The idea of jumping into a car with a complete stranger was considered dangerous and unwise just a few years ago. With the exponential growth of ridesharing companies such as Uber or Lyft, millions of Americans are doing just that on a daily basis. While you may feel safe in an Uber or Lyft because you are only traveling a short distance, or using this service infrequently, these vehicles are just as likely to be involved in a car accident as any other vehicle. However, if you were injured as a passenger in an Uber or Lyft, you have several options to receive compensation for your injury. Determining liability after a ridesharing accident can be a complex legal challenge.
Determining Responsibility
In order to receive compensation for your medical bills, lost wages or pain and suffering following a ridesharing accident, you must first make a determination regarding responsibility for the accident. Other than a rare instance where a manufacturing defect of a vehicle caused an accident, either your ridesharing driver or another driver (or both) will be liable for any damages you suffered.
Other Driver. If another driver, or drivers, were determined to be at fault after an investigation, your steps will be similar to that of any other car accident. As a Lyft or Uber passenger, you will contact the insurance company of the other driver to reimburse you for any medical bills, lost wages due to your inability to return to work, or pain and suffering.
Ridesharing Driver. If an investigation determines that the ridesharing driver is responsible for the accident, there are different options regarding liability that will depend on the ridesharing company and the circumstances. You may be able to file a lawsuit against the driver’s personal insurance. It is important to note that some insurance companies will not cover ridesharing accidents as part of their policy. In these circumstances, oftentimes the ridesharing company has its own insurance policy available for its drivers. For example, Uber offers its own insurance policy to drivers. You will need to make a determination regarding what the insurance coverage is for your particular driver following your accident in order to obtain compensation for any damages. There are some circumstances under which you may be able to file a claim directly against the ridesharing company if they negligently hired a driver that they knew or should have known was dangerous or had not received proper training.
Steps Following Your Ridesharing Accident
Ridesharing accidents are similar to any other car accident. Make sure to follow these steps after any accident.
- Contact the police immediately and then request a copy of the police report.
- Take photos of the damage to the vehicles
- Take photos of any visible injuries you have
- Request the contact and insurance information for all drivers involved in the accident.
- Request the contact information for all witnesses that saw the accident
- Seek medical treatment immediately.
Contact an Experienced Car Accident Attorney Today
Your most important step after seeking medical attention following a car accident is to contact an experienced car accident attorney. Contact Griggs Injury Law at (816) 474-0202 to help you understand your legal rights and help you determine which parties in your ridesharing accident may be liable, and required to compensate you for your injuries.
