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Who Is Responsible for Injuries Suffered in an Uber or Lyft Accident?
Car accidents can be overwhelming as you sort through property damage, personal injury, insurance policies, and legal complications. It gets even more complex when the incident involves a rideshare service. Who is responsible for injuries suffered in an Uber or Lyft accident?
What If the Uber or Lyft Driver Is at Fault?
Every vehicle operator is responsible for following the rules of the road. However, a rideshare driver could be the at-fault party during a collision. If that’s the case, against whom should you file your accident claim?
You could make your accident claim against Uber or Lyft companies, but you might not be successful. The company may argue that they aren’t liable for the negligence of rideshare drivers, who are technically independent contractors, especially if the at-fault driver wasn’t on duty. You’ll want to file your claim against the rideshare vehicle’s driver.
On the other hand, you may have a legitimate case against Uber or Lyft if they somehow contributed to the collision. The company’s negligence could make them liable for any personal injuries you suffer. Examples of company negligence may include:
- Hiring drivers with a DWI history
- Failing to perform background checks
What If a Different Driver Is at Fault?
If the rideshare driver isn’t at fault and you didn’t do anything wrong, who is responsible for injuries suffered in an Uber or Lyft accident? A team of legal professionals can help you determine who’s at fault in complicated incidents involving multiple vehicles. If a different driver (not you or the rideshare driver) is at fault, you can file your claim against them.
What If You’re a Rideshare Passenger Involved in a Collision?
When you use the Uber or Lyft app, you automatically agree to the company’s terms and conditions. Most of these provisions state that users must arbitrate their claim if the claim against the rideshare driver or company cannot settle. Basically, you lose your legal right to a trial by jury when you use the rideshare app.
However, what if you didn’t use the app or agree to any terms and conditions? Arbitration shouldn’t apply when the driver of the rideshare vehicle causes a collision that leaves you with injuries, lost wages, and medical expenses. Whoever requested service through the rideshare app signed the company’s agreement, but you could still hold your right to a trial by jury.
Whose Insurance Will Cover Damages?
If you suffer severe injuries in a car accident while taking an Uber or Lyft, you’ll likely face a challenging financial future. Insurance can help cover these damages, but it isn’t always that simple. Insurance coverage may vary depending on the rideshare driver’s policy and the level of service you request.
Who is responsible for injuries suffered in an Uber or Lyft accident? That is the first question you’ll need to answer with the help of experienced accident attorneys like those at Haines Law, P.C. A lawyer can provide critical legal guidance and assist with:
- Investigating complex car accidents
- Submitting your injury claim
- Proving damages
- Determining whose insurance applies
- Negotiating a fair settlement
Typically, Uber and Lyft will cover any damages to rideshare passengers involved in a collision. You won’t have to worry about insurance coverage if you weren’t at fault—someone else’s insurance policy should cover you.
What You Should Do After a Rideshare Accident
Many Houston residents wonder, “Who is responsible for injuries suffered in an Uber or Lyft accident?” and “How do I file an injury claim?” If you’ve recently been in a collision involving a rideshare driver, an experienced accident attorney from Haines Law, P.C., can help you understand your legal options. Contact us today for a free consultation.