Las Cruces Rideshare Accident Lawyer

Rideshare Accident Attorney in Las Cruces, NM

Rideshare services offer convenience and accessibility. However, if you are involved in a car crash during a rideshare trip, it can leave you with questions about how to pursue compensation with this added complexity. A skilled Las Cruces rideshare accident lawyer can explain your options when filing a claim to pursue compensation for your damages.

Why Choose Berenson & Associates, PC?

Our dedicated Las Cruces car accident lawyer at Berenson & Associates, PC, can file claims and pursue compensation after a rideshare crash. Our attorneys have over 25 years of experience, offering unique legal advice for every case. We can bring you justice after an accident, enhance your recovery, fight back against insurance companies, and hold at-fault drivers accountable.

Understanding Rideshare Accidents in Las Cruces

Rideshare services, including Uber and Lyft, allow Las Cruces citizens to explore new downtown events, reach Roadrunner Transit Stops, and go to the Las Cruces International Airport without worrying about long-term parking. Rideshare services account for about 13% of miles travelled in metropolitan areas.

Despite their convenience, ridesharing is still at risk for car accidents. Uber reports 153 traffic fatalities in one year, a rate of 0.82 deaths per 100M vehicle miles travelled (VMT). While the rate of Uber and other rideshare accidents is lower than New Mexico’s rate of 1.43 deaths per 100M VMT, accidents do occur.

Who Can Be Held Liable for a Rideshare Accident?

New Mexico is an at-fault state for car accidents, which means the driver who caused the crash is financially responsible for the victim’s damages. However, this can become complicated when using a rideshare service. You should hire a rideshare accident lawyer who can identify the liable party or parties, according to New Mexico negligence laws. Depending on your case, you may file a claim against:

• Your rideshare driver. If your driver’s reckless or negligent behavior while driving resulted in a car crash, the rideshare driver will likely be found at fault. If this is the case, the driver’s insurance can be used to pay for your damages, which may be supplemented by the rideshare company’s. During a ride with a passenger, rideshare companies offer significantly more coverage than a driver’s personal insurance.
• Another at-fault driver. If an accident was caused by another driver, you can file a claim against them, even if you were a rideshare passenger during the accident. In this scenario, the at-fault driver’s insurance provider can cover most or all of your damages, though the rideshare company’s insurance may also apply.
• The rideshare company. Filing a claim directly against Uber, Lyft, or other rideshare companies is uncommon, but it can be possible. If a rideshare company exhibited negligence when employing your rideshare driver, such as by forgoing safety checks, the company may be liable for your damages.

Why Hire a Rideshare Accident Lawyer?

Filing a rideshare accident claim is legally complex. With many potential parties involved, it can be difficult to determine whose insurance covers your damages. Additionally, insurance providers often try to minimize settlements to pay victims as little as possible. A lawyer’s ability to navigate complex insurance claims and negotiate for increased compensation can provide clarity and make sure you are fairly compensated.

With many emotional challenges and financial expenses involved in recovery, you deserve to be compensated after a rideshare accident. Personal injury settlement amounts examples in New Mexico show that expert negotiation is key to making sure you are fairly compensated. A lawyer can argue for higher compensation during a settlement to offset damages such as:

• Personal injuries and the price of medical treatment
• Personal property damage, such as to your clothing, personal electronics, and other valuables
• Lost income if you had to take time away from work during your recovery
• Physical pain and suffering from your injuries
• Emotional trauma and psychological disorders, such as stress, anxiety, or PTSD

FAQs

How Is Fault Determined in a Rideshare Accident?

In Las Cruces, fault is determined through analyzing evidence from the accident and determining what percentage of fault each involved party had in the crash. New Mexico follows a comparative negligence system, which means the person with the greatest percentage of fault is responsible for the damages. If you were not responsible for the crash or have a small amount of shared fault, you can file a claim against the party who has the highest percentage of fault.

What Evidence Do You Need to File a Rideshare Accident Claim?

Many types of evidence can be used when filing a rideshare accident claim, including:

• Police reports
• Dashcam or security camera footage
• Witness testimonies
• Photos from the scene of the accident
• Photos of visible injuries
• Medical records,
• Ride information records
• Receipts from the rideshare platform

Your rideshare accident lawyer can collect evidence after a crash. They can then present it during negotiations or a trial to support your claim.

What Should You Do Immediately After a Rideshare Crash?

The first few steps to take after a rideshare crash are to:

• Move to a safe location.
• Exchange insurance and contact information with the drivers and any other passengers.
• Report the accident to the police and the rideshare service.
• Seek necessary medical care.

To learn about what you should do next, contact a Las Cruces rideshare accident lawyer. They can explain your legal options and gather evidence during the investigation.

Do Rideshare Drivers Carry Personal Auto Insurance?

Yes, rideshare drivers are required to carry personal auto insurance, including uninsured or underinsured motorist insurance. New Mexico’s auto insurance minimums are:

• $25,000 per person for bodily injury
• $50,000 per accident for bodily injury
• $10,000 per accident for property damage

Rideshare drivers must still meet these coverage minimums, despite having significantly more coverage from the rideshare company when driving with a passenger.

Speak With a Las Cruces Rideshare Accident Attorney

If you have been involved in a car wreck as a rideshare passenger, the aftermath of the accident can be stressful and overwhelming. Trying to navigate insurance complexities while recovering from injuries can leave you feeling anxious and alone. At Berenson & Associates, PC, we can represent you through your claim, ease your stress, and negotiate for compensation for your damages. Contact us to learn how we can pursue a rideshare accident claim.