If you were injured as a passenger, driver, or another motorist in a crash with Uber, Lyft, or another rideshare service, a rideshare accident lawyer at The Cochran Firm can explain your options. These cases often involve complicated insurance policies, disagreements about who was at fault, and questions about whether the driver was using the app during the accident. Our Uber and Lyft accident lawyers handle these cases across the country and work to get you the full compensation you deserve for your injuries.
What is considered a Rideshare?
Ridesharing may refer to: Carpool or Vanpool.
Carpool
An arrangement between people to make a regular journey in a single vehicle, typically with each person taking turns to drive the others.
Vanpool
Vanpools are an element of the transit system that allow groups of people to share the ride similar to a carpool, but on a larger scale with concurrent savings in fuel and vehicle operating costs.
What is a Ridesharing company?
A company that, via website and mobile apps, matches passengers with drivers of vehicles for hire that, unlike taxicabs, cannot legally be hailed from the street.
Ride sharing companies have become increasingly popular over the recent years as individuals are looking for a more economic and fuel efficient means of travel. Also with the increase in technology and the new ability to reserve your ride via a smartphone app has made this industry more convenient for most than the traditional method of hailing a cab.
Who Is Liable for Your Injuries in a Rideshare Accident?
If you are hurt as a passenger in a Rideshare accident, your injuries will likely be covered by insurance, but the big question is whose policy applies to cover these costs? Generally speaking, financial responsibility usually will come from the insurance company of the at-fault driver. This could be either the Ridesharing company’s driver or another driver involved in the accident who caused the crash.
The ride sharing driver’s car insurance will apply to passenger injuries, if the driver has a commercial insurance policy or a personal car insurance policy with a special provision providing insurance coverage while engaged as a ride sharing driver. However, most ride sharing companies will not have insurance - commercial or personal - that will cover your injuries. Also most likely their personal car insurance policy with the “business use exception” will not cover damages and injuries that occur while the insured is acting as a for-profit driver.
The bright side of this is that Rideshare companies such as Uber® and Lyft® carry third party liability insurance coverage which pays up to $1 million for personal injuries and property damage per accident. These policies will only kick in after the ride sharing driver’s own insurance has been exhausted, assuming the driver possessed an applicable policy under the Rideshare company guidelines. As a passenger, you’re covered under this kind of liability policy, when the ride sharing company is at fault. If you are involved in a ride sharing accident as a passenger it is extremely important that you understand your options if this resulted in an injury or even death.
What Are the Steps to File a Rideshare Accident Lawsuit?
Filing a rideshare accident lawsuit typically follows these steps:
- Get medical attention and keep records of your injuries. Seeing a doctor right away connects your injuries to the accident and helps protect your health.
- Report the accident using the Uber or Lyft app and also tell the police. This creates an official record of the incident.
- Save evidence, such as photos of the scene, the cars, and any injuries. Also, write down the names and contact details of any witnesses.
- Do not give a recorded statement to any insurance company before you talk to a rideshare accident lawyer.
- File a lawsuit if there is a disagreement about who is at fault, or if your injuries are serious. Your lawyer will handle your case while you focus on recovery.
Pay attention to deadlines. Deadlines vary by state, so it's important to act promptly after an accident. In most states, you have two to three years to file a personal injury lawsuit, but if a government agency is involved, you may need to act faster. Contact a rideshare accident lawyer as soon as you can after your accident to make sure you do not miss any important deadlines.
Rideshare Accident Frequently Asked Questions
What should I do after a rideshare car accident?
First, make sure you get medical care. Then, report the accident using the rideshare app and contact the police. Before talking to any insurance company, speak with a rideshare accident attorney.
Can I sue Uber or Lyft directly?
Claims against rideshare companies can involve additional legal considerations because drivers are generally classified as independent contractors. But if Uber or Lyft were negligent, for example by not properly checking a driver’s background, you might have a direct claim against them.
Speak With The Cochran Firm About a Rideshare Accident
If you have been involved in a rideshare accident that resulted in injuries, contact a Cochran Firm attorney today so we can investigate and get you the compensation for your injuries that you deserve. We will fight to cover your medical costs, lost work, lasting injuries, and so much more. Contact us today for a free, no-obligation consultation.
Call 1-800-THE-FIRM or schedule your free, no-obligation consultation. The Firm’s call center is available 24/7 to hear your case.
