Ride Sharing Accidents
It’s no secret that in recent years ridesharing services such as Uber and Lyft have exploded in popularity. Ridesharing offers a number of attractive options over the traditional taxi service. These options include shorter waiting times, a tech-based system, and newer, cleaner cars. However, no one ever thinks about what happens if they are injured in an accident while riding in an Uber or Lyft vehicle. Taxi companies are heavily regulated and require strict insurance to protect customers if something goes wrong. However, ridesharing is relatively new and poses unique and somewhat complex problems if you are injured in a rideshare accident.
How Does The Insurance Side of it Work? Do I Get Paid a Claim?
The first question that arises in the event of an accident is who the insurance will pay the claim. Interestingly, there are different and somewhat more onerous insurance requirements for ridesharing companies than for taxi companies.
If, while inside a Uber or Lyft vehicle, you are injured as a passenger, the insurance of the service is primarily responsible for any injuries you may have suffered. If the driver was between fares, though, it's more complicated. As you probably know, drivers from Uber and Lyft drive their own personal vehicles, and insurance from the service may not provide cover if the driver drives for his own personal use. There can be considerable debate, as you might imagine, as to whether the driver was between fares or completely off the clock. Furthermore, in the event of an accident, the insurance company may deny that their driver was at fault or seek other ways to reduce their potential liability.
What Are The Main Reasons an Uber or Lyft Driver Gets in an Accident?
As with other car accidents, Uber and Lyft accidents are typically caused by driver error, such as speed, failure to stop at lights or stop signs, or failure to account for weather or traffic conditions. Rideshare drivers, however, may be more susceptible to distracted driving, as drivers need to pay attention to their rideshare app, their GPS service, and may talk to their passengers. Driver fatigue is another common cause of ridesharing accidents because drivers are working as a way to make extra money for Uber and Lyft. They often drive late at night and are tired when they go to school or work or a second or third job.
How Charles Bean & Associates, PLLC Can Help
The accident attorneys at Charles Bean & Associates, PLLC understand the serious effect that ridesharing accidents can have on those involved. The personal injury accident attorneys at Charles Bean & Associates, PLLC also understand the variety of factors that can come into play with ridesharing accidents.
We will use this understanding and expertise to approach your ridesharing accident case in a way that is best for you in order to get the best recovery for your injuries caused by the ride sharing accident.
If you or a loved one has been injured as the result of being involved in a ridesharing accident, you should contact an accident lawyer at Charles Bean & Associates, PLLC, for a free consultation to assess your claim.