Most of us have a ridesharing app on our phones. They are a low-cost way to get around and are usually more dependable than traditional modes of transportation. We all hope to arrive at our destination safely when we enter an Uber or Lyft vehicle, but sometimes car accidents happen that can leave rideshare passengers with serious injuries. Who is going to pay for your medical expenses and other damages?
What Happens if My Uber Is in an Accident?
If you were in a rideshare accident as an Uber or Lyft passenger, the rideshare driver might be held liable for your injuries. In some cases, this is the Uber or Lyft driver. However, there are times when another driver on the road is at fault. Other times multiple drivers might be partially to blame.
You may experience losses and damages, including lost wages, expensive medical bills, emotional suffering, and physical pain. Depending on the details of your accident, you might be covered by Uber or Lyft’s insurance. Our lawyers can help you understand if you have a case and what type of evidence is necessary to support your argument.
You shouldn’t have to pay for costly medical bills and other damages out of your pocket because of someone else’s negligence. If you have injuries from an Uber or Lyft accident, our Mississippi rideshare attorneys can get started on your case today. For a free case evaluation, call 601-800-5339.
Can You Sue an Uber Driver for Crashing?
Figuring out who is liable for Uber and Lyft accidents is more complicated than you might think. On the one hand, the person driving the vehicle is the person who seems most responsible for the accident. On the other hand, Uber and Lyft drivers may be at fault for the accident and your injuries, whether you were in their vehicle or driving another car. In both situations, the drivers are responsible for driving safely under the current circumstances. If they don’t uphold this duty, they can be liable for causing the collision.
Rideshare companies can be responsible if a rideshare driver gets in an accident while on company business. However, Uber and Lyft argue that the drivers are not employees but independent contractors who simply use the application to be part of the rideshare network.
An Insurance Issue
Compensation from a rideshare accident will primarily come down to insurance. Both Uber and Lyft require their drivers to carry a significant amount of insurance coverage, so a driver who is held liable should have insurance policies that cover most issues. Going after the rideshare company might be a good idea if the driver does not have enough insurance coverage.
It seems like the courts largely agree that rideshare services owe their passengers some duty of care after an accident. This duty makes it possible to sue rideshare companies for compensation when you experience injuries in an accident with an Uber or Lyft driver. Again, a car accident lawyer can help you file the appropriate accident claim.
An Uber or Lyft Accident Can Be Complicated
While it seems clear that the rideshare company holds at least some liability, the truth is that it can be challenging to go up against large corporate entities like Uber and Lyft. These companies will always try to claim that they are not liable, though the good news is that courts are becoming less and less friendly to this argument over time. As a result, if you are hit by a car with an Uber or Lyft sticker, there’s a good chance that you will have to deal with a more complex case than it would seem at first glance.
Richard Schwartz & Associates Can Help With Rideshare Accidents
If you are involved in a rideshare accident, you deserve compensation that will help to make you whole again. If you are involved in an accident with an Uber or Lyft driver, make sure you get legal help from an experienced car accident lawyer.
The personal injury attorneys at Richard Schwartz & Associates Injury Lawyers have over 40 years of experience and can help you to navigate this difficult situation. Call today for a free consultation.
