Rideshare services like Uber and Lyft offer a convenient way to get around, but when accidents happen, the aftermath is often especially confusing and frustrating. If you were hurt in a collision involving a rideshare vehicle in Waltham, know that you’re not alone.
Our rideshare accident lawyers in Waltham are here to help you make sense of what happened. At Jason Stone Injury Lawyers, we’ll explain your options and work to protect your rights throughout every step of the legal process.
We bring 21–plus years of experience to every case. Join more than 15,000 former clients in trusting us to represent you as your Waltham car accident lawyer.
Rideshare Regulations in Massachusetts
Rideshare services in Massachusetts are governed by the Massachusetts Department of Public Utilities (DPU). Your Waltham personal injury lawyer will likely explain this information in greater detail, but for now, here’s a brief overview of the laws in your area:
- Period 0: This is when the rideshare driver is not logged into the app at the time of the car crash. At this point in the situation, the driver’s personal auto insurance policy will apply.
- Period 1: When the driver is logged in but has not yet accepted a ride request, the rideshare company’s insurance will extend $50,000 per person in addition to $100,000 per accident in bodily injury liability and $30,000 for property damage.
- Period 2 and Period 3: This is when the driver has already accepted a ride request and is in the process of either picking up or transporting someone. During these periods, Massachusetts state laws require $1 million in liability coverage, underinsured/uninsured motorist coverage, and contingent comprehensive and collision coverage.
This tiered system directly affects the insurance coverage available after a collision. It all depends on what the driver was doing at the time of the crash. Your Waltham rideshare accident attorneys will look into this information on your behalf when reviewing your case.
Who is Often Involved in a Rideshare Accident?
Rideshare accidents involve a wide range of people, parties, and vehicles. Your rideshare accident attorneys in Waltham will want to understand your role in the crash because it will affect how liability is determined and what insurance coverage will apply to your case.
Here are examples of common scenarios that result in rideshare collisions:
- Passengers in a rideshare vehicle are injured in a collision caused by the rideshare driver, another driver, or both.
- Rideshare drivers are injured while working, either before accepting a ride request or while transporting a passenger.
- Occupants of other vehicles are hit by a rideshare driver who is logged in and waiting for a ride, en route to a pickup, or actively transporting a passenger.
- Pedestrians or cyclists are struck by an active or inactive rideshare vehicle.
Each of these groups will have different routes to recovery depending on how the accident occurred and who was at fault.
Determining Fault in a Rideshare Crash
A main responsibility of rideshare accident attorneys in Waltham is to determine who is at fault for the crash. In the state of Massachusetts, in particular, the state upholds a modified comparative negligence system, as outlined in MGL c. 231 § 85.
This means that any party that is injured in a rideshare-related collision is eligible to pursue and receive compensation as long as that party is not more than 50% at fault for the incident. If they are found to be 51% or more responsible, they cannot recover any compensation.
The following parties commonly share liability in rideshare accidents:
- The rideshare driver
- The driver of another vehicle
- A bicyclist or pedestrian who contributed to the crash
- A third party, such as a manufacturer or a government entity
Police reports, eyewitness statements, dashcam footage, app logs from the rideshare platform, and vehicle data are all often used to determine fault.
Statute of Limitations for Rideshare Accident Claims
Massachusetts has a three-year statute of limitations for personal injury and wrongful death claims. This means injured parties usually have three years from the date of the crash—or the date of death in fatal cases—to take legal action after the collision.
Delays in identifying the at-fault party, negotiating with insurance companies, or discovering the full extent of the injuries often complicate the timeline. The sooner you contact Waltham rideshare accident lawyers, the more time your legal counsel will have to work on your case.
Contact Our Rideshare Accident Law Firm in Waltham for Help Today
If you or someone close to you was injured in a rideshare collision, you’re likely dealing with more questions than answers. The aftermath is often overwhelming, but you don’t have to go through it alone. Instead, let our Waltham rideshare accident lawyers help you.
When you need legal advice and representation as the victim of a rideshare-related collision, turn to Jason Stone Injury Lawyers. We have what it takes to handle cases like yours successfully. You need to be heard, and we’re here to help you pursue fair compensation.
We take care of our own because Massachusetts is our home. Plus, we offer free consultations because there’s no obligation, just information®. You never need to reach into your pocket to pay us. That’s the Stone Cold Guarantee®. Call 24/7. We’ll respond within 24 hours.
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