Rideshare companies have transformed the idea of urban transportation but have also created a complex insurance problem regarding liability and compensation for accidents. The insurance coverage and active policies change depending on the stage of the trip. While rideshare companies employ every tactic at their disposal to minimize liability, overcoming these defenses requires an experienced car accident attorney who thoroughly understands the regulations and legal options.
It’s vital to take action and seek legal guidance immediately following an accident, as your attorney will be able to guide you through the following steps and start advocating for your compensation. At Westlake Injury Law, we know the days following a rideshare accident can be overwhelming, but our lawyers are here to help.
Who is Liable in a Rideshare Accident?
Determining fault in a rideshare accident often depends on what the driver was doing at the time of the crash. Rideshare companies have different insurance policies for each phase of the trip—when the app is off, when the driver is available but waiting for a ride, when a passenger is in the car, or when a ride is in progress. Each phase comes with varying levels of coverage, which can significantly impact how a claim is handled.
Ride-share accidents can involve multiple liable parties, such as:
- The driver
- The rideshare company
- The passenger
- Other vehicles
- Pedestrians
Insurance companies for each liable party may try to pass the blame, making the claims process more complicated for everyone involved. Injured passengers in rideshare accidents could pursue compensation from multiple sources, and having an experienced rideshare accident attorney ensures you navigate these complexities to secure the maximum compensation you deserve.
Passenger Liability
Passengers in rideshare vehicles are rarely held responsible for accidents, but they could be held liable in rare circumstances. If a passenger distracted the driver or interfered with the driver’s ability to control the vehicle, they may bear some responsibility for the crash.
If a passenger's direct actions caused the accident, such as causing the driver to swerve by grabbing the wheel, the passenger could be at fault. If a passenger is found liable, they could face financial responsibility for damages and injuries as a result of the crash.
Driver Liability
Driver liability in a rideshare accident typically falls under scrutiny when the driver’s actions or negligence are found to have caused the car accident.
Common causes of driver liability include:
- Distracted driving
- Speeding
- DUI
- Failing to adhere to traffic laws
- Violating rideshare company policies
Legally, the driver’s liability not only affects their personal responsibility but can also influence how damages are covered, depending on whether they were actively engaged in a ride or simply logged into the app. Claims involving driver liability often require a thorough investigation to establish fault and ensure fair compensation for those who may have suffered in the accident.
Rideshare Company Liability
Rideshare companies may be held liable for accidents in certain situations, as they are expected to maintain high operational standards, when they fail to meet them, they may share the liability for the accident. A rideshare company may be held liable for:
- Failure to Properly Vet Drivers: Allowing those with poor driving records, criminal records, or invalid licenses to operate, or allowing drivers with multiple complaints to continue driving.
- Not Enforcing Safety Standards: As an employer, the rideshare company must ensure drivers maintain roadworthy vehicles, including regular vehicle inspections.
- Setting Unrealistic Performance Expectations: Allowing drivers to work excessive hours and pressuring drivers to take risks to meet ride quotas.
Pursuing a claim against a rideshare company can be challenging due to their vast resources and skilled legal teams working to minimize their payouts. They may try to deny claims, delay payments, or undervalue the compensation, making navigating this process stressful for the injured parties.
At Westlake Injury Law, we understand the complexity of dealing with rideshare companies and their insurance policies. We can fight for the compensation that you deserve so you can level the playing field and focus on healing while we handle the claim.
Filing a Rideshare Accident Claim
Filing a rideshare accident claim can be a complex process depending on the rideshare company and what stage of the trip you were in, and often involves multiple parties with varying types of insurance coverage.
The unique challenges that you can face when filing a rideshare accident claim are:
- Dealing with confusing layers of insurance coverage
- Determining fault when multiple parties may share the responsibility
- Resolving disputes with companies and insurance adjusters
- Handling attempts to undervalue the compensation that you deserve
- Proving eligibility for coverage when there are nuances with the activity on the app
Having an experienced legal team such as Westlake Injury Law on your side can streamline the process to help overcome these obstacles and ensure that you receive the fair compensation that you deserve in a timely manner.
Rideshare Accidents: Seeking Justice & Compensation
If you or someone you know has been injured in a rideshare accident, contact Westlake Injury Law to ensure that justice is served. Securing compensation is more than just ensuring that you don’t also suffer from the financial repercussions of the crash; it's also about holding those accountable for their negligence. At Westlake Law, your case is as important to us as it is to you. Contact us today to ensure that justice is found.