Albuquerque Rideshare Accident Lawyer

Albuquerque Rideshare Accident Attorney

In Albuquerque, many people rely on Uber, Lyft, and other rideshare companies every day. However, this doesn’t mean that they are immune from the dangers of New Mexico’s roads. When an accident happens, you do have legal options for recovering compensation. An Albuquerque rideshare accident lawyer can explain your options and help you pursue a full financial recovery after suffering from a rideshare accident.

Why Choose an Albuquerque Personal Injury Lawyer at Sutten Law Group?

Attorney Richard W. Sutten brings over 25 years of experience to each case, giving him a deep understanding of New Mexico’s rideshare accident laws and how the claims process works. He and his team work tirelessly to bring clients fair compensation, even when a case requires going to court. We are not afraid to go to court against large rideshare companies, and are proud to prepare strategic arguments and evidence to hold these companies accountable for their damage.

An Overview of Rideshare Accidents in Albuquerque

Whether you are using a rideshare to get to the Albuquerque International Sunport or to get a ride home from a restaurant on Nob Hill, rideshare services offer convenient, efficient ways to travel. In 2024, Uber drivers completed 11.27 billion trips.

When riding in a rideshare, you put your trust into the rideshare company and the driver to transport you safely. Most rides are safe, with 99.9% of all Uber rides ending without a safety report of any kind. However, there is always a risk of an accident in Albuquerque. On average, 123 crashes happen every day in New Mexico.

Rideshare accidents can happen for a number of reasons, such as company negligence, Uber driver error, difficult driving conditions, or the error of another driver or road user. Some common reasons rideshare accidents happen in New Mexico include:

• Distracted driving, such as due to cell phone use, adjusting navigation systems, or being distracted by passengers
• Speeding
• Failing to yield the right of way
• Uber employing inexperienced or unqualified drivers

Rideshare Companies’ Role in a Car Accident Claim

When an accident happens during a ride, rideshare companies may be liable for your damages. Rideshare companies have liability coverage for this situation, which can cover passengers’ damages. Rideshare companies are typically liable for your damages if an accident occurs due to the rideshare driver’s actions or the company’s negligence.

If you have been involved in a rideshare accident, one of your first steps should be to contact a lawyer who can investigate the accident and determine whether the rideshare company or the driver is responsible for the crash.

Types of Damages You Can Claim in a Rideshare Accident Case

Rideshare passengers can suffer devastating injuries and other damages as a result of a crash. Fortunately, New Mexico’s rideshare accident laws protect victims’ rights to file a claim against the at-fault party. Every rideshare accident case involves unique losses, but the three main categories of damages that can be recovered include:

• Economic damages: Economic damages are your financial losses suffered after an accident. Common examples of damages that fit into this category include medical bills, lost wages, loss of earning potential, and the cost of repairing damaged personal property.
• Non-economic damages: Non-economic damages are the intangible losses you have suffered, such as mental anguish and pain and suffering. While these may be difficult to quantify, an Albuquerque rideshare accident attorney can help you pursue fair compensation for these losses.
• Punitive damages: Punitive damages are only available if a rideshare accident case involves extreme negligence or wrongdoing. For example, you may be eligible to claim punitive damages if the rideshare company hired a driver without a valid driver’s license or if the driver was drinking and driving.

Why You Should Hire a Rideshare Accident Lawyer

An Albuquerque rideshare accident case can be stressful and overwhelming, especially if you are still recovering from the physical and emotional effects of the crash. An Albuquerque rideshare accident lawyer can help you by:

• Collecting evidence from the accident scene
• Determining who is liable for an accident
• Calculating the financial value of your claim
• Negotiating with insurance companies
• Representing you in court

FAQs

Is New Mexico a No-Fault Car Accident State?

No, New Mexico isn’t a no-fault car accident state. Instead, New Mexico has an at-fault insurance system, which means that accident victims are able to file a claim against the at-fault party’s insurance.

In a rideshare accident, this often means filing a claim through Uber or Lyft’s insurance, or against another driver who caused the crash. If you hire a rideshare accident lawyer, they can review the evidence and explain who can be held liable in a claim.

What Is Uber’s Policy on Car Accidents?

Uber’s accident policy for car accidents depends on the status of a ride. For example, while an Uber driver is not on the app, Uber is not liable for any damages, while if they are on the app waiting for a ride, Uber covers damages but has a lower coverage limit. When en route or transporting a passenger, Uber provides $1 million for accidents.

How Can You Establish Liability in a Rideshare Accident Claim?

When filing a rideshare accident claim, you must provide evidence that proves that the other party, such as the rideshare company, is more likely than not at fault for the crash. An Albuquerque rideshare accident attorney can help you gather evidence to establish liability, which may include:

• • Police reports
  • Witness statements
  • Screenshots and ride reports to prove that you were on a rideshare trip
  • Photos of the accident scene and of vehicle damage
  • The testimony of professional accident reconstructionists

Does Uber Usually Settle Out of Court?

Yes, many Uber accident cases do settle outside of court. Resolving a rideshare accident case outside of court is often less expensive, quicker, and more confidential compared to a trial. However, it is important to work with an injury lawyer who can aggressively negotiate on your behalf, so as to avoid a settlement that is too low. In cases when both parties cannot agree on major issues, such as liability or fair compensation, a trial may occur.

Learn How the Sutten Law Group Can Help

In the aftermath of a rideshare accident, it can be difficult to know what to do next. Contact the Sutten Law Group to receive guidance from a skilled attorney.