Rideshare Accident Attorneys in Knoxville, Tennessee

Rideshare services like Uber and Lyft have transformed the way we get around, offering convenience and accessibility at the tap of a button. However, when an accident involves a rideshare vehicle, the aftermath can quickly become complex and confusing.

At Wykoff & Sikes, our attorneys have extensive experience handling rideshare accident cases. We understand the unique legal challenges these situations present and are dedicated to helping you navigate the process. Our goal is to ensure you fully understand your rights and pursue the justice and compensation you deserve.

Understanding Rideshare Accidents

Rideshare accidents differ from standard car accidents in several important ways. These collisions are often caused by factors such as distracted driving, fatigue from long hours on the road, or a lack of professional driving experience. When an Uber or Lyft driver is involved in an accident, multiple insurance policies may come into play — making it more difficult to determine liability and recover fair compensation.

Because rideshare accidents can involve several parties — including the rideshare company, the driver, passengers, and other motorists — identifying all potentially liable parties and their respective insurance coverage is essential to securing maximum compensation.

Adding to the complexity, rideshare drivers are classified as independent contractors, not employees. This distinction affects how liability is determined. The driver’s status at the time of the crash — whether they were waiting for a ride request, en route to pick up a passenger, or actively transporting one — dictates which insurance policy applies.

While rideshare companies like Uber and Lyft maintain significant insurance coverage for accidents involving their drivers, accessing that coverage is rarely straightforward. Successfully navigating the aftermath of a rideshare accident requires a detailed understanding of Tennessee law and the specific insurance and liability policies of rideshare companies.

What to do After a Rideshare Accident

If you've been involved in a rideshare accident, there are several steps you will need to follow. These include:

1. Check for injuries and move to a safe location
2. Call emergency services
3. Seek medical attention as soon as possible
4. Notify the rideshare company through their app
5. Document the scene by taking photos of the accident scene, vehicle damage, road conditions, and any visible injuries.
6. Gather information such as contact details of witnesses and insurance information from all the parties involved, including the rideshare driver.
7. Maintain detailed records of any medical treatments, expenses, and any correspondence related to the accident.
8. Consult an experienced personal injury attorney who can educate you on your rights and help you file a potential claim.

Tennessee Laws Governing Rideshare Accidents

If you intend to pursue a rideshare accident claim, you need to know what to expect during the legal process. Tennessee has various laws that may impact your ability to pursue compensation. These laws include:

• Insurance requirements: In Tennessee, rideshare drivers must carry insurance that covers accidents during rides. This includes the driver's personal insurance and the rideshare company's insurance.
• Liability: Determining liability in a rideshare accident depends on whether the driver was logged into the rideshare app, waiting for a ride request, or actively transporting a passenger.
• Statute of limitations: In Tennessee, you have one year from the date of the accident to file a personal injury claim. If you miss this deadline, you won't be able to file a claim.
• Comparative negligence rule: In Tennessee, if you are found partly at fault for the accident, your compensation may be reduced by your percentage of fault. For instance, if you are 20% at fault, your compensation will be reduced by 20%.
• Reporting requirements: Both the rideshare driver and the injured party must report the accident to their insurance companies and the rideshare company. Failure to report in a timely manner may affect your claim.

Attorney at Law

Wayne Wykoff

Wayne focuses his practice in the areas of social security disability and domestic law (including divorce, child custody, child support). Wayne was admitted to the practice of law in 1993 and his practice continually in east Tennessee since that time achieving good and just result for his clients on a regular basis. Wayne enjoys mediating and is a rule 31 listed family mediator in Tennessee. Wayne can give you value as a mediator whether you are negotiating retirement accounts and other complex financial issues or dealing with the much more important issues of who will raise the children and under what circumstances.

Wayne graduated from East Tennessee State University in 1980 with a degree in computer science and graduated from the University Tennessee law school in December 1992. Wayne was admitted to the Tennessee bar in April 1993 and was admitted to the federal courts in the Eastern District of Tennessee in 1993 also.

Wayne was born and raised in Johnson City, but has called Knoxville his home for the last 25+ years. Wayne enjoys his family consisting of his wife and 2 boys and playing tennis and golf on a regular basis.