As a competitor to taxis and other car services, ride sharing is getting increasingly popular. With rideshares becoming a leading form of transportation for hire. There are an increased number of vehicles on the road, so there are more vehicles involved in traffic accidents.
If have been hit by a ride sharing vehicle, you might be able to recoup compensation for your damages by pursuing a personal injury claim against the driver.
If the driver is to blame for the crash, you will pursue a personal injury claim against the driver as you would any other driver who is at fault. You must collect all documentation and evidence to support your claim, and to help prove liability for the damages you suffered.
How Does Ride Sharing Work?
Vehicles bearing the ride sharing company name are not owned, operated, or controlled by them. The drivers of these vehicles are not hired. Instead, individuals contract with the company to provide services. Therefore, the drivers are third-party contractors.
As a competitor to taxis and other ride services, most ride sharing companies have their own established pricing structure. A phone app is used for scheduling rides as well as for billing and payments. Drivers have app to notify them of a fare wanting a ride and for scheduling pickups.
The app must be open and running when a fare is being transported.
Who is Liable for Damages?
To have a personal injury claim, liability must be proven. You will need to show that fault lies on the other driver and because of the driver’s negligence, you suffered damages. When you prove negligence, you will have a successful personal injury claim.
When you have been hit by a driver, it is not any different than being hit by any driver. In some states, pure comparative negligence is used. This means that whatever percentage of fault for the accident falls on you will reduce the amount of damages that you can recover.
Determining Whose Insurance is Liable for Damages
If you have been involved in a crash with a vehicle, you are probably wondering whose insurance will cover your damages. Any ride sharing service driver is required to have personal auto insurance coverage that meets the state requirements.
However, personal auto coverage will usually not cover an accident that results when a vehicle is being used for hire. That means if the driver is available for paid transport or is hauling a passenger, then the driver’s personal policy will not cover damages.
The company does maintain coverage for its drivers as well. If the driver is logged into the app and is waiting for a passenger or is transporting, then Uber’s coverage should take over.
Consult with A Personal Injury Attorney
In some states, there is a four-year statute of limitations for pursuing a personal injury claim against a negligent party after an accident. Complete the Free Case Evaluation Form on this page to get your case reviewed by an accident injury attorney so you can get your claim underway.
Additional Resources
*Disclaimer: The content of this article serves only to provide information and should not be construed as legal advice. If you file a claim against Uber, or any other party, you may not be entitled to any compensation.
