New Hampshire Rideshare Accident Lawyer

Uber & Lyft Accidents in New Hampshire

Rideshare services like Uber and Lyft have become a common way to get around New Hampshire - from Manchester to Portsmouth, from Keene to Concord. Millions of trips happen every year. And with more rideshare vehicles on the road, rideshare accidents are happening more often.

If you were injured in a crash involving an Uber or Lyft - whether you were a passenger in the vehicle, a pedestrian, a cyclist, or the driver of another car - you have the right to seek full compensation. But rideshare injury cases are more complicated than a standard car accident claim. The insurance picture is layered, and the companies involved have experienced legal teams whose job is to pay you as little as possible.

At Donahue Law, we know how to navigate these cases. Charlie Donahue has spent over 43 years fighting insurance companies on behalf of injury victims in New Hampshire. He takes rideshare accident cases seriously - and he is ready to go to court if that is what it takes to get you what you deserve.

Who Can Be Injured in a Rideshare Accident?

Rideshare accidents can injure people in several different positions:

• Passengers riding in the Uber or Lyft vehicle - You hired the service and trusted the driver. If the driver caused the crash, or if another vehicle struck the rideshare car you were in, you have strong rights to compensation.
• Pedestrians and cyclists - Rideshare drivers often stop suddenly, turn without signaling, or drive distracted while using the app. Pedestrians and cyclists pay the price.
• Drivers and passengers in other vehicles - If an Uber or Lyft driver rear-ended you, ran a red light, or caused a multi-car accident, you may have a claim against the driver and potentially against the company's commercial insurance policy.
• The rideshare driver themselves - In some circumstances, a rideshare driver who was injured by another party may also have a claim.

The Insurance Problem - Why Rideshare Claims Are Complicated

The biggest challenge in a rideshare accident case is figuring out which insurance company is responsible - and for how much. Uber and Lyft have structured their insurance coverage in a way that minimizes their exposure and confuses injury victims.

Coverage depends on what the driver was doing at the time of the crash:

• App off: The driver's personal auto insurance applies. Uber and Lyft provide no coverage.
• App on, waiting for a ride request: Uber and Lyft provide limited contingent liability coverage - typically $50,000 per person / $100,000 per accident / $25,000 property damage - but only if the driver's personal policy does not apply.
• Ride accepted or passenger in vehicle: Uber and Lyft provide up to $1 million in commercial liability coverage. This is when their full coverage kicks in.

Sounds straightforward. It is not. The companies dispute what phase the driver was in. The driver's personal insurer may deny coverage because the driver was working commercially. Determining who pays, and how much, requires an experienced lawyer who understands how these policies work and how to hold these companies accountable.

What Compensation Can You Recover?

In a rideshare accident case in New Hampshire, injury victims may be entitled to recover:

• Medical bills - past and future
• Lost wages and loss of earning capacity
• Pain and suffering
• Disability and disfigurement
• Emotional distress and loss of enjoyment of life
• Property damage

The size of the available insurance coverage - up to $1 million in some cases - means there may be real money available to compensate you. But only if you have a lawyer who knows how to pursue it.

Why Rideshare Companies Fight Hard Against Injury Claims

Uber and Lyft classify their drivers as independent contractors, not employees. This is partly a business decision designed to reduce their liability when drivers cause accidents. They use that classification to argue they are not responsible for what their drivers do on the road.

Courts and legislatures have pushed back on this argument over time, and the legal landscape continues to evolve. What has not changed is that Uber and Lyft have large legal departments and insurance teams whose goal is to minimize what they pay out after a crash. They will look for reasons to reduce your claim, dispute fault, or delay your case.

That is why it matters who is in your corner. At Donahue Law, we have handled the insurance companies for decades. We know their tactics, and we are ready to fight back.

Call Charlie Donahue - No Cost, No Fee Unless You Win

If you or a family member was hurt in a rideshare accident in New Hampshire, the most important thing you can do is talk to a lawyer before you talk to any insurance company. Do not accept a quick settlement offer without understanding what your case is worth.

At Donahue Law, there is no cost to call, no upfront fees to hire us, and we do not get paid unless we win your case. Charlie will give you an honest evaluation of your situation - and if we take your case, we are fully committed to getting you the compensation you deserve.