If you were the victim of a rideshare accident and it wasn’t your fault, you may be entitled to compensation from companies like Uber or Lyft. The specific compensation for your case depends on the accident details and the injury severity. Joleen Youngers at Youngers Law, PA, shares information about maximizing compensation in an Uber and Lyft accident in New Mexico.

Rideshare Accidents in New Mexico

There are always many cars on the busy roadways of New Mexico. For individuals wanting to request a ride with a driver, rideshare companies like Uber and Lyft use an app to connect an owner-operator driver with a potential passenger. Rideshares offer convenience to potential passengers across the state. Despite this convenience, accidents can happen.

Lyft had approximately 21.4 million active passengers in 2023, which was a 29% share of the rideshare market in the United States. Lyft currently operates in 644 cities across the United States. Published in 2024, Lyft’s own 2020-2022 Safety Transparency Report reflected 111 deaths due to motor vehicle accidents – a staggering 31% increase in the rate of incidents occurring since their previous published report.

Rideshare drivers self-reported that one-third of drivers have had a collision while working. Also, a Forbes study recently reported that traffic fatalities increased by about 2% to 4% once rideshare companies began operating in major cities across the country.

Locally, New Mexico has recorded accidents involving rideshare vehicles. The New Mexico Department of Transportation reports that in 2021, there were 429 fatal crashes and 12,404 injury crashes. It’s evident that rideshare accidents are happening. These traffic fatalities reflect a statewide trend of increasing accidents on major highways.

If you were a passenger in a rideshare or were part of an accident involving a rideshare driver, you may wonder how you can help maximize your accident compensation.

An Attorney Can Maximize Accident Compensation After a Rideshare Accident

While you can technically handle your own case, it’s not recommended because an attorney can help maximize your recovery after a rideshare accident. Even if you were partially at fault, New Mexico’s comparative negligence laws may still allow recovery. The average person typically has a tough time getting certain types of supporting evidence, especially if they’re recovering from serious injuries.

A licensed New Mexico lawyer is a critical asset after any rideshare accident and can help get the maximum recovery to which you’re entitled. An attorney can:

• Help gather the relevant evidence needed to prove fault and build a compelling case
• Handle your case details and help focus on efficient recovery steps
• Determine all available recovery options
• Guide you toward obtaining the maximum compensation to recover
• Communicate with you regarding legal developments throughout your case
• Explain what to expect during your case so you can feel confident

You may be able to quickly resolve your claim. However, if you need to explore a legal claim or if you’re more likely to earn maximum compensation with a trial, an attorney can provide competent legal representation. Your New Mexico rideshare attorney can help you decide the most viable option for case resolution and can help secure the maximum compensation possible for your case.

FAQs

How Much Compensation Can I Expect for a New Mexico Rideshare Accident?

The amount of compensation you might expect to receive for your own rideshare accident typically depends on the seriousness of your injuries and the nature of your injuries. If you can establish that someone else is responsible for causing the wreck, you can usually hold that party responsible for all resulting property damage and sustained injuries. The value of your accident claim could possibly include compensation for healthcare bills, wage loss, property damage, and pain and suffering.

How Much Does It Cost to Hire a Rideshare Accident Attorney in New Mexico?

Each lawyer determines their own fee structure, and the cost to retain an attorney usually depends on their experience level and the case complexity. Youngers Law, PA, accepts most rideshare accident cases on a contingency basis, which means you won’t pay anything upfront and only pay a fee (as a percentage of your total compensation) if we win your case. Feel free to set up a consultation to discuss our specific written fee agreement.

How Long Do Rideshare Accident Cases Typically Take?

In New Mexico, the time it could take to conclude your rideshare accident case usually depends on a few different factors. If you were able to resolve your claim through negotiation with insurance companies, it could take just a few weeks. However, if you encounter any liability disputes or need to proceed with a civil case, it could extend the timeframe for your case. An experienced attorney can help estimate how long your case might take.

Should I Hire an Attorney for My Rideshare Accident Injury Case?

An attorney can help with a rideshare accident case, which can quickly and unexpectedly become complicated. They often involve long-term medical needs and financial determinations that require help navigating. An attorney can help discuss how NM laws may impact your case and can help maximize your total financial recovery. For help securing the entire compensation you deserve, contact a trusted attorney to discuss your injury recovery.

Contact Youngers Law, PA

You’re more likely to maximize your financial recovery if an attorney assists with gathering relevant evidence. Joleen Youngers at Youngers Law, PA, can help pursue all possible recovery resources and help make your case resolution easier. Plus, she can help hold rideshare companies responsible for your injuries and maximize your financial recovery for your specific healthcare bills and wage loss.

If you were a passenger in a rideshare or were part of an accident involving a rideshare driver, Joleen Youngers at Youngers Law, PA, can provide compassionate representation. With law offices in Santa Fe and Las Cruces, Youngers Law provides high-caliber representation to injury victims throughout New Mexico.

We make sure we learn as much as possible about our clients and their legal situations. That way, we can address the specific challenges they may face as they hold rideshare drivers responsible and seek comprehensive compensation for their damages.

To get in touch, call 505-499-4582 (Santa Fe) or 575-988-9857 (Las Cruces). Contact Youngers Law today to set up an initial consultation with an experienced rideshare accident lawyer.