How Much Is My Rideshare Accident Case Worth in Iowa?

Those who have been injured in a rideshare accident have rights. It doesn't matter if the victim was in an Uber, a Lyft, or another app-based service, if there was a car accident, and the victim was injured, they may be able to file a car accident settlement.

One of the most common questions that accident victims have in these cases is this:

How much is my rideshare accident case worth?

The truth is, this is a difficult question to answer. There are many factors that go into play when considering a car accident claim. Some of these include how severe the injuries are, what type of insurance coverage is in place, and who is found to be liable.

Because of this, it's imperative to work with an Iowa car accident lawyer to understand the legal options and recover compensation following a rideshare crash. Tom Fowler Law is a firm that can help victims following a rideshare auto accident. They can also assist with questions like How much is my bicycle accident case worth in Iowa?

Defining a Rideshare Accident

Everyone knows what a car accident is, but they might not fully understand a rideshare crash. This is when a driver is contracted to drive for a rideshare app, like Uber or Lyft, and they get in an accident. This can occur while they are waiting for a ride request, if they are en route to get a passenger, or they have a passenger in their vehicle.

Many people think that these are handled like an average car accident settlement, but that's simply not the case. Here are a few reasons why:

• Drivers are not employees of these companies, they are independent contractors

• Liability often depends on whether or not the app was in use

• Rideshare companies may offer their drivers tiered insurance policies

Those who have been involved in an accident of any type with Lyft or Uber drivers may be able to pursue compensation and file insurance claims, but they often need the help of a personal injury attorney.

Who Can Be Held Liable in a Rideshare Car Accident?

In Iowa, there is an at-fault system in place when car accidents are involved. This means that the person responsible for causing the crash must pay for the damages, even if they were not behind the wheel. Depending on the circumstances of the case, several parties might be at fault including:

• The driver of the rideshare vehicle

• Another driver who may have caused a Lyft or Uber vehicle to crash

• The rideshare company, for instance, if they hire negligently

• A third party- Examples: a vehicle manufacturer who sold defective parts or a city agency, who didn't clean snow off of the road.

This is why it's so important to fully determine which party is liable. This affects who pays compensation and how much compensation is available. In Iowa, multiple people/parties might share fault, too, and compensations are affected by that. This is just another reason why victims in this type of accident should have a rideshare attorney by their side.

Car Insurance Coverage and Rideshare Accidents

Both Uber and Lyft offer tiered insurance coverages for their drivers. Unlike with a regular insurance company, in this case, the insurance coverage may change depending on the driver's activity at the time of the accident.

If the App is Off...

If the driver is not using the app, of if they have turned the app off, the driver's personal auto insurance is the only coverage that can be used. Neither Uber nor Lyft will protect the at fault driver.

If the App is On, and the Driver is Waiting for a Ride Request...

If the app is on, the driver is waiting for a ride or delivery request, and they are found to be at fault in an accident, the rideshare companies provide limited liability insurance. This generally includes the following:

• $50,000 bodily injury per person

• $100,000 per accident total for bodily injury

• $25,000 in property damage coverage

This only applies, however, if the drivers own insurance company doesn't cover this loss.

If the Driver is En Route or if there is a Passenger in the Car...

Full coverage is applied in this case, which includes the following:

• $1 million in liability coverage

• Uninsured motorist coverage

• Contingent comprehensive and collision coverage

Passengers in a rideshare accident are almost always covered by this policy.

Factors That Affect the Value of a Rideshare Car Accident Settlement

There are a number of factors that can affect the value of a car crash claim when a rideshare driver/company is involved in Iowa. These include:

The Severity of the Injuries

Severe injuries typically mean higher compensation. Common rideshare-related car accident injuries include:

• Whiplash

• Soft tissue injuries

• Broken bones and fractures

• Concussions or head trauma

• Spinal cord injuries

• Permanent disability

If injuries require surgery, long-term care, or result in long-term disability, compensation is usually higher. For more information, this car accident law firm in Des Moines may be able to help.

Medical Expenses

The cost of medical bills also factors into compensation for rideshare car accident victims. Keep in mind that past, current, and future medical costs are always included in this and considered part of fair compensation. Some of these costs include:

• ER visits

• Hospital stays

• Surgeries

• Physical therapy

• Prescription medication

• Medical modifications to your home, i.e. chairlifts

It's important for victims to keep detailed records of these things as they are necessary as they move through the legal process.

Lost Wages and Reduced Earning Capacity

If a victim is unable to work, even if they only missed a couple of days, they can seek compensation for lost wages and reduced earning capacity. These include:

• Lost wages (past, present, and future lost wages)

• Missed gig or freelance work

• Lost business income for self-employed individuals

• Loss of future earning capacity if the victim can't return to their job

Pain and Suffering

In Iowa, a rideshare accident attorney can also help victims get non-economic damages for:

• Physical pain

• Emotional distress

• Anxiety

• Depression

• Sleep Disorders caused by the accident

• PTSD

• Loss of enjoyment of life

• Loss of companionship or intimacy

Oftentimes these are very subjective, but they make up a large part of a settlement. This is why a personal injury case must be handed by a competent lawyer who is willing to put the work into pulling everything from medical records to calculating future wages to get the most for their client.

Property Damage

If the victim was driving their own vehicle when the accident occurred, vehicle repairs, towing, rental car fees, and other costs may also be covered.

Comparative Negligence and Fault

Iowa has comparative negligence rules in place. It's known as a modified comparative fault rule. In this case, more than one person can be liable in the accident. Even the victim can hold a percentage of fault. For instance, imagine that the victim is 30% at fault and the driver is 70% at fault, and the victim has been awarded $100,000 in compensation. The driver's insurance company is only required to pay $70,000, as the damages are reduced by the percentage of fault.

What to Expect with a Settlement Following a Rideshare Accident

It's difficult to estimate an average settlement value following a rideshare accident. However, there are some estimates based on past cases:

• Minor soft tissue injuries - $5,000 to $30,000

• Moderate injuries including fractures, surgeries, etc - $30,000 to $100,000

• Severe injuries including brain damage, disability, etc - $150,000 to $500,000

• Catastrophic injuries or fatalities - $500,000 to $1 million +

Remember, these are only estimates, and the final settlement may be higher or lower than these estimates. Some of the things that may come into play include:

• Available insurance coverage/ policy limits (Rideshare and/or the driver's personal insurance)

• Strength of the case

• Quality of the records

• Whether the case settles or goes to trial

Reasons to Hire a Rideshare Accident Lawyer in Iowa

Those in an accident with a rideshare driver or while riding in a rideshare vehicle should work with a personal injury attorney who understands Iowa state laws, including traffic laws. The rideshare company or the other driver's insurance company will do their best to pay as little as possible when the plaintiff suffered significant injuries during an accident.

Tom Fowler is a personal injury lawyer, and this firm can help with the following:

• Investigating the accident and gathering evidence

• Identify liable parties including a negligent driver, the rideshare company, or even a vehicle manufacturer

• Access rideshare data and gather witness statements

• Work with Uber/Lyft's insurance adjusters to determine liability

• Sue Uber or Lyft within the state's statute of limitations

• Negotiate with insurance companies for maximum compensation

• Represent clients in course

Those who have been in an accident are often quickly approached by insurance companies to settle the case. However, these first settlements are often very low and unfair. This is why victims need a lawyer by their side.

What to Do After a Rideshare Accident in Iowa

It's important that those injured in a rideshare accident take steps from the start to strengthen their case. When an accident occurs:

1. Call 911 to notify police and seek medical attention, even if there are no serious injuries. Sometimes, injuries don't immediately appear

2. When police arrive, they will look at the scene and create a police report

3. Screenshot the ride details from the app, including the name, trip timeline, and other details

4. Collect the names and contact information of witnesses

5. Take photos of any vehicle damage, injuries, or other people or objects involved in the accident

6. Don't speak to any insurance adjuster without an attorney

7. Reach out to a rideshare accident lawyer

   
   

Contact Tom Fowler Law for a Free Consultation

Auto collisions can happen at any time, but when they occur during a rideshare trip or with a rideshare driver, things can become more confusing. Causes of these accidents often include distracted driving, reckless driving, driver fatigue, or traffic violations.

Victims in these cases have rights, and the negligent party or parties must pay compensation in these cases. To ensure that compensation is fair, it's best to have a lawyer. Tom Fowler Law offers free consultations for victims. Reach out today.