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Who Could Be Liable for a Rideshare Accident?

  • Who doesn’t love the convenience of ridesharing? It’s a marvelous invention, and the world is a little better for it. However, that doesn’t mean ridesharing doesn’t have drawbacks. When you book an Uber, Lyft, or other rideshare driver, you are trusting a stranger to get you safely to your destination. That’s a lot of faith you’re putting in someone you don’t know.

    Most of the time, using a rideshare service is a relatively safe way to get around. However, sometimes accidents occur. If you’ve been injured in a rideshare accident, you are probably wondering who is liable for your accident. Is it the rideshare driver? Is it the rideshare company? Or is it someone else entirely?

    Understanding Liability for a Rideshare Collision

    The term “liability” is a legal one, referencing a person’s legal responsibility to make things right after an accident. When someone causes an accident, they can be held legally accountable for their actions. For example, if a person is found to have been responsible for a collision, their auto insurance will need to pay for damages.

    Figuring out who is liable is no easy matter. Investigation into what caused the crash is vitally important. For example, if your rideshare driver was drinking while driving, they would be liable for the crash. 

    But how do you prove this? You will need to gather evidence, such as a police report, statements from witnesses, your own accounting of what happened, and any other evidence you can find.

    These are common liable parties in rideshare accidents:

    • The rideshare driver
    • Another driver
    • The rideshare company (like Lyft or Uber)
    • A government agency
    • A vehicle parts manufacturing company
    • A mechanic or body shop

    Compensation for a Rideshare Crash

    Once you find out who caused the crash, you can file an auto injury claim with that person’s insurance provider. Your claim should explain to the insurer why they owe you compensation. You should have evidence that proves fault, but you should also have some that proves your losses.

    For example, if you sustained a broken leg because of your accident, you should have medical evidence that proves this. Your evidence should also show how much time you missed from work, how much you paid in medical expenses, and how much pain and suffering you went through.

    Here is a list of common damages paid out in rideshare collision cases.

    • Medical bills
    • Physical therapy costs
    • Mental anguish and mental health treatment costs
    • Lost income
    • Permanent injury
    • Lost life enjoyment
    • Scarring or disfigurement

    Get in Contact with a Rideshare Accident Attorney

    Rideshare accidents are similar to other types of auto wrecks. You will likely be dealing with many crash-related issues, such as lost wages, medical bills, physical pain, and mental trauma. You could receive a settlement if you can prove fault for your rideshare accident.

    Get in touch with a top-rated Richmond car accident lawyer to discuss the possibility of filing an auto wreck claim. Get a free case review when you reach out to Halperin Law Center at 804-527-0100. For answers to more of your questions, head over to our website.