Who Is Liable In An Uber/Lyft Accident?
Ridesharing is quickly becoming one of the most common forms of private transportation around the Nashville area, but complex questions arise about liability and fault when a rideshare vehicle is involved in an accident. At the law office of Mitch Grissim & Associates, our experienced Nashville personal injury attorneys are prepared to zealously advocate for your injury claim after a rideshare accident. To learn more, call or contact our office to schedule a free case evaluation.
Liability in a rideshare incident involving an Uber or Lyft driver is a complex issue. Generally, rideshare drivers are considered “independent contractors,” meaning they are not technically employees of the rideshare company. As such, the rideshare company is not typically liable for the driver’s actions. However, in some cases, the company may be held liable for the actions of its Lyft driver.
Furthermore, if the Uber or Lyft driver is found to be at fault in an accident, the rideshare company may be required to provide insurance coverage for the accident. This insurance coverage is typically limited and may not cover the full extent of the damages.
Therefore, it is important for rideshare drivers to understand the risks associated with operating a vehicle for a rideshare company and to purchase additional insurance coverage if necessary. Additionally, it is important for rideshare passengers to be aware of their rights and to contact an attorney if they are involved in an accident with a rideshare driver.
Car Accident Injuries
Injuries sustained in an accident can leave victims struggling with physical and emotional pain for years. If you are in a collision, it is important to seek medical attention as soon as possible. Delaying medical treatment can lead to worse injuries.
If you are injured in an automobile collision, you may be able to file a claim with your insurance company or sue the person who caused the wreck.
Broken Bones
Broken bones are a common injury sustained from accidents. Coverage is often the only thing that stands between a victim of an incident and a lifetime of medical bills. That is why it is important for Uber and Lyft drivers to carry coverage that is up to date. Rideshare drivers should also make sure they are covered under their Uber or Lyft driver policy, as well as their personal policies.
Uber and Lyft policies often cover the driver and passengers in the event of an accident, so it is important for Uber and Lyft drivers to be sure their car insurance covers the cost of any broken bones that may result from an accident. While different policies may not always be able to prevent broken bones; it can often help to mitigate the costs.
Whiplash
Whiplash is a common injury that can be sustained after a vehicle mishap. It is a form of soft tissue damage that can cause pain, stiffness, and reduced range of motion in the neck and upper back. Many accident victims will experience whiplash, making it important for Uber and Lyft drivers to carry proper insurance coverage.
When filing a vehicular crash claim, it is important to include any costs associated with whiplash injuries. This includes medical bills and other costs such as lost wages or pain and suffering. It is also important to provide evidence of the injury, such as a doctor’s report or medical bills. This is especially important if the insurance claim is being made against a third party.
It is also important for an Uber or Lyft driver to carry proper liability insurance coverage. Liability insurance can help cover the costs of any whiplash injuries that may be sustained from a car crash. Liability insurance can also help to protect accident victims from financial losses due to the negligence of the other driver.
In the event of an accident, it is important for Uber and Lyft drivers to make sure they are covered under their personal auto insurance policies, as well as their company driver’s insurance policy. This can help ensure that accident victims are able to make a successful insurance claim for any whiplash injuries they may have sustained.
It is also important for Uber and Lyft employees to be aware of the types of coverage they have in order to protect themselves and their passengers. Determining who is liable in an uber or lyft collision can be complex. It’s important to do as much research as you can.
Concussion
Concussions resulting from car wrecks can be a serious injury that can leave victims with longterm physical and emotional pain. If you are in an accident, it is important to seek medical attention as soon as possible, as delaying medical treatment can lead to worse injuries.
Uber and Lyft employees should always make sure they are covered under their policy, as well as their personal coverage. Rideshare companies are often the only thing that stands between accident victims and a lifetime of medical bills. It is important that rideshare drivers are aware of the coverage they have in order to protect themselves and their passengers.
Concussions are a type of traumatic brain injury that can be sustained from a car accident. Signs of a concussion include confusion, memory problems, difficulty speaking, dizziness, and other physical and cognitive impairments. These symptoms can be severe and can last for days, weeks, or even months after the incident.
If you are involved in a collision and experience signs of a concussion, it is important to seek medical attention as soon as possible. This is especially important for drivers, who should make sure they are covered under their policy as well as their personal car insurance.
Providing Evidence
In the event of a rideshare crash, it is important to provide evidence to support any claims. The evidence can help determine who is liable in an Uber Lyft accident and can help protect the rideshare driver and any passengers involved in the accident.
Rideshare companies typically have their own insurance policies and drivers should make sure they are covered under the company’s policy in the event of an accident. Additionally, rideshare drivers should also make sure they are covered under their personal car insurance policy, as this can provide additional coverage in the event of an accident.
Filing Claim Details
When filing a claim for a rideshare car accident, it is important to provide evidence such as medical reports, medical bills, photographs of the scene, and any other relevant evidence. This can help to prove who is liable in an Uber or Lyft accident and can help to ensure that the rideshare driver and any passengers involved in the accident are protected.
Rideshare companies typically provide coverage for any medical bills, lost wages, and other damages, so it is important to make sure that the rideshare driver’s personal insurance policy is also up to date.
In the event of a rideshare car accident, it is important to make sure that all evidence is collected in order to protect the rideshare driver and any passengers involved. This includes medical reports, medical bills, photographs of the scene, and any other relevant evidence that can help prove who is liable in an Uber or Lyft accident.
Additionally, rideshare drivers should make sure they are covered under both their Uber or Lyft policy and their personal coverage policy in order to ensure they are protected in the event of an accident.
When The Other Driver Is At Fault
When the other driver is determined to be at fault in a rideshare accident, the claims process proceeds as though it were any other type of car wreck case. The driver’s auto insurance coverage would kick in, and an attorney would negotiate with the insurer for a settlement that covers all the victim’s personal injury damages caused by the crash.
When trying to decide who is liable, it is important to consider the facts of each case. For example, in a recent case, an Uber or Lyft driver was found liable for an accident that occurred while he was driving for the company.
The accident involved a passenger who was riding in the Uber driver’s car. The passenger testified that the Uber driver was driving erratically and failed to stop at a stop sign. As a result of the accident, the passenger suffered serious injuries.
In this case, the Uber driver was found liable for his actions and was required to pay damages to the victim. In cases like this, it is important to remember that the company you work for is not an employee of the company and as such, they are not typically liable for your mistakes while driving.
However, if you are found at fault in an accident, you may be required to provide insurance coverage for the incident. Additionally, if you are caught driving without a valid license or with an invalid license plate, you may be held liable in an uber or lyft accident.
When the Uber/Lyft Driver is at Fault
If, however, the rideshare driver is determined to be at fault for an accident, the question of liability can be more complex. Every rideshare driver is required by Uber and Lyft to carry their own auto insurance when they drive. If the accident is caused by a rideshare driver while they do not have anyone in their vehicle for a ride, they are personally liable for any damages that result from the accident.
If the rideshare driver is on their way to pick up a passenger or has a passenger in the vehicle, their insurance covers damages up to the policy limit, but if the damages exceed the policy limits then the rideshare company’s insurance policy kicks in. Uber and Lyft carry $1,000,000 in coverage above their driver’s policy limits to cover accidents caused by their drivers that is available to victims injured in rideshare crashes. This covers all economic and noneconomic damages suffered by victims when an Uber or Lyft vehicle is responsible for the accident.
When the Accident Is Caused By A Vehicle Defect
Finally, if a collision involving a rideshare vehicle is caused by a defect, such as failing brakes, a blown tire, or a faulty airbag there are many other entities that may be ultimately liable for the accident. Vehicle designers, manufacturers, transporters, dealers, mechanics, and others may all be held responsible for the accident once it is determined where the defect originated. Because of the complicated and complex nature of determining liability in a rideshare accident, it is critical that you seek the experience and counsel of a knowledgeable personal injury attorney to help with your case.
Can A Rideshare Company Be Held Liable For An Accident Caused By One Of Their Drivers?
Yes, in certain scenarios rideshare companies can be held liable for an accident caused by one of their drivers. If a rideshare driver is found to have acted negligently, such as by driving recklessly or failing to obey traffic laws, the company can be held liable for the resulting damages. Additionally, if the rideshare company failed to properly vet and train their drivers, or did not take appropriate steps to ensure the safety of their passengers, they can be held liable for the accident. Additionally, if the rideshare company did not have adequate insurance coverage, they may be held liable for any damages resulting from the accident.
This legal precedent, where a company is responsible for the actions of those they’ve employed, is defined as “the principle of vicarious liability.” This means that the company is held responsible for the negligence of its employees, even if those independent contractors were acting within the scope of their job duties.
Understanding Vicarious Liability
This principle was established by the court in order to hold employers accountable for the safety of their employees, and to ensure that negligent or wrongful acts do not go unpunished. The theory of vicarious liability states that since an employer has a duty to ensure that their employees are properly trained and behave in a responsible manner, they should be held responsible for any resulting damages caused by their employees.
In order for a company to be held vicariously liable, certain conditions must be met. First, it must be established that the employee was acting on behalf of the company when the negligent or wrongful act occurred. Second, the employer must have had a duty to ensure that their independent contractors were properly trained and behaved in a responsible manner. The employer must have failed to take appropriate steps to ensure the safety of their employees. If all of these conditions are met, the employer can be held vicariously liable for the resulting damages caused by their employees.
Talk to Our Office Today
Have you or someone you know been injured in an Uber, Lyft, or other types of rideshare accident in the Nashville area? If so, you may be entitled to compensation through a personal injury claim. To learn more about your legal options, call the office or contact us at Mitch Grissim & Associates today to schedule a free consultation of your case with one of our experienced personal injury attorneys now.
