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By Bert McDowell Injury Law | Truth. Law. Justice. Unfiltered.
We live in a digital world, and transportation has evolved with it. With the rise of Uber, Lyft, and other rideshare services, hailing a ride has become easier than ever. But when a rideshare crash happens—especially one caused by poor vehicle maintenance—the question of who’s liable gets a lot more complicated than your typical fender bender.
If you’re a victim—whether a passenger, another driver, or pedestrian—the legal fog can be disorienting. And here’s the twist: these crashes aren’t just about careless driving—they’re often rooted in mechanical neglect. So how do you untangle the liability in a rideshare accident caused by brake failure, tire blowouts, or engine issues?
Let’s unpack the facts.
📞 Call Bert McDowell Injury Law at (475) 529-2634
📍 Serving Bridgeport and clients across the state of Connecticut
First, understand this: Uber and Lyft drivers aren’t employees—they’re independent contractors. That technicality changes the entire liability landscape. And while these companies have high-dollar insurance coverage, they’re also experts in avoiding direct responsibility.
That means when a rideshare vehicle crashes due to faulty brakes or worn-out tires, liability doesn’t automatically fall on Uber or Lyft. That’s why having legal representation is so crucial.
Bad maintenance doesn’t just mean an annoying rattle or dim headlights. It can result in life-altering or fatal accidents.
Brake system failures – Increased stopping distance or total loss of braking
Tire blowouts – Especially dangerous at high speeds
Steering system malfunctions – Difficulty maintaining lane or navigating turns
Transmission or engine issues – Sudden stalling or power loss in traffic
Faulty lights/signals – Leading to collisions at intersections
In a perfect world, every rideshare driver would perform routine inspections. But the reality? Many don’t. And when companies fail to enforce safety standards, the consequences are on you—the victim.
When poor maintenance causes a rideshare crash, multiple parties may share liability. Here’s a breakdown of who could be held responsible:
Drivers are responsible for maintaining their vehicles. If they skipped brake replacements or ignored warning lights, they could be directly liable for the crash.
While they often try to dodge direct liability by claiming drivers are contractors, courts have challenged this. If Uber or Lyft failed to enforce vehicle inspections or allowed unsafe drivers to operate, they may share legal responsibility under negligent hiring or vicarious liability.
Was the vehicle equipped with defective parts? If a product defect caused or worsened the crash, the manufacturer could be liable under product liability laws.
If a mechanic or repair shop failed to properly fix or inspect a known issue, they too can be held accountable.
Sometimes, another driver’s reckless behavior triggers the crash—even if poor maintenance played a role. In those cases, fault may be shared between multiple drivers and third parties.
Winning a rideshare accident case means proving negligence—and that takes evidence, strategy, and expert legal support.
These can show missed inspections, overdue service appointments, or ignored repair recommendations.
This provides a neutral summary of what happened and may highlight vehicle failure as a cause.
Visuals of bald tires, leaking fluid, or crash damage can be powerful evidence in court.
Eyewitnesses can help confirm sudden stalling, smoke, or erratic vehicle behavior before the crash.
We bring in mechanics, accident reconstructionists, and industry experts to break down what failed—and why.
Let’s be blunt: Uber and Lyft have legal teams designed to minimize your payout. Their insurers may try to blame you, delay your claim, or pressure you to settle low. That’s where we come in.
Investigate rideshare crashes thoroughly
Demand inspection of vehicle maintenance history
File claims against all responsible parties
Negotiate aggressively with insurers
Take your case to court, if needed
We’re not here to play games—we’re here to win for you.
📞 Call us now at (475) 529-2634 for a free case review
💼 No fees unless we win | 100% committed to your recovery
You deserve full compensation for what you’ve lost—and what your future now looks like. Depending on your injuries and damages, you may be entitled to:
Medical expenses – From ambulance to rehab
Lost wages – For time missed from work
Loss of earning capacity – If your injury affects your ability to work
Pain and suffering – Physical and emotional
Property damage – Including your vehicle, bike, or other personal property
Punitive damages – In cases of extreme negligence
Rideshare giants are masters at distancing themselves from liability. Without legal pressure, they rarely step up. If you want justice, you need someone who can push back—and win.
Rideshare drivers clock in and out with a tap—but that convenience shouldn’t come at the cost of your safety. When poor maintenance causes a crash, it’s not just a mechanical failure—it’s a failure of responsibility.
At Bert McDowell Injury Law, we investigate, advocate, and litigate to ensure you aren’t left holding the bag. If you or a loved one was injured in a crash involving a poorly maintained rideshare vehicle, you deserve answers—and compensation.
📞 Call (475) 529-2634 now or
🌐 Visit www.bringonbert.com
📍 Serving Bridgeport and all of Connecticut
