Most of us have used a ridesharing service at least once. Whether it’s because your car is in the shop, you plan on drinking, or are out of town and don’t have access to your car, ridesharing services have provided the convenience we all come to need at some point. However, one of the less-discussed aspects of ridesharing is what happens if you’re in an auto accident with one of these vehicles. Specifically, what do you do if you’re in an auto accident with an Uber or Lyft?
What is the difference between Uber, Lyft, and Rideshare?
Uber and Lyft are the two main players in the rapidly expanding ridesharing business. This business has not only grabbed the United States by storm, but the entire world as well. These services enable you, among other things, to use an app on your smartphone to request a trip, which is often given in a car that is not owned by Lyft or Uber, but by the driver. (In addition, you may typically acquire pricing quotations for your ride in advance.)
Questions arise regarding liability for injuries caused in an auto accident involving one of these privately-owned vehicles and SUVs due to the fact that this service differs from a taxi service in both its organization and ownership of the vehicle.
The issue is growing and will continue to expand as a result of the expansion of Uber and Lyft, as well as the ridesharing idea in general. Hundreds of thousands of drivers, millions of passengers, and billions of dollars in venture capital financing comprise the sector.
Damages for Injured Passengers in an Uber/Lyft Crash
As a ridesharing passenger (or pedestrian) wounded in an auto accident, the case would often center on (a) who is accountable for your loss, (b) the amount of your loss, and (c) how you can recover, including any applicable insurance. The good news is that Uber, for example, has a $1 million liability coverage that covers losses caused by its drivers’ negligence. Depending on the circumstances, you may potentially seek compensation from the drivers of the other cars involved in the crash.
Your damages will include past and future medical expenses, lost earnings, pain and suffering, permanent injuries, and more, just as in any other auto accident in which you were a passenger or pedestrian. The Uber/Lyft driver might be liable for all or part of your loss. When the rideshare driver is at fault, it might be due to reckless driving or other factors, such as poor vehicle maintenance. The driver owes his or her passengers the same duty of care that any reasonable commercial driver would practice under the same conditions. Failure to do so constitutes negligence and exposes the driver and ridesharing company (Uber, Lyft, etc.) to liability for damages.
Even though ridesharing businesses consider drivers independent contractors and not employees, the corporation might be held liable for “employing” a driver who has not satisfied reasonable criteria, such as drug testing and background checks.
What to Do When You Are in An Auto Accident
- Request information: It’s important that you document and request information about the auto accident, even if you are a passenger in the Uber or Lyft. All the information you would usually ask for (license, insurance, and photos of the auto accident) are equally important here.
- Document the incident: Even if the auto accident is minor, it’s good practice to call the police for documentation purposes. This will produce an official record pertaining to the auto accident.
- Report the auto accident to Uber or Lyft: In addition, save all conversations with the companies and the receipt.
Arizona Ridesharing Accident Attorneys
If you are looking to receive financial compensation from Uber or Lyft, you may believe you won’t need an attorney. The collision was most likely attended to by a local police officer or a state trooper. They will look into it. But you must recognize that their inquiry will only look at why the accident occurred. It is not their responsibility to ensure that you are fairly compensated for all of your losses.
That is our responsibility. Our mission at Garrison Law Firm is straightforward: to fight for the justice and financial compensation you deserve. When you have an expert auto accident lawyer on your team, you can focus on recovering while we handle the rest. Contact Garrison Law Firm immediately to arrange for a free case review with one of our wrongful death attorneys.