Rideshare services like Uber, Lyft, and Waymo offer a quick, convenient way to get around. However, their popularity has meant an increase in the number and frequency of rideshare accidents. If you were hurt in a rideshare accident, you may be entitled to compensation. But beware — claims for injuries suffered in a rideshare accident are more complicated than other car accident injury claims. Additional defendants may be involved, and the rideshare company may share responsibility for causing the crash, but they may deny responsibility at first.
The rideshare accident lawyers at Robenalt Law have the experience, resources, and expertise to thoroughly investigate your claim, identify who was at fault for causing the crash, and fight to hold them accountable for the harm they caused. Contact our law office today to schedule a free and confidential consultation to discuss your situation and how we can assist you.
Common Causes of Rideshare Accidents
Rideshare companies like Uber, Lyft, and Waymo share similar risk factors that increase the likelihood of an accident. They require that drivers navigate using GPS and communicate with passengers through the app while driving. These requirements increase the risk of accidents caused by distracted driving.
Additional risk factors that may contribute to a rideshare accident include:
- Driving in unfamiliar areas
- Drowsy driving when a rideshare driver has been behind the wheel for too long
- Aggressive driving to try to squeeze in one more fare
- Unsafe or aggressive driving tactics like tailgating, improper passing, or unexpected lane changes
- Poor vehicle maintenance or defective safety equipment
Understanding Insurance Coverage in Rideshare Accidents
Like all drivers, individuals who drive for ridesharing companies are required to carry car insurance. However, in addition to the driver’s personal insurance policy, the rideshare company has additional commercial insurance that might cover your claim.
If the driver of the other car was clearly liable for causing the accident, their insurance company should cover your claim. But if there is any question about who caused the accident, expect the insurance companies to try to deny your claim, dispute who caused the accident, or claim that their insurance policy does not apply.
The availability of insurance coverage may depend on whether the ridesharing app was on at the time of the crash. If the ridesharing app was off and the driver was not using it, the rideshare company is unlikely to extend insurance coverage, and the driver’s personal insurance policy is likely the only insurance coverage available. If the driver was using the rideshare app, and especially if they were carrying a passenger or on the way to pick one up, the rideshare company’s insurance policy should apply.
How to Recover Compensation for Injuries in a Rideshare Accident
If you were hurt in a rideshare accident, you must document the claim, just as you would in any other accident.
- Check yourself for injuries.
- Exchange information with the other parties, police officers, and witnesses.
- Take photos of the vehicles involved in the accident, the accident scene, and the surrounding area.
- Seek medical attention.
- Contact an experienced rideshare injury lawyer at Robenalt Law.
If the rideshare driver was using the app when the accident occurred, additional information may be available. Rideshare companies should have GPS, cellular, and electronic data available that must be preserved. This evidence can be used to prove you were in the vehicle, that the driver was “on the clock,” and other important details that could be relevant to establishing liability in your claim. The rideshare company may have additional information that could be important, such as the driver’s accident history, insurance information, and details about the vehicle.
Successfully resolving your rideshare accident claim can be challenging, and you will benefit from having an experienced rideshare accident lawyer on your side.
Contact Robenalt Law Today
Robenalt Law has offices in Cleveland and Columbus, and handles rideshare accident claims throughout Ohio and nationwide. Call our Cleveland office at (216) 223-7535 or our Columbus office at (614) 695-3800 or contact us online to schedule a free, confidential, no-obligation appointment to discuss your situation and how we can help.
