Rideshare Car Accident Lawyers in Burlington, VT 

Getting around Burlington is easier than ever with rideshare services like Uber and Lyft. They’re fast, convenient, and popular with both locals and visitors. But let’s face it—accidents happen. And when they involve a rideshare, things can get messy. Liability isn’t always clear, and dealing with insurance companies can feel like an uphill battle. 

We get it. After an accident, you’re probably overwhelmed and unsure of what to do next. That’s where the Vermont car accident lawyers at Horn Wright, LLP steps in. Our team knows how stressful this process can be, and we’re here to take that weight off your shoulders. With years of experience handling rideshare cases, we’ll fight for the compensation you deserve while you focus on healing. 

What Exactly is a Rideshare Accident? 

A rideshare accident is just what it sounds like—a crash involving a driver for a service like Uber or Lyft. But there’s more to it than meets the eye. The driver could’ve been picking someone up, dropping them off, or just waiting for their next ride. Each of these scenarios changes how insurance works and who’s responsible for covering damages. Vermont regulates rideshare operations under 23 V.S.A. § 750.

Here in Burlington, we’ve seen rideshare accidents caused by all kinds of factors. Some drivers are distracted, trying to juggle directions and app notifications. Others might not know the streets well, especially in busy areas like Church Street Marketplace or near the University of Vermont. And let’s not forget Vermont’s winters. Slick, icy roads can make driving downright hazardous. 

Who’s Responsible in a Rideshare Crash? Let’s Talk Liability 

Sorting out who’s at fault in a rideshare accident can get complicated—fast. You might be dealing with: 

• The rideshare driver: Maybe they were speeding, distracted, or just plain careless. If their actions caused the crash, they could be held responsible. 
• Another driver or pedestrian: Accidents often involve multiple parties, and it’s not always the rideshare driver’s fault. A reckless pedestrian or an aggressive driver could share the blame. 
• The rideshare company: Here’s the tricky part. Uber and Lyft usually try to distance themselves from responsibility, claiming their drivers are independent contractors. But don’t worry—that doesn’t mean they’re off the hook. 

Vermont’s comparative negligence law also comes into play. If you’re partially at fault for the accident, your compensation could be reduced. It’s frustrating, but we’ll dig into every detail to ensure the blame is placed where it belongs. 

Rideshare Insurance Coverage: What You Need to Know 

Insurance in rideshare accidents is like a puzzle, and the pieces depend on what the driver was doing at the time of the crash. Here’s how it works: 

1. App off, personal time: If the driver wasn’t using the rideshare app, their personal insurance is responsible. The problem? Many personal policies won’t cover accidents during commercial activity.
2. App on, no ride yet: While waiting for a ride request, limited coverage kicks in—usually up to $50,000 for injuries per person and $25,000 for property damage. It’s a start, but it might not be enough. 
3. On the way or during a trip: This is where Uber and Lyft’s $1 million liability policy comes in. It’s a big safety net, but claiming it isn’t always straightforward. 

We’ll work through these layers of coverage to make sure you’re not left paying out of pocket. You’ve got enough to worry about without insurance companies playing games. 

Act Fast After a Burlington Rideshare Accident 

If you’ve been in a rideshare accident, the steps you take right after can make or break your case. Here’s what to do: 

Put safety first: Check yourself and others for injuries. Call 911 if anyone needs medical attention or if there’s significant damage. Even if you feel fine, see a doctor. Some injuries, like concussions or whiplash, show up later. 

Document everything: Take photos of the vehicles, your injuries, and the accident scene. Snap pictures of traffic signs, road conditions, and anything else that seems important. Exchange information with everyone involved, including witnesses. 

Report the accident: File a police report and report the crash to the rideshare company. Uber and Lyft have reporting features in their apps, so it’s easy to start the process. Keep copies of all communications for your records. 

Call an attorney: Let’s be real—you don’t want to handle this alone. An experienced rideshare accident lawyer can deal with the insurance companies, investigate the crash, and fight for your compensation while you focus on getting better. You can speak with a personal injury attorney at Horn Wright, LLP, within minutes. 

Compensation You Can Recover in a Rideshare Claim 

The aftermath of an accident can leave you with more than just physical injuries. You’re dealing with bills, stress, and time away from work. Compensation can help ease the burden. Here’s what you might recover: 

Medical bills: Whether it’s an urgent car visit, physical therapy, chiropractic adjustment, or long-term care, those costs add up fast. 

Lost wages: If you’re unable to work because of your injuries, you shouldn’t have to worry about missing paychecks. 

Pain and suffering: It’s hard to put a price on emotional trauma or the loss of your quality of life, but these damages matter too. 

Property damage: If your belongings, like a phone or laptop, were damaged in the crash, you deserve to be reimbursed. 

Every case is different, and we’ll fight to get you every dollar you’re entitled to. 

Burlington’s Unique Challenges for Rideshare Vehicles 

Burlington has its quirks, and they play a role in rideshare accidents. Narrow streets downtown and heavy pedestrian traffic near places like Church Street can make driving tricky. Add in a tourist or student who’s unfamiliar with the area, and you’ve got a recipe for confusion. 

And then there’s the weather. Snow and ice are part of life here, but they create real hazards on the road. Even the most careful driver can struggle in a snowstorm. These local factors often add complexity to rideshare accident cases, and we’ll use our knowledge of Burlington to build a strong claim for you. 

Let Horn Wright, LLP, Help You Move Forward 

Look, we know this is a tough time. Accidents turn your life upside down, leaving you feeling frustrated, angry, and unsure of what to do next. At Horn Wright, LLP, we’re here to take that stress off your shoulders. 

Our team of Vermont lawyers has handled countless rideshare accident cases, and we know how to deal with stubborn insurance companies. We’ll dig into the details, uncover the facts, and fight for every bit of compensation you deserve. You don’t have to face this alone. 

Call us for a free consultation. We’ll listen to your story, answer your questions, and give you a clear plan of action. Let us help you move forward, one step at a time.