Individuals injured in collisions involving rideshare drivers may encounter different circumstances than those in traditional vehicle accidents. While both types of crashes involve questions of fault, injuries, and compensation, the presence of a third-party company adds a layer of legal procedure.
How Does Insurance Coverage Differ Between Rideshare and Regular Accidents?
In “traditional” car accidents, each driver’s personal auto insurance typically applies. A driver’s liability coverage helps cover injuries and property damage when that person is found to be at fault. The injured party may pursue a claim through the other driver’s insurance or file a lawsuit if the insurer fails to offer fair compensation.
On the other hand, Uber and Lyft accidents have “tiered” insurance coverage. If their driver is using their app but has not accepted a trip request, the coverage is limited. Once a trip is accepted or a passenger is in the vehicle, Uber and Lyft provide commercial liability insurance up to $1 million.
Who Can Be Held Liable in an Uber or Lyft Accident?
In a traditional accident, liability generally rests with one or more drivers involved in the crash. The process typically involves identifying the negligent party and pursuing compensation through their insurance provider.
With Uber or Lyft, determining liability can be more involved. While the driver is usually considered an independent contractor, there are instances where the rideshare company may share responsibility. This could apply if the platform failed to conduct proper background checks or allowed a driver with a known history of unsafe behavior to remain active.
What if I Am a Passenger in a Rideshare Vehicle During a Crash?
Passengers involved in rideshare accidents have the right to seek compensation, regardless of who was at fault. The key question becomes which insurance policy should respond to the claim. If the Uber or Lyft driver caused the crash, the rideshare company’s insurance may apply. If another driver is responsible, then that party’s insurer may be liable.
There are situations where both drivers share fault, and multiple insurance providers may be involved. In those cases, a passenger may need to pursue claims with more than one insurer. This can require significant documentation, careful claim management, and a full account of medical treatment and lost income.
How Does the Claims Process Differ?
A person injured in a traditional car accident usually deals with the at-fault driver’s insurance company directly. If the claim is disputed or denied, negotiations or litigation may become necessary. The process is generally confined to the parties directly involved in the crash and their insurers.
Uber and Lyft claims may involve the drivers and their personal insurance companies, plus corporate insurance policies maintained by the rideshare platforms. Communications may need to go through corporate claims departments, and additional verification is often required to confirm the driver was using the app at the time of the accident. This red tape may prolong the claims process or result in disagreements about policy limits and coverage responsibility.
Are Lawsuits Against Uber or Lyft Treated the Same as Traditional Car Accident Lawsuits?
While both types of lawsuits may involve claims for personal injury, property damage, and lost wages, the legal theories involved in rideshare cases may be broader. Plaintiffs may pursue claims against Uber or Lyft based on theories of negligent hiring or failure to supervise. However, these companies generally seek to limit their liability by classifying drivers as independent contractors.
In traditional lawsuits, the dispute usually centers on fault and damages between two private parties. Rideshare lawsuits may involve extensive litigation over company practices, driver screening, and corporate responsibility. These differences can influence how long a case takes to resolve and what types of evidence are necessary to support a claim.
An Experienced Fayetteville Uber and Lyft Accident Lawyer at Osborne Law Firm Can Help Guide You Toward a Successful Legal Outcome
Rideshare accident claims can be complicated, but a skilled Fayetteville Uber and Lyft accident lawyer at Osborne Law Firm can explain your legal options and offer trusted guidance. For a free consultation, submit our online form or call us today at 479-521-7727. Located in Fayetteville, Arkansas, we serve clients in Washington County, Benton County, Madison County, Northwest Arkansas, and the surrounding areas.