Stamford, Connecticut Rideshare Accident Lawyer

As the sixth-most-populous city in New England, Stamford, Connecticut has a population of about 136,188, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. It’s also Connecticut’s third-most-populous city, just behind New Haven and Bridgeport.

The year 2022 marked the highest number of car crash fatalities in the state in seven years, with an estimated 368 people dying. It was the first year Connecticut recorded an average of more than one traffic fatality per day. Since 2015, car crashes have claimed the lives of more than 2,300 people. Most of them were DUI-involved crashes, wrong-way crashes, or accidents caused by distraction and other issues.

The city of Stamford, Connecticut, initiated a “Vision Zero” action plan to eliminate roadway fatalities by 2032. Yet according to the Vision Zero Crash Dashboard, the number of car crashes per month is still right around 300 to 400.

Stamford citizens have many options when it comes to transportation. They can drive their own car, take the bus, or hop on the Metro-North Railroad. They may also call an Uber or Lyft ride. In April 2014, Uber and Lyft began operations in Connecticut, offering consumers a convenient and accessible way to get around. Currently, over 9,000 people drive for Uber in the state.

Ridesharing companies offer a valuable service to busy Stamford citizens, but with more vehicles on the road, accidents are bound to happen. Chaffin Luhana supports Stamford, Connecticut residents with experienced and dedicated ridesharing accident attorneys. We address local ride-sharing laws, who pays for a ridesharing accident, what to do following a collision, and reasons why you may consider filing a lawsuit.

If you have been involved in an accident involving an Uber, Lyft, or other ridesharing vehicle, it is always best to contact a qualified Connecticut ridesharing accident lawyer to discuss your legal options. When you speak with an experienced attorney at Chaffin Luhana, the consultation costs nothing and puts you under no obligation whatsoever.

Give our Stamford, Connecticut, ridesharing accident lawyers a call today to schedule a complimentary consultation at 1-888-480-1123.

Ridesharing Fatality Rate Increased in 2019-2020

According to Gitnux, a global commerce media company, ride-sharing has become an increasingly popular form of transportation in recent years. In the U.S. alone, the market was worth $36.48 billion in 2019, with more than 5.5 billion rides taken that year. The industry was expected to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 20.4 percent from 2020 to 2027.

As more ridesharing vehicles join the roads in Stamford, accidents can increase. Researchers from the University of Chicago and Rice University reported in October 2018 that the rise of ride-sharing services like Uber has increased deaths by 2-3 percent in the U.S. since 2011. The increase was not only for vehicle occupants but also for pedestrians, and appeared to persist or even increase over time.

According to Uber’s most recent safety report, there were 101 motor vehicle fatalities across 91 Uber-related crashes in 2019-2020. That was a 7 percent increase in fatality rate per vehicle miles traveled over Uber’s figures from 2017 to 2018.

In 2019, about 68 percent of those were occupants in the vehicles, while 32 percent were non-occupants—pedestrians, bicyclists, scooter riders, and the like. In 2020, 74 percent of the fatalities were occupants, while 26 percent were non-occupants.

The report did not mention non-fatal accidents or accidents that resulted in injuries. Nor did it provide information about accidents that occurred when drivers were driving without passengers between rides.

According to Lyft’s most recent safety report, there were 105 motor vehicle fatalities between 2017 and 2019. And though Uber includes more details in its safety report about the fatalities—such as whether they were pedestrians, bicyclists, scooter riders, or others—Lyft provides no such data in its report.

Common Causes of Ridesharing Accidents in Stamford, Connecticut

Common causes of rideshare accidents in Stamford include the following.

Distracted Driving

Using a cell phone, driving while tired, or driving on unfamiliar roads increased the likelihood of a crash. Distracted driving is a problem affecting almost all drivers, but ridesharing drivers may be particularly susceptible to it.

They have to manage their apps as part of their jobs, and must also look up and type in information on their phones to get directions. They must also manage new passengers, who may be unruly, drunk, or sick.

Uber purports that its drivers can accept rides with a single click. In truth, drivers often take more time to look at the location of the rider, the destination, and the time needed to complete the ride before accepting it. All this can keep them distracted from their main duty of driving.

According to a recent study from the University of Illinois, Chicago, one-third of rideshare drivers surveyed reported being involved in a crash while working.

Fatigue

Fatigue can lead to issues like slower reaction times and worse decision-making that can increase the risk of an accident. Uber includes a “fatigue management” feature in their app, which takes drivers offline for 10 consecutive hours after they’ve been online for 13 cumulative hours without a consecutive 10-hour break. The feature also reminds drivers to take a 30-minute break if they’ve been online for 7 hours straight.

Lyft limits its drivers to 12 hours of driving before requiring a mandatory six-hour break. That six hours must be uninterrupted, and Lyft prevents drivers from going online with its app until those hours have passed.

According to research by the National Institutes of Health (NIH), however, this may not be enough to prevent driver fatigue. Other factors that can make a driver tired include driving later at night or driving in contrast to natural circadian rhythms. According to the study mentioned above, ridesharing drivers often drive as a second job, as well, which can also make it more likely that they are tired while on the road.

Speeding

According to a study by Zendrive and Aite Group, ridesharing drivers were less likely to speed than average drivers (30 percent compared to 41 percent). If a driver is trying to make more money by accepting additional trips per day, however, they may succumb to the temptation to go too fast.

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), speeding-related fatalities make up almost one-third of all traffic fatalities.

Inexperience

Unlike other commercial driving services—such as taxi services—ridesharing services do not provide any special training for their drivers before allowing them to transport passengers. They have a list of minimum requirements, which includes having at least one year of licensed driving experience in the U.S., and three years for those under the age of 25.

Ridesharing drivers may, therefore, be young, new to the area, or otherwise inexperienced. It takes time to learn how to use the app. During that learning period, drivers may be more likely to be distracted. Some ridesharing drivers may also have the option of leasing a vehicle if they don’t have one of their own, so they may not be fully experienced with the vehicle they are driving.

Unpredictable Driving

All drivers have to stay alert to their surroundings. Ridesharing drivers, though, must also scan to find their passengers. Particularly if they are not familiar with the area, they may need to look around to find the right street where their passenger is waiting. This can cause unpredictable driving, including unexpected stops, sudden turns, or slow driving.

Aggressive Driving

Any driver may choose to drive aggressively. A ridesharing driver may choose to do so to reach their destination more quickly. They may speed, tailgate, or make abrupt lane changes—all of which can increase the risk of an accident.

Poorly Maintained Vehicle

Uber and Lyft have a set of vehicle requirements that must be met before a driver is cleared to drive in Connecticut. The vehicle must have at least four doors, for instance, as well as working seatbelts for at least four passengers and a driver, and be in good condition with no cosmetic damage. Rental vehicles are not allowed unless they are from an approved Uber or Lyft rental company.

Uber and Lyft also recommend regular maintenance on drivers’ vehicles but do not require it. Drivers who fail to perform regular maintenance inspections put their passengers at risk. Common issues include worn brakes, tire blowouts, missing signal lights, and faulty seatbelts or airbags.

Driving Under the Influence

Uber and Lyft have specific policies regarding intoxicated driving, allowing neither drugs nor alcohol in the vehicle. But that doesn’t mean that it never happens. Just like any driver, a ridesharing driver may choose to drive while under the influence of alcohol or drugs. This affects reaction time, thinking, and decision-making, and can increase the risk of an accident.

Unsafe or Illegal Parking

Ridesharing drivers may park in strange places when picking up or dropping off passengers. This can affect surrounding traffic and may put other drivers or pedestrians in danger.

Connecticut Ridesharing Laws

Transportation network companies like Uber and Lyft are allowed to operate in Connecticut, pursuant to Public Act 1-140 and C.G.S. §§13b-116 to 13b-126. Under these laws, they must register with the Connecticut Commissioner of Transportation each year, or they will no longer be permitted to operate in the State.

Connecticut ridesharing drivers must also pass a criminal background check that includes submitting fingerprints to the FBI. They must repeat this process every three years. Ridesharing companies cannot hire drivers who, in the last three years, have committed more than three moving violations or committed one serious traffic violation.

Finally, ridesharing companies must insure their drivers while they are  working.

How to Select an Attorney in Connecticut for Your Ridesharing Accident

When looking for the best ridesharing accident attorney in Stamford, Connecticut, look for the following qualifications:

Experience with Ridesharing Accidents

You increase your chances of being successful in your ridesharing accident lawsuit if you have an attorney who has experience with your type of case. Many lawyers have experience with car accidents, but ridesharing accidents are different. There are unique laws in Connecticut that apply, and your attorney needs to be well-versed in these to properly represent you.

Reputation

It’s easy these days to find out more about the firm you’re considering working with. Check online to see what sort of reputation they have. Then feel free to ask them about their other clients, their results, and their referrals. A good ridesharing accident attorney will be willing to provide references that speak to their abilities and their reputation.

Professionalism

When you hire a ridesharing accident lawyer, you’re not hiring only the attorney—you’re hiring the entire firm or office. Observe the attorney’s staff as well, as they will probably be doing research and investigative work on your behalf. When you go into the office, do you feel comfortable? Do the staff members communicate clearly and politely? Is it a professional atmosphere?

Communication

As you’re shopping around, take note of how responsive the firm is, and how they communicate with you. There are few things as frustrating as wondering how your case is going and hearing nothing from your attorney’s office. It can be equally difficult to try to talk to your attorney about your case if all you hear is a lot of legal jargon that makes no sense to you. Observe how the lawyer and the firm communicate with you in the early stages before making a decision.

Fees

How will your ridesharing accident attorney be paid? It’s best to choose one that works on a contingency basis. This means they will not charge you unless they can achieve a settlement or judgment in your favor. You may be responsible for smaller costs like filing fees and expert witness fees. Ask about the attorney’s fee process so you understand exactly what you’ll be responsible for.

What Our Clients Have to Say About Chaffin Luhana

Below is a small sampling of the testimonials we have received from our clients:

Auto Personal Injury Recovery

“It’s a shame that the insurance companies put you through this…I’m glad there are people like you out there because the insurance companies would walk all over victims otherwise.”

– Mark S., Personal Injury Client

Automobile Accident Victim

“[The firm has] done right [by] me. You did everything right. Informing me and keeping me up to date. You did a fine job. I appreciate you very much.”

– Roger J., Personal Injury Client

Automobile Accident Victim

“I didn’t know what to expect since I never needed an attorney before. You took care of everything and were there for me.”

– Vicki B., Personal Injury Client

Find more testimonials here.

Dedication to Community

Law partners Eric Chaffin and Roopal Luhana, along with their families, established The Chaffin Luhana Foundation in 2010.

A not-for-profit organization, the Foundation encourages the development of human potential and supports community empowerment through the following activities:

• Scholarships: The Chaffin Luhana Foundation awards an annual scholarship to a student who helps us in the fight against distracted driving by submitting an inspiring personal essay.
• Financial gifts: The Foundation awards periodic financial gifts to institutions of higher learning to support scientific research and funds educational scholarships for students.
• Stephanie Victor Legacy Award: The Chaffin Luhana Foundation awards an annual financial gift to one deserving individual who overcame significant challenges and achieved great milestones in his or her life or career.
• Christopher & Dana Reeve Foundation: Chaffin Luhana has partnered with this organization to benefit those living with spinal cord injuries and paralysis.
• Najee Harris Partnership: We have partnered with Pittsburgh Running Back, Najee Harris, and his Da’ Bigger Picture Foundation to support those in need in the Greater Pittsburgh area.

Firm Awards

The founding partners of Chaffin Luhana have extensive experience in fighting for plaintiffs’ rights:

• Founder Eric Chaffin: Chaffin has handled a wide array of cases against various types of manufacturers, with dozens of multimillion-dollar recoveries.
• Founder Roopal Luhana: Luhana manages the firm’s mass torts division. Throughout her career, she has served on committees in MDLs involving over-the-counter consumer products and defective pharmaceuticals and medical devices.
• Partner Patrick Booth: Booth enjoys using his knowledge and experience to help his clients obtain the best results possible in their personal injury cases.

Chaffin Luhana lawyers have also been named to the prestigious “Super Lawyers” list several years in a row.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Who is Financially Responsible After A Ridesharing Accident in Stamford?

Normally, if you’re in a car accident, you would seek compensation from the at-fault driver’s insurance company. If the at-fault driver was the rideshare driver, their insurance may cover the damages, but only if the driver has a commercial policy or a personal insurance policy providing for insurance when they are engaged as a rideshare driver.

Since most rideshare drivers don’t have that kind of policy, you would look to Uber or Lyft’s third-party insurance company for liability coverage. These policies offer liability insurance only under certain conditions:

• During period 1, when the driver is logged in but has not accepted a ride, both companies cover up to $50,000 per person for bodily injury, up to $100,000 per accident for bodily injury, and up to $25,000/accident for property damage.
• During period 2, when the driver has accepted a trip, liability coverage increases to $1 million.
• During period 3, when the rider is in the car, liability coverage extends up to $1 million, with limited coverage for property damage and uninsured motorist coverage.

If the app is off and the driver was not working for a ridesharing company at the time, neither Uber nor Lyft will cover any damages. The driver’s auto insurance coverage will apply.

What Are My Options After a Ridesharing Accident?

Your options after a ridesharing accident depend on two factors:

1. Your role in the accident (were you the driver, passenger, or third party?)
2. Which party caused the accident

Usually, the party who caused the accident is liable for damages. Connecticut is an “at-fault” state, which means that the person who is at fault for the accident is responsible for paying for other people’s injuries and property damage.

Here are some examples:

A third party was at fault

If another driver hit the ridesharing vehicle you were riding in, you and the driver would seek medical damages from the at-fault party’s insurance company.

The ridesharing driver was at fault

Whether you were a passenger in the ridesharing vehicle, a driver in another vehicle, or a pedestrian or cyclist who was hurt in the accident, you would file a claim with the at-fault driver’s insurance company, or with the ridesharing company’s insurance. Remember that their rules will apply.

There was shared fault

Connecticut uses a comparative negligence system. That means that the amount of money you can recover is reduced by your share of fault in the accident. If you’re found to be over 50 percent at fault, you will not be able to recover any damages caused by the accident. But if you were only 20 percent at fault and the other driver was 80 percent at fault, the driver’s insurance would be responsible for 80 percent of your damages.

As you can see, these cases can become complicated, particularly if you have to file a claim with the ridesharing company’s insurance. This is where a ridesharing accident attorney can help.

How Do I Get Money After a Ridesharing Accident in Stamford, Connecticut?

After a ridesharing accident, check with your attorney. He or she can examine the facts of the case to determine who was at fault, and to gather evidence to support your case.

If you decide to file a claim against Uber or Lyft, understand that you may need to fight aggressively to get the compensation you are owed. The insurance companies will be most concerned with their profits and may try to shortchange you, evade liability, or try to shift the blame for the crash to a third party.

Keep track of all the evidence you have and share it with your attorney. Include screenshots of your Uber or Lyft account, the specific ride you were taking when the accident occurred, and copies of any communications you had with people involved in or who were witnesses to the accident.

What Types of Compensation are Available After A Ridesharing Accident?

The types of compensation that may be available to you (depending on your circumstance) after a ridesharing accident include the following:

• Medical damages: This includes current and future medical bills, as well as physical therapy and long-term care if needed.
• Lost wages: If your injuries keep you from being able to work, you can seek compensation for your lost wages.
• Loss of earning capacity: If your injuries are severe enough that they will keep you from returning to your job, you deserve compensation for this.
• Disability and disfigurement: If you were paralyzed or otherwise disabled in the accident, or if you suffered from injuries that resulted in permanent disfigurement, you can make a claim for these damages.
• Property damages: If you were driving another car that was hit by a ridesharing driver, you can claim your property damages. The same would be true if you were riding a bike or motorcycle, as long as the ridesharing driver was at fault.
• Pain and suffering/emotional distress: Though these damages can be more difficult to quantify, your ridesharing accident attorney can help you gather the evidence you need to support this claim.
• Loss of consortium: If you are hurt or disabled to the point that you can no longer provide the support and companionship to your partner or spouse that you did before, your partner or spouse can claim loss of consortium.

What If I Was Traveling In a Vehicle Which Was Involved In An Accident With A Ridesharing Vehicle?

If you were in another vehicle that was involved in an accident with a ridesharing vehicle, you may be able to recover damages from the ridesharing driver or another at-fault driver. The police report, as well as other evidence, will help determine fault. If you disagree with their findings, a Stamford, Connecticut ridesharing accident attorney can help.

What Should I Do fter I Am Involved In  Ridesharing Accident?

After an accident involving a ridesharing vehicle, it’s best to act just like you would after a regular car accident. Check to be sure everyone is okay and call 9-1-1 . Getting medical attention is paramount following a ridesharing accident in Connecticut.

You may feel fine, but it’s best to have yourself evaluatedfor whiplash, herniated discs, meniscus tears, and other latent car accident injuries. Your medical records would prove critical should you decide to file a claim later on.

If you’re a ridesharing passenger involved in a collision, you may want to do the following…

• Use your phone to snap photos and videos of the crash scene and property damage, if possible.
• Make note of the driver’s name and information and contact info of other parties involved.
• Try to get the contact information of any eyewitnesses who saw the crash.
• Do not assume the ridesharing driver’s policy will cover your injury claim. You may need a Connecticut ridesharing accident lawyer to fight.

If you’re a ridesharing driver hit by another vehicle, you may want to do the following…

• Call 9-1-1 to file an accident report and seek medical attention, even if the damage seems minor.
• Take photos, looking particularly for skid marks or lack thereof. Get witness contact information.
• Get the other driver’s license plate number, insurance provider, and contact information.
• Be careful what you say, resisting the bait to apologize or admit liability for the crash.
• Contact your ridesharing company to find out if you are allowed to continue driving for them during the investigation.
• Call your insurance provider to find out who pays for the accident.
• Contact a Connecticut ridesharing accident attorney to fight on your behalf.

If you’re driving another vehicle and get struck by a ridesharing driver, you may want to do the following…

• Get the names and contact information of all witnesses.
• Take as many photos of the accident scene and the cars involved from different angles as possible.
• Call the police from the accident scene to file a report, insisting that the ridesharing driver stick around.
• Contact a law firm to represent your best interests, particularly when dealing with insurers.

Are Connecticut Ridesharing Drivers Insured?

All ridesharing drivers in Connecticut must maintain their own insurance policies as per state laws. Ridesharing companies like Uber and Lyft must also cover their drivers while they are working.

If you are in an accident with a ridesharing driver and they are determined to be at fault, you can make a claim with the ridesharing driver’s individual insurance, but it may be denied if the driver doesn’t have the appropriate coverage.

It’s best to talk to your Stamford, Connecticut, ridesharing attorney about potentially filing a claim against the ridesharing company. Both Uber and Lyft provide additional insurance to cover accidents involving their drivers. The rules mentioned above apply.

The amount of compensation available depends on whether the driver was logged into the ridesharing app at the time of the accident, and whether they had accepted a trip or were carrying passengers.

If the driver was not logged into the app at the time of the accident, the ridesharing company cannot be held liable. Your only option then is to seek damages from the driver’s insurance company.

How Long Do I Have to File A Personal Injury Case Against a Ridesharing Company in Connecticut?

In general, you have two years from the date you were injured or the date you discovered the injury (or should have discovered it), but not exceeding three years, to file a personal injury claim in Connecticut. Once that time passes, you can no longer seek compensation.

There are some exceptions to this rule:

• Drunk Driver: If you were injured by a drunk driver and you want to sue the entity that provided or sold the alcohol to the drunk driver, you have only one hundred twenty days from the date of that service to provide written notice of your intention to bring an action to the seller.
• Wrongful Death: If you or a loved one passed away in the crash, you have two years to file a claim. But if the injuries didn’t cause the death right away, you may be able to file a claim up to five years from the date of the accident that eventually caused the death.
• Absence from Connecticut: If the at-fault party leaves the state, the statute of limitations doesn’t run during the time—up to a maximum of seven years—that they’re away.
• Claims Against the Government: If you wish to file against a government agency—such as against the city of Stamford or the state of Connecticut—your claim will be subject to special notice and filing deadline requirements, typically lasting only 30 to 90 days. Check with your ridesharing attorney for more information.

It’s best not to wait that long, however. You also don’t want the facts of the case to go cold. Gathering evidence about the accident is easiest early on. After that, witnesses may forget details, videos may be erased, and other types of evidence may be more difficult to obtain.

Your Trusted Ridesharing Accident Lawyer in Stamford, Connecticut

The ridesharing accident attorneys at Chaffin Luhana serve victims in the Stamford and the Connecticut State area. We are passionate advocates for plaintiffs who have suffered injuries in ridesharing accidents and stand ready to help you pursue compensation to the fullest extent allowed under Connecticut law.

Call us today at 888-480-1123.