that such an accident would result in more serious injuries.

Tailgating

Another common behavior of Uber and Lyft drivers to try to cut down time is to drive up very close to the vehicle in front of them. Not only does tailgating not save time when driving, but it is also very dangerous. All drivers are responsible for leaving a big space gap between their vehicle and the one in front. For this reason, most rear-end collisions point blame in the direction of the rear vehicle’s driver.

Failure to Use Turn Signals

Not using turn signals is one of the few examples of when rear-end car accidents are not necessarily the rear vehicle’s fault. This is particularly relevant for Uber and Lyft drivers, who frequently have to pull over to the side of the road and stop to pick up or drop off fares. Doing so without warning creates danger for others on the road that cannot anticipate the rideshare vehicle’s change of pace.

Drunk Driving

Drunk driving is a leading cause of traffic fatalities every year. Rideshare services like Uber and Lyft were initially widely heralded as safe alternatives for individuals who might otherwise choose to get behind the wheel after having too much to drink. However, the reality is that rideshare drivers are human and prone to mistakes like anyone else.

What to Do After Uber and Lyft Accidents in Milwaukee

In the time immediately after the collision, it can be difficult to think about what steps you should take in your own best interest. It is important that you act not just to preserve your own personal health but also your later monetary claim.

You should always call 911 after any accident in Milwaukee. The dispatcher will send law enforcement officers to the scene, who will investigate the crash and file their findings in an official car accident report. These reports are critical tools to have for insurance claims and lawsuits.

Separately from the police report, you should do whatever you can to gather as much evidence from the scene as you can before it is gone. The easiest way to do this is to take pictures and videos of the damage to vehicles and property and any relevant conditions in the area or tire tracks left on the pavement. If possible, try to get contact information from any bystanders that saw the accident happen, as they may be able to serve as eyewitnesses.

Once the situation at the scene of the accident is resolved, you should visit your nearest emergency room as soon as possible. Getting immediate medical care reduces the likelihood of your condition exacerbating and creates a medical record that establishes a connection between the accident and your injuries.

Damages for Uber and Lyft Accidents in Milwaukee

When calculating what your case may be worth, it is important to understand how a court determines damages in an Uber or Lyft accident injury lawsuit. There are two main theories of damages that are available in every case: economic and non-economic damages.

Economic damages come from tallying the total amount of direct expenses and financial losses stemming from the accident. The classic example of economic damages in any personal injury lawsuit is medical bills. If your injuries prevent you from working, you can also recover for lost wages or any impact your injuries or missed time have had on your earning capacity.

Non-economic damages are not based on tangible financial harms. Rather, they are based on the personal pain and suffering that the victim has and will continue to deal with as a consequence of their experience and resulting injuries. Because these damages cannot be tallied up on a spreadsheet, it is important to have the assistance of a dedicated Milwaukee Uber and Lyft accident lawyer to make sure that you claim everything that you deserve.

Statute of Limitations for Uber and Lyft Accident Lawsuits in Milwaukee

If you believe that you may have grounds for a case after sustaining an injury in a car accident involving a rideshare vehicle, you do not have long to delay. Under Wisconsin’s statute of limitations, the opportunity to file a lawsuit for these cases only lasts three years.

The clock on this three-year window starts to tick on the date of the accident itself. Milwaukee courts take the statute of limitations seriously, so if you miss your filing deadline on your case, you may find yourself without any options for recovery. You can minimize your chances of running into these issues in your case by calling a Milwaukee Uber and Lyft accident lawyer as soon as possible.

Get a Free Case Assessment from the Milwaukee Uber and Lyft Accident Lawyers at Wruck Paupore

To learn more about your case and options for recovery through a free initial case assessment, contact the seasoned Milwaukee Uber and Lyft accident attorneys at Wruck Paupore by calling us at (219) 322-1166.