Ridesharing companies like Uber and Lyft might be liable for your injuries if you were involved in an accident while using their service. The nature of these circumstances is continually shifting, making it challenging to negotiate them. But recovering damages may not always need a lawsuit.
As a rule, these ridesharing businesses provide $1 million in liability insurance; however, this is $1.25 million in New York State (outside of New York City).
Lawsuit Against the Driver
The driver is usually the first person mentioned in a lawsuit. Because all rideshare drivers are protected by insurance, liability issues are typically resolved through the driver’s insurance carrier.
You might also bring individual lawsuits against the driver. This is because Uber or Lyft’s insurance coverage does not cover the driver. They are classified as independent contractors and must have insurance coverage. A special court called Small Claims Court would handle this lawsuit.
It’s important to keep in mind that the choice to launch a lawsuit, regardless of who you have a claim against, is not one to be taken lightly. It requires a certain level of meticulous labor and investigation to ensure you have all the necessary facts and proof.
Lawsuit Against the Rideshare Company
The ridesharing company is the primary defendant in a lawsuit in most cases. This can be an added complication for the victim since the driver may also be named a defendant. In either case, if you were hurt while using the service and it was someone else’s fault, you are covered.
If you file a lawsuit against Uber or Lyft, the company will likely deny any liability. This can make it difficult to prove that they acted carelessly or that any of their negligence caused you to get hurt, even if you have solid evidence proving that this carelessness caused the accident.
Collaborating with an Attorney for Rideshare Accidents
Accident cases involving Uber and Lyft are legal nightmares. These are complex situations that require a lot of work from both parties. It also often means other parties to process, such as the insurance companies for the driver or Uber or Lyft. Getting all of this information together requires time and effort, and you’ll probably have a lot of questions. That’s why it is so important to have an attorney available to help you through the process.
You’ll need a team of lawyers with the experience and insight to represent your interests. They would understand the need to hold someone responsible for their actions after an accident and get the compensation they deserve.
Uber and Lyft Provide Drivers with Liability Auto Insurance
Rideshare companies must have insurance policies that cover their drivers. This insurance coverage is called contingent liability coverage, and it covers passengers and the driver.
If an Uber or Lyft driver has caused an accident with an injured passenger, the passenger can sue the driver independently. This isn’t the typical process with personal auto insurance, where the driver must be named in the lawsuit either as a driver or an additional insured. However, Uber and Lyft’s policies clarify that the driver is only partly covered for the time between accepting a request for a passenger’s pickup and when the passenger is dropped off. That is the most likely time when an accident occurs.
Conclusion
Uber, Lyft, and other rideshare companies are changing how people get around. They’re popular, but they’re not entirely protected from legal problems. There are several safety issues that Uber, Lyft, and their customers are unaware of.
The number of accidents has risen dramatically since Uber and Lyft hit the scene, and their safety record is far from perfect. The companies refuse to consider the dangers of ridesharing and are doing nothing to increase their protection for passengers.
If you’ve been injured in an accident involving a rideshare company, you should seek legal help right away. Your attorney will know how to deal with the situation, which is generally more manageable than a personal injury lawsuit, but there are still several legal issues to consider.
To help settle your vehicle accident case, get in touch with Ronemus & Vilensky now. Arrange a free initial consultation with our NYC auto accident lawyer to discuss your options.