If you live in a city—particularly Las Vegas—you have likely used or noticed rideshare vehicles or autonomous cars on the road. Services such as Uber, Lyft, Waymo, and Zoox are becoming increasingly common, which also means they are involved in car accidents more frequently.

While accidents involving rideshare or self-driving vehicles may appear similar to standard car crashes when injuries occur, the legal process can be more complex. A Las Vegas car accident lawyer can help safeguard your rights after an accident involving these unique transportation services.

Understanding Rideshares and Autonomous Vehicles in Las Vegas

Nevada, and Las Vegas in particular, has been quick to adopt new transportation options as they become available. Rideshare services have been operating in Las Vegas for years and include companies such as Uber and Lyft. These services function similarly to taxis but rely on independent drivers rather than employees. Rideshare platforms operate through mobile apps that use rating systems, and individuals who meet the platform requirements are eligible to drive.

Autonomous vehicles are newer to Las Vegas, even though Nevada was among the first states to legalize them. These vehicles are designed to operate without a driver. At this stage, they are primarily in a testing phase, which typically includes human safety drivers inside the vehicle to monitor performance. Companies currently testing autonomous vehicles include Waymo and Zoox.

Common Causes of Rideshare and Autonomous Vehicle Accidents

Although both rideshare and autonomous vehicle accidents involve car crashes, Las Vegas car accident lawyers often note important differences in how the cause of the accident is evaluated and handled.

What Causes Rideshare Accidents?

Rideshare accidents are similar to regular car accidents because a human is still in control of the vehicle. Typically, the causes of rideshare accidents include distracted driving, speeding, driver fatigue, unfamiliarity with the area, sudden stops, illegal turns, and passenger behavior.

What Causes Autonomous Vehicle Accidents in Las Vegas?

Autonomous vehicle accidents often involve different causes because a human is not actively controlling the vehicle. Although autonomous vehicles are generally considered safe, there are situations where they may be involved in a crash or cause one. Common causes include software malfunctions, sensor failures, inadequate testing, human override errors, and impaired human driving.

Who Is Responsible for a Rideshare or Autonomous Vehicle Accident?

Car accidents can become more complicated when a rideshare or autonomous vehicle is involved. Questions of liability are often harder to resolve, as identifying who is at fault may not be straightforward. In these situations, working with a Las Vegas car accident lawyer can be critical to protecting your rights and pursuing fair compensation.

In rideshare accidents, responsibility typically falls on either the driver or the rideshare company. Companies such as Uber and Lyft are required to maintain at least $1 million in liability coverage while a ride is in progress. If the driver caused the accident and had the app active at the time, this insurance coverage may apply.

When an autonomous vehicle is involved in a crash, liability may shift to the manufacturer, software developer, or maintenance provider. In some cases, these vehicles are supervised or operated by a human. If that individual fails to take action during a malfunction, fault may be shared between the human operator and the autonomous vehicle company.

What to Do After an Accident Involving a Rideshare or Autonomous Vehicle

As with any car accident, there are important steps to take right away to protect your safety, preserve evidence, and pursue the compensation you may need for your injuries.

Step 1 – Seek Medical Care: If you require urgent treatment, get medical help immediately. Even if your injuries seem minor, schedule a thorough medical evaluation on the same day as the accident. Some injuries are not immediately apparent, and prompt documentation helps ensure they are properly identified and accounted for in a claim.

Step 2 – Document the Scene: If possible, call the police and make sure an accident report is completed. Request a copy of the report for your personal records.

Step 3 – Inform the Appropriate Party: For rideshare-related crashes, report the incident through the applicable rideshare app. For accidents involving autonomous vehicles, notify the vehicle’s operating company or manufacturer.

Step 4 – Collect Supporting Evidence: Document the scene by taking photos and videos, and gather contact information from any witnesses. For rideshare accidents, save in-app trip details. For autonomous vehicle accidents, relevant data may include black box or software records. A Las Vegas car accident lawyer can assist with obtaining and preserving this information.

Vehicle Accidents and Nevada Laws Impacting Compensation

Nevada has several laws that can strongly influence a car accident claim and the amount of compensation available. Two of the most important are the modified comparative negligence rule and the statute of limitations.

The modified comparative negligence rule applies when more than one party shares responsibility for an accident. If you are found to be 51 percent or more at fault, you are not eligible to recover compensation. When your share of fault is less than 50 percent, your total compensation is reduced by your assigned percentage of responsibility.

Nevada also enforces a two year statute of limitations for personal injury claims, beginning on the date of the accident. A Las Vegas car accident lawyer can help ensure your claim is filed within this time frame so you do not lose your right to recover damages. Starting the process as early as possible can improve your chances of a successful outcome.

Las Vegas Car Accident Lawyers Can Help In Rideshare and Autonomous Vehicle Accidents

Because rideshare and autonomous vehicle accidents often involve complex liability issues and Nevada’s modified comparative negligence rules, having a Las Vegas car accident lawyer involved can play an important role in how a claim is handled. Legal guidance can help ensure fault is properly evaluated and that compensation reflects the full impact of an accident, including medical costs, lost income, and pain and suffering.