Ridesharing services have risen in popularity over the past several years due to their ease and convenience, especially if you do not own your own car or have had too much to drink. Unfortunately, the increase in people using these services also brings an increase in the risk of being in an accident while riding in one.
Uber/Lyft/rideshare accidents in Lafayette are complex because there are often multiple parties and insurance companies involved. If you have been hurt in a rideshare accident, talk to an attorney at Tomeny | Best about your situation. A dedicated car accident attorney could discuss your legal options and work toward getting you the compensation you deserve.
How Accidents Involving Rideshare Companies Are Different
Unlike taxi or limo drivers, rideshare drivers are considered independent contractors rather than traditional employees, which can complicate matters. Employees have their working hours scheduled by their employer and use an employer-insured company vehicle, while rideshare drivers set their own hours, use their own vehicles, and typically do not carry commercial insurance. This significant distinction presents two issues if there is an accident: who is liable for the resulting injuries, and whose insurance will pay the bill.
The answers, of course, depend on the facts of the incident. If another motorist’s negligence or recklessness caused the crash, that motorist could be at fault, and their insurance would be responsible for covering the damages.
If the rideshare driver’s actions resulted in the accident, however, the situation is a little more complex. Rideshare drivers must carry their own personal insurance policies to cover themselves and their passengers. Rideshare companies generally have their own policies, but their coverage could depend on whether the driver was actively performing a service with a passenger on board or still en route to pick up a passenger.
Because rideshare drivers use their own vehicles, they are responsible for repairing and maintaining them in proper working order. This also means that, despite a driver’s best efforts, a mechanic who provided improper maintenance to a vehicle could be responsible if their lack of service resulted in a collision. The car manufacturer could also be responsible for defective parts or designs.
Due to the multiple factors and parties involved in these types of accidents, determining who was ultimately responsible could be a challenge. That is why anyone involved in a crash while riding in an Uber, Lyft, or other rideshare service should talk to an experienced Lafayette lawyer about the situation.
Steps To Take After an Accident
Being in a rideshare collision can be a confusing and disorienting experience. Still, there are helpful steps that everyone could take immediately afterward:
- Seek medical attention if necessary
- Gather information about the surroundings, such as the date, time, location, and weather conditions
- Report the accident to law enforcement and the rideshare company
- Notify all insurance companies, including that of the passengers
Passengers should also seek legal guidance from a Lafayette lawyer if they have been hurt in an Uber, Lyft, or other rideshare crash. An attorney could help navigate the complexities so injured passengers get the compensation they deserve.
Speak to a Lafayette Lawyer About Your Uber, Lyft, or Other Rideshare Incident
While rideshares are convenient and generally safe, Uber/Lyft/rideshare accidents in Lafayette can happen. If you have been hurt in one, you may be able to recover compensation. A knowledgeable attorney could provide guidance through your legal options.
These types of accidents have many intricate parts to resolve, so it is best to talk to a lawyer as soon as possible. Call Tomeny | Best to schedule a free consultation about your case.
