Zipdo estimates nearly 60% of rideshare drivers confess to being distracted while on the road. According to the website, there are roughly 50% more accidents involving rideshare cars than regular taxis. In terms of the frequency and severity of ridesharing accidents, distraction, exhaustion, and unfamiliarity with a particular route are all factors.
Accidents involving ridesharing only serve to exacerbate the trauma of auto accidents. Such cases frequently make determining fault more difficult. Depending on whether the driver was on the app, sitting idle for a ride request, or actually on a rental ride with someone sitting in the car, the liable party may vary.
According to Tucson ridesharing accident lawyer Marc Bleaman, a combination of evidence may be needed to establish liability, such as witnesses who saw the crash first-hand, traffic camera footage, and the drivers’ cell phone records.
knowing just how liability works in accidents involving taxis like Uber and Lyft can help one understand one’s own rights and actions to take after an accident. Let’s review the important factors you should know for determining responsibility in Uber and Lyft accident cases.
Understanding Ride-Sharing Liability Basics
Once a question arises about responsibility concerning an accident involving a ride-sharing service such as Uber or Lyft, the disposition depends upon the surrounding circumstances of the incident.
If the driver is en-route to pick you up or has you in the car, the ride-sharing company is liable. If the driver is off duty, you will have to look into the driver’s personal insurance
When you know the basics of liability, it will be easier to deal with accidents.
The Role of the Driver in Accident Liability
Determining the driver responsible for these situations is important. Traffic laws must be obeyed, and negligent driving is to be avoided while on the Uber or Lyft roads. The driver can be held liable if they display negligent acts during the course of the ride, such as speeding or texting.
The driver’s actions will either protect or endanger your passengers and others on the road. As an added measure, attention should also be given to proper insurance coverage since that may have an effect on how liability claims are decided. This scenario is especially true if the crash involves an out-of-state car accident, since different insurance rules and state laws may apply.
The behaviour of drivers may either prevent another from suffering costly damages or result in a lawsuit from that accident. You help create a safer ridesharing community by really being responsible about driving.
Passenger Responsibilities and Rights
Always wear your seat belt while in a rideshare to improve your safety and experience. After all, you are equally responsible for ensuring the safety of the car.
Inform the driver about the destination and any specific directions they should follow while in the Uber or Lyft. Speak or cancel when you feel uncomfortable at any point.
Capture photos, possibly collect the driver’s details, and make a mental or physical note of anything unfortunate that the user might have experienced or witnessed happen to another person.
Do not forget to inform the ridesharing company about the incident. This is important not only for your improvement but also for the benefit of others. Your action helps to create community appreciation for the ease that ride-sharing brings into our lives.
Liability of Ride-Sharing Companies
Ridesharing companies such as Uber and Lyft provide a level of convenience that can prove quite difficult to untangle in an accident situation. One might get into a ridesharing vehicle and feel that the company takes total responsibility for accidents. Unfortunately, this understanding is not always true.
These companies classify the driver as an independent contractor. This classification limits the driver’s liability. Holding the company accountable would be difficult after an accident caused by the negligence of one of its drivers.
Various lines of liability may include whether the driver was online, accepted an assignment, was engaged with that passenger, or was simply keeping the client company while awaiting the next call.
Understanding these nuances will help you manage your rights and comprehend the company’s responsibilities, which will facilitate building connections while pursuing justice and clarity.
The Impact of Insurance on Liability Determinations
Given the importance of insurance coverage in determining liability in Uber or Lyft accidents, understanding such insurance becomes necessary. A specification of coverage limits assures a great difference in a lawsuit over an accident in ride-share transportation.
Uber and Lyft hold liability insurance in effect during active rides, yet the conditions vary quite often. Medical expenses and damages can be covered by such insurance if you get injured, but identifying the party responsible is important. You may have noticed there is an overlap where the driver’s personal insurance will have some share of responsibility that complicates the issues.
Being informed about the insurance policies gives you the confidence to pursue claims and allows for the presence of a support system that knows your rights and needs.
