Rideshare programs are an excellent option for people who want to travel to their destination without spending a lot of money on rental cars. However, what if you are a passenger in an accident? And what if you are driving another vehicle and are hit by a rideshare driver? Is the driver responsible for the accident because they were driving a private car, or is the rideshare company (such as Uber or Lyft) responsible since the driver was working on the company’s behalf?
Who Is Responsible?
When a driver activates a ride-sharing app, they are considered to be driving on company time, even if they are operating their own vehicle. In such cases, the rideshare company’s insurance policy would cover the car if the driver is actively driving for the company.
If you have been in an accident caused by a ride-sharing vehicle or a passenger in one, it can be beneficial if the driver was on company time during the accident. This is because the driver’s liability limits are generally higher in such situations, which can help you receive adequate medical treatment in case of injuries.
What Do You Do In The Event Of An Accident?
The initial step in the event of an accident is to collect information from all involved vehicles. If you are unable to gather evidence due to a serious injury, a police report will likely contain most of the necessary information. In such a case, make sure to request a copy of the report.
If a police report is not available, try to obtain as much of the following information as possible. Use your phone camera to quickly capture this data:
- Insurance information: When involved in a car accident, it’s important to take pictures of all the insurance cards for the vehicles involved in the accident, including Lyft or Uber insurance information. Make sure to capture the name and phone number of the insurance company. Additionally, you should get the driver’s insurance policy number and vehicle identification number (VIN).
- Driver’s licenses: Obtain identification from all drivers involved. If the person does not have a valid driver’s license, gather their name, date of birth, and contact info (address and phone number).
- Pictures of all involved vehicles: Take photos of each vehicle from all four sides, so the claims adjuster can easily identify any damage.
- Pictures of the accident scene: Remember to document any possible contributing factors to the accident, such as obscured traffic signs, malfunctioning traffic lights, blind corners, gravel on the road, skid marks, and anything else that may be relevant.
- Contact information of witnesses: it’s important to collect contact information of any witnesses present. You should obtain their full names, addresses, and phone numbers to be able to reach out to them if necessary.
If you want to avoid a situation where either the driver or the rideshare company denies paying for your medical expenses, it is best to hire a local attorney who can hold them both accountable and navigate you through the complex claim process. With the help of an attorney, you can ensure that your rights are protected and that you receive the compensation you deserve.
source: https://tingeylawfirm.com/when-your-las-vegas-super-bowl-trip-ends-in-an-uber-or-lyft-accident/
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