Rideshare services like Uber and Lyft are among the most popular ways to get around town. Whether you need a ride to the airport or a ride home after a night out, getting yourself a driver is just a click away.
When you enter a rideshare vehicle, you trust the driver and trust that the rideshare company has conducted thorough background checks on their drivers. As a customer, you are entitled to file a claim and seek compensation if you are injured due to the negligence or improper conduct of a rideshare company’s driver. A skilled rideshare accident attorney can help you get that compensation.
Immediate Steps to Take After the Accident
If you find yourself injured as a rideshare passenger, it is crucial to know your rights and the steps you need to take to protect them.
- Prioritize your safety: If possible, relocate to a safe area away from oncoming traffic or any potential hazards. Ideally, move off the road to a sidewalk or shoulder. Then, call 911 and provide the operator with the details of the accident so that the appropriate emergency response can be dispatched.
- Gather information: If possible, collect details (e.g., name, contact information, license plate number, insurance information) from the rideshare driver, any witnesses, and other parties involved. It is helpful to take photos of the accident scene, any vehicle damage, and injuries.
- Obtain an accident report: Filing a formal accident report can be critical in establishing liability and supporting your claim.
- Notify the rideshare company: Both Uber and Lyft have procedures for passengers to report accidents.
- Seek medical care: Even if your injuries seem minor, it is important to receive a thorough medical examination and request records from your healthcare provider regarding any injuries and treatments.
Filing a Claim for Compensation
Being involved in a rideshare accident can result in injuries, expensive medical bills, lost income from potential inability to work, and mental distress. So, it is important to file a claim to ensure you receive the compensation to which you are entitled.
Steps to File a Claim
- Document Everything: Gather and keep record of documents related to the accident, including a copy of the formal accident report as well as additional information like the names and contact information of any drivers or witnesses, photographs of the accident scene, medical bills, plans for treatment, out-of-pocket expenses, and time missed from work.
- File an Insurance Claim: This process involves notifying the insurance company of the party responsible for the accident (i.e., the rideshare driver, other driver, or rideshare company) that you intend to file a claim. You will include all relevant evidence to support your case. Prior to filing an insurance claim, however, you should consult with the experienced attorneys at Mase Seitz Briggs. We can assist you throughout this process or take care of it on your behalf, allowing you to focus on your recovery.
Who is liable in a rideshare accident?
Employers are typically liable for their employee’s negligence, but many rideshare companies seek to avoid liability by characterizing their drivers as “independent contractors.” This classification can make it unclear who is ultimately liable in a rideshare accident. However, the experienced rideshare accident attorneys at Mase Seitz Briggs know how to hold rideshare companies accountable, even if they try to shift the blame to their “independent contractor” drivers.
Determining liability in rideshare accidents can be complicated because there are multiple parties involved. Depending on the facts of each case, the following parties could potentially be liable:
- Rideshare Company’s Insurance: Uber and Lyft have robust insurance policies that cover passengers in specific scenarios, including up to $1 million in liability coverage for accidents that occur during your ride.
- Rideshare Driver's Insurance: If the rideshare driver caused the accident and was giving you a ride not booked through the app, their personal auto insurance may apply.
- Other Drivers' Insurance: If another driver caused the accident, their insurance is generally liable.
Contact Mase Seitz Briggs
The attorneys at Mase Seitz Briggs have handled rideshare accident cases and can help you. If you have been involved in an accident in an Uber, Lyft, or other rideshare vehicle, we can help ensure that all liable parties are held accountable. Pursuing legal action against the correct parties will ensure that you are fully compensated. Contact us today for a free case consultation.
