Just as in regular car accidents, rideshare drivers can be distracted by their phones, navigation adjustments, and app interactions. Unfortunately, these types of distractions can lead to severe accidents and injuries.
An accident lawyer can help you determine liability in a rideshare crash by investigating the accident scene, reviewing witness statements, and examining the police report. They can also bargain with insurance companies to guarantee that you are fairly compensated for your losses and injuries.
Who is Liable for a Rideshare Crash?
If you have been injured in a crash with a rideshare driver, you need to take specific steps immediately. Call the police and make sure you file a report. Only talk to rideshare insurance or representatives after speaking with an experienced lawyer.
A rideshare accident lawyer could help determine the parties responsible for your losses and injuries. Typically, you can seek compensation from the at-fault driver and their car insurance company. But when a crash involves a driver for Uber or Lyft, this becomes more complex. These drivers are not employees and do not maintain commercial car insurance.
Nonetheless, when their drivers are “on the clock” and logged into the app, Uber and Lyft are covered by liability insurance. Suppose you can access Uber or Lyft’s more extensive commercial liability policy.
You must do some crucial things if an Uber or Lyft driver causes an accident that hurts you. First, you should report the accident to the police and have a complete medical evaluation. Some injuries only appear days, weeks, or even months after an accident. You should also seek the contact information of any witnesses and document the scene.
After you have been examined and treated, your attorney will build a case to get you the compensation you deserve for your damages. It will involve submitting a demand letter to the driver’s insurance company, the rideshare company’s insurance, and the other driver’s insurance. The insurance coders will do everything they can to do as little as possible; drivers, you must have an experienced legal team.
How Can a Lawyer Help You in a Rideshare Crash Case?
Despite the booming popularity of rideshare apps, Uber and Lyft drivers still need to overcome many of the same risks as other drivers. However, an expert auto accident lawyer can examine all the documentation and assist you in understanding your rights to compensation when determining liability in a rideshare collision.
Unlike traditional workers, Uber and Lyft drivers are not considered employees in most jurisdictions. This unique status limits the ability to file a lawsuit against these companies in most cases. Still, you can seek compensation through their minimum commercial general liability policies.
If you have been injured in a rideshare accident, please call us as soon as possible to schedule an appointment with a lawyer. In the meantime, check yourself for injuries and seek immediate medical attention if necessary.
What Kind of Damages Can I Seek in a Rideshare Crash Case?
Suppose you have been involved in an accident with a driver operating their vehicle as part of an Uber or Lyft service. In that case, it’s essential to document the scene and gather contact information from any witnesses. In addition, it’s helpful to write down everything you can remember about the accident, especially the sequence of events leading up to it, as this information could be crucial to your case.
In most states, rideshare drivers must have a personal automobile insurance policy and a separate policy through Uber and Lyft. However, suppose the Uber or Lyft driver is “off the clock” and not on a ride during an accident. In that case, they are generally only covered under their personal” auto insurance” policy.
Even though no two accidents are alike, a skilled attorney can assist you in figuring out who should pay for your injuries and other damages and how much liability there is.
