Rideshare Accidents: What You Need to Know
Uber and Lyft are more popular than ever, and more people are opting to support local drivers rather than big name taxi companies. While this is certainly great for small businesses and individual drivers, it does increase the risk of liability for these companies, as well as for individuals.
With the advent of “rideshare” services such as Uber and Lyft, among others, the question arises of who will be responsible for injuries sustained by riders of these services. The short answer is, it depends.
Unfortunately, though ridesharing services may be obligated to cover up to $1 million for passenger injuries and damages, ridesharing accident claims are many times denied by both the driver’s insurance company and the company’s. Why? Because neither wants to claim liability for damages. So, what are you to do?
45+ Years Serving the Inland Empire and $500 Million+ Recovered. Rideshare accident victims should call Heiting & Irwin at (951) 682-6400 or complete a contact form as soon as possible as there are strict time limits in which to recover for your damages.
Uber & Lyft Accident Lawyers
At Heiting & Irwin, our Riverside Uber & Lyft accident lawyers are familiar with car accident laws and will aggressively fight on your behalf to ensure you get the maximum compensation you deserve. Some advice we can provide in the interim between your accident and calling our office include:
- Seek medical attention immediately, especially if your injuries are serious. The more documentation you have, the better;
- Take pictures of the scene of the accident, of your injuries, and of any evidence you have of the accident, including bloodied clothes and damage property;
- note any witness names, addresses and phone numbers; and
- Contact a reputable Riverside car accident lawyer, Heiting & Irwin.
Proving Driver Liability: Whether a pedestrian, bystander, passenger, or another driver has been injured by an Uber or Lyft driver, the burden of proof is on the injured party to prove that the ridesharing driver was in the wrong and that the ridesharing driver was “on the clock” when the accident occurred. The ridesharing company may deny liability for the accident on the grounds of an individual driver’s status as an independent contractor.
This is one place where a skilled Riverside Uber accident attorney will be extremely helpful. If the company tries to deny liability, our attorneys and legal team will investigate the accident on your behalf and determine whether the driver was working for the company at the time of the incident. From there many other aspects and factors will play into your claim, but a Lyft or Uber injury attorney from Heiting & Irwin will be able to advise as to your rights and give you every advantage.
Uber & Lyft Insurance Policies
There may be any number of commercial and personal insurance policies that might cover the “rideshare” rider. For example, Uber’s website indicates that, for rides requested through UberBLACK, UberSUV, or uberTAXI, there is a “commercial insurance policy in at least the minimum amount required by local regulations”, while rides requested through uberX may be covered by drivers’ personal insurance policies, commercial insurance policies, and uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage.
This does not account for policies covering other vehicles involved in any collisions, policies personal to the riders/passengers themselves, or policies covering other entities who may bear responsibility for the injuries sustained by the riders of these services.
If you are injured while using a “rideshare” service, please be sure to gather as much information about the identity, employers, and insurance policies of everyone involved, and to take as many pictures of damage or injuries as possible. Unless you feel confident you will properly identify the various policies which may cover your injuries, and successfully navigate your claims to a satisfactory resolution.
Retain the Help of an Aggressive Riverside Car Accident Lawyer: Ridesharing is becoming more and more popular, it can mean increased liability for independent and employed drivers, consumers, and companies alike. If you or a loved one is injured in a ridesharing accident, reach out to a knowledgeable Riverside car accident attorney for guidance. Though you think you may have a tough road ahead of you, it will be a lot tougher without a good lawyers; and with the right attorney on your side, the attorney can prove your case and obtain the compensation you deserve.
Schedule your appointment online today or give our office call today to get started. If you have been injured in a ridesharing accident, contact Heiting & Irwin, serving San Bernardino & Riverside Counties and all of Southern California.
