2 Ways Rideshare Accidents Differ From General Accidents in California
Rideshares have taken over in California as one of the most popular modes of transportation. Whether you are grabbing a ride to the airport, running errands, or getting home safely after a fun night out with friends, the ability to order a car from your phone is efficient, quick, and safe. However, as with any other form of motorized transportation, your rideshare runs the risk of being involved in an accident.
When you are in the backseat of an Uber or Lyft and your driver is involved in an accident, you may not know your rights when filing a personal injury claim. Can you still recover damages if your driver was the one who caused the accident? Do you file with the rideshare company or the at-fault driver?
2 Ways Rideshare Accidents Are Different From General Accidents
For the most part, rideshare accidents will follow the same general principles as an accident involving regular motor vehicles. If the accident is caused by a reckless party’s breach of care, you are entitled to damages. When it comes to ways in which they are different, two specific areas include the following:
Insurance Coverage
When you are in an accident with another driver and they are at fault, you will file a claim with their insurance company. When that driver is a rideshare driver, this is not so black and white. The insurance coverage will depend on whether or not the driver is deemed to be on “active duty,” which means they are either on their way to pick up a passenger or actively transporting a passenger.
If your rideshare driver is at fault for an accident when they are en route to pick up a passenger or while actively transporting a client, the rideshare company’s insurance policy will kick in and cover those who were injured. Uber, one of the most popular rideshare companies today, provides up to $1 million in coverage if passengers are in the rideshare vehicle or if they are being picked up. On the other hand, if a rideshare driver is reckless and causes an accident while they are not considered to be on active duty, the driver’s private insurance policy will have to cover the accident.
Liability
Liability involving rideshare accidents can also be tricky. For the most part, determining liability follows the same basic method of establishing negligence. However, in the case of a rideshare accident, it can sometimes be difficult to establish who is at fault: the rideshare driver, another driver, or even the car manufacturer.
When people get into an accident with a rideshare driver, the rideshare company is an easy target if they are not necessarily to blame. When it comes to it, the best possible route of action to take after your rideshare accident is to speak with a knowledgeable and reputable personal injury lawyer. While you focus on resting and recovering, they can gather evidence, establish a liable party, file your claim within the statute of limitations, and help negotiate with the insurance company.
Been in a Rideshare Accident? Schedule a Free Consultation Today
If you have recently been involved in a rideshare accident due to the negligence of another, you are entitled to damages. At NK Law Group, we are here to support you every step of the way of the process, from the initial consultation to the final settlement offer. Don’t hesitate to reach out to us for a free case evaluation and discover how we can make a difference in your life.
Contact us today through our contact form or call our office at (510) 519-9497. Our no-fee guarantee ensures we do not see a single penny unless we win your case.
EXPERTLY REVIEWED BY
Naseer Khan, Esq.
October 25 2023
Top-rated personal injury attorney Naseer Khan, Esq. has over a decade of experience advocating for injury victims in California. As an award-winning attorney and a member of the American Association for Justice, Khan has a stellar track record of success and devotion to justice for his clients.