Injured in an Uber/Lyft Rideshare Accident?
Society has officially entered the age of rideshare transportation. Whether you need a quick ride after a concert, a pickup from the airport, or a daily commute, ridesharing offers a convenient option for everyone. With benefits like energy efficiency and time savings, it may seem that ridesharing comes with no drawbacks. However, as with any form of transportation, there is always a risk of accidents on the road.
At Wallentine Injury Law, our legal team has extensive experience assisting individuals injured in auto accidents, including rideshare incidents. If you or a loved one has been injured in a rideshare accident, don’t hesitate to contact our trusted team of Kansas attorneys. We are committed to holding the individual, company, and any other liable parties accountable, allowing you to focus on your recovery. You Need Jerry!
Understanding Rideshare Accidents in Kansas
Before diving into the specifics of rideshare accidents in Kansas, it’s important to understand what ridesharing actually involves. Ridesharing can be viewed from two different perspectives. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, ridesharing is “a form of shared vehicle access to provide members with vehicles for personal use without the costs and commitment of individual car ownership.” For some, ridesharing simply means carpooling with coworkers, friends, or family to reach a destination more efficiently.
While related to that definition, most people today associate ridesharing with services that offer one-way transportation, such as Uber and Lyft. Through these platforms, individuals use a mobile app to request a ride from a nearby driver. Drivers must meet certain requirements to become qualified under Uber or Lyft, but accidents can—and do—still happen.
Our Kansas rideshare accident attorneys most often see the following causes:
- Distracted driving
- Poor vehicle maintenance
- Hazardous road conditions
- Driver negligence or inexperience
- Reckless or impaired driving
Statistics
The causes listed above—and others—contribute to a growing number of serious auto accidents both nationwide and here in Kansas. Our team shares the following statistical overview to raise awareness about rideshare accident risks and help you stay safer on the road.
Although Kansas is largely rural, urban areas around the greater Kansas City metro—such as Olathe, Lenexa, and Overland Park—have seen a significant rise in rideshare use in recent years. As with any increase in road traffic, this trend has been accompanied by a rise in accidents. Consider the following national statistics:
- Both Uber and Lyft report that over 99% of their rides occur without a safety incident.
- In 2021–2022, Uber reported 153 fatalities—an increase from the prior reporting period.
- Of those Uber-related fatalities, 5% were caused by risky driving behavior on the part of the Uber driver.
- In the same timeframe, Lyft reported 86 motor vehicle fatalities.
- Ridesharing is associated with a 3% increase in national traffic fatalities.
While both Uber and Lyft report relatively low accident rates given the number of rides they provide, the risk remains. When you use a rideshare service, you have every right to expect your safety to be prioritized at all times. If that trust has been violated due to an accident, your voice matters—and so does your recovery. Our attorneys are here to support you physically, financially, and legally.
Common Injuries in Rideshare Accidents
Like any auto accident, a rideshare accident can lead to a wide range of injuries depending on the severity of the collision. Regardless of how minor your injury may seem, it is crucial to seek medical attention as soon as possible. Prompt treatment not only protects your health but also helps establish the foundation of a potential personal injury claim.
At Wallentine Injury Law, we frequently see the following injuries resulting from rideshare accidents:
- Whiplash– The force of a collision can cause the head to snap back and forth, placing extreme strain on the neck and upper back muscles and ligaments.
- Head Injuries– Victims may suffer concussions or traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) due to direct blows to the head during impact.
- Bone Fractures and Breaks– Body parts like arms, legs, hands, or feet can become trapped or crushed in a crash, resulting in fractures or broken bones.
- Psychological Trauma– Like any serious car accident, a rideshare crash can leave lasting emotional scars. Victims often experience post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), anxiety, or depression, sometimes severe enough to avoid vehicle travel altogether.
This brief list only begins to illustrate the profound impact rideshare accidents can have on victims and their families. You don’t have to navigate the aftermath alone. Contact our team today for trusted legal guidance and access to top-tier medical providers in your area.
What Makes a Rideshare Accident Different than a Regular Auto Accident?
Hiring a dependable legal team is essential after any Kansas auto accident—but it becomes absolutely imperative following a rideshare accident. These cases involve additional legal complexities that go beyond those found in standard car crashes, including complications related to insurance coverage, liability, and Kansas-specific statutes.
Insurance
Insurance companies are often the biggest obstacle in any auto accident case, frequently working to minimize settlement payouts and reduce liability. This challenge is even greater in rideshare accidents. While services like Uber and Lyft provide insurance coverage for their drivers, the level of coverage depends on the driver’s status at the time of the crash (e.g., whether they were logged into the app, en route to a rider, or carrying a passenger). As a result, both the driver’s personal auto insurer and the rideshare company’s insurer may be involved. Navigating this multi-layered insurance process without experienced legal help can be overwhelming.
Liable Parties
Rideshare accidents also introduce the potential for multiple liable parties. While the rideshare driver is often the most obvious, fault can also lie with passengers, other drivers on the road, or even vehicle manufacturers. When several parties and multiple insurers are involved, the situation can quickly become complicated, something that requires experienced legal representation to untangle effectively.
Kansas Statutes
State-specific laws also play a major role in rideshare accident litigation. Unlike some states that don’t distinguish rideshare services from traditional transportation, Kansas does. Under Kansas Statutes Annotated (K.S.A.) Chapter 8, Article 27, the Transportation Network Company (TNC) Act governs services like Uber and Lyft. Key provisions of the TNC Act include:
- Definitions and qualifications for what constitutes a TNC
- A mandatory zero-tolerance policy for drug and alcohol use by TNC drivers
- Requirement that TNCs maintain an in-state registered agent for service of process
- Immediate driver suspension and investigation upon formal complaint
- Minimum insurance requirements depending on driver status
These legal layers make rideshare accident cases uniquely complex. To protect your rights and pursue the maximum compensation you deserve, contact Wallentine Injury Law as soon as possible after a rideshare accident. We’re ready to help you take on even the largest rideshare companies.
What Kind of Compensation Can I Recover?
Rideshare accidents can be life-altering, and the compensation you receive should reflect the full extent of your injuries and the turmoil you’ve endured. At Wallentine Injury Law, our legal team is committed to pursuing both economic and non-economic damages to ensure you are fully compensated for your losses.
Depending on your case, you may be entitled to recover compensation for the following:
- Medical Expenses– This includes all costs associated with treating your injuries after the accident, such as hospital stays, surgeries, physical therapy, medication, and follow-up care.
- Lost Wages– You may be entitled to recover income lost due to time away from work, as well as diminished future earning capacity if your injuries affect your ability to work long-term.
- Pain and Suffering– This accounts for the physical pain and emotional distress you’ve experienced as a result of the accident.
- Loss of Enjoyment of Life– If your injuries prevent you from participating in activities you once enjoyed, you may be compensated for that loss.
Contact Wallentine Injury Law
Recovering from a rideshare accident is not something you should face alone. At Wallentine Injury Law, we understand the heartache an auto accident can cause in your life and your loved ones’ lives—and we’re here to help shoulder that burden.
When it comes to pursuing rightful compensation from powerful companies like Uber and Lyft, experience matters. You Need Jerry.
Call our dedicated Kansas rideshare accident attorneys today at 913-934-6333 or contact us online to schedule your free consultation. We’re here to listen, support, and fight for your needs.
