Ridesharing from Uber and Lyft is becoming ever more popular as a means of transportation. The idea is simple: make private owned vehicles into public transports. This has made it easier and much less expensive for people to get from place to place. Uber and Lyft are the 2 companies that dominate the industry. And although they have been innovative in their establishment and operation of their companies, ridesharing has not come without cost. This cost has been a rise in Uber and Lyft accidents that have resulted in passenger injuries. If you or a loved one have been injured in an Uber or Lyft accident you need to contact an Uber accident attorney or Lyft accident attorney immediately so that you can understand your rights, get proper medical attention and also to maximize your claim due to driver negligence.
Ridesharing Accidents on the Rise
There has been an increase in the number of rideshare accidents in recent years. This has happened for 2 main reasons. First, most Uber and Lyft drivers do the job for extra cash. They usually start their shift after putting in a full workday, which means they are not as alert as they should be when they get behind the wheel. Second, rideshare drivers must settle on the fare with their passengers before the journey. The fare is usually low, as the supply of drivers is plentiful. So most Uber and Lyft drivers may drive recklessly to get as many fares as possible, so they can make the most amount of money.
What to do After an Uber or Lyft Accident
If you are an Uber or Lyft passenger who is hurt in an accident, you should first ensure that you get the medical attention and treatment that you need. Even in the direct aftermath of the accident, you must be careful about what you say. And you should take the name, phone number, and other contact details off the rideshare driver and the person with whom they collided with.
You should then, as soon as you are up to it, contact an Uber accident lawyer or Lyft accident lawyer. If you have been hospitalized and forced to miss work, you will have bills that need to be paid and missed wages that you should be compensated for. The rideshare company is ultimately responsible for ensuring that you get the money deserve. However, you will need to go through a process to receive it.
Liability in Uber and Lyft Accidents
The first thing your Uber accident lawyer or Lyft accident lawyer will help you sort out is who bears the financial responsibility for the accident. If the other driver is found to be at-fault for the accident, then their insurance must offer you a settlement. If your Uber or Lyft driver caused the crash, then their personal car insurance should cover your injuries. But this will only happen if they have a commercial insurance policy or a policy with a special provision that covers them as a ride sharing driver. Most rideshare drivers do not carry such insurance. In these instances, Uber or Lyft must step in.
The companies have third-party liability insurance that pays up to $1 million for personal injuries and property damage. These policies will only be triggered if the driver’s insurance is inadequate. The companies also carry uninsured/underinsured coverage which pays the same amount. However, it only applies if the responsible driver is unknown, doesn’t have car insurance, or doesn’t have insurance that will cover your injuries and other damages.
Why You Need an Uber or Lyft Lawyer
Uber and Lyft make the argument that their drivers are not employees; that they are contractors and that their companies are not legally responsible for the consequences of driver negligence. Judges and juries throughout the country have rejected this argument and many legal decisions have gone against the two rideshare giants.
If you have been in an accident as an Uber or Lyft passenger and the company refuses to give you proper compensation, you can sue them. You will need a competent lawyer to help you.
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