Everything You Need To Know About Ridesharing Car Accidents
by Mashum Mollah Legal 26 August 2022
Over the past ten years, ridesharing has skyrocketed in popularity, driven by businesses like Lyft and Uber. Since 2010, ridesharing services like Uber and Lyft have connected billions of passengers and drivers. 36% of Americans, as of 2019, have utilized ridesharing services, according to the Pew Research Center. These services are more affordable than taxis and are convenient for users. However, ridesharing accidents can occur, resulting in injuries to passengers, drivers, and pedestrians. This article outlines the various factors and actions you can take in a ridesharing car accident.
Immediate Actions:
When someone is hurt in an Uber or Lyft accident, it might be challenging to determine what to do. The most crucial actions you should take when practical are as follows:
● Determine if an injury occurred, and seek medical attention.
● File a police report. Police reports are critical when determining fault in all car accidents.
● Take photos of the accident scene.
● Obtain names and contact information from witnesses.
● Schedule a consultation with an experienced personal injury attorney.
It will be easier to identify who is responsible for the accident if more information is gathered at the scene of an accident. Accident victims injured in a ridesharing accident may be entitled to financial compensation for medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, future income, and more.
Determining Liability:
It might be challenging to establish liability when someone is hurt in a ridesharing accident. According to the legal doctrine of “vicarious responsibility,” an employer is liable for the actions of its employees while they are on the job. Independent contractors normally are not subject to vicarious liability. Until 2022, Uber and Lyft claimed they were software firms, not private transportation or taxi services.
However, Uber and Lyft workers are no longer considered to be rideshare drivers. Usually, independent contractors are in charge of obtaining their own liability insurance. Drivers of Uber and Lyft must maintain their own auto insurance. But when drivers are active on their applications, the businesses provide extra insurance for rideshare drivers.
Compensation For Damages:
The value of your ridesharing injury case depends on various factors. Your claim’s worth is often based on a variety of variables, such as:
● The severity of your injuries
● Your prognosis for a full recover
● Your possible need for future medical care
● The cost of your medical bills
● Your lost income (past and future)
● Pain and suffering
You should assess the extent of your injuries and keep thorough records of all medical care and expenses you incur as a result of the accident. It is also important to document lost wages from time off work due to the accident, transportation costs, additional or new household expenses resulting from the accident, and costs related to postponed travel or changed landscaping.
You can identify who caused the accident by using the evidence you obtained at the scene. Your ability to demonstrate your damages will be aided by the records you keep.
Legal Assitance:
Due to the recent nature of the regulations governing these kinds of incidents, personal injury cases which involve rideshares can be quite tricky. Dealing with the insurance firms who represent the rideshare organization can be pretty stressful and difficult, which adds to the complexity of the situation. A ridesharing accident lawyer can assist you in understanding the law and creating a strong legal defense for your case.
Final Thoughts:
Rideshare drivers are covered by various levels of insurance coverage. You can be dealing with the rideshare’s insurance, the driver’s personal insurance, or a mix of both. Depending on the status of the rideshare driver at the given time, a lawyer can assist you in understanding your individual rights as well as the compensation that you may be entitled to.
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