What Happens if You are in a Rideshare Accident?
Over the last decade, rideshare companies such as Uber and Lyft gained mass popularity for a multitude of reasons. These companies allow users to easily request an on-demand ride to their destination for often a cheaper fare than taxi cabs or personal drivers. Additionally, they provide many Americans with a flexible second income stream so people can drive on their own time, schedule and vehicle. With these companies are a great benefit, they also present many legal challenges when both riders and drivers become involved in a rideshare accident.
While these companies provide many benefits to travelers and drivers alike, Uber has made media attention in the last several years about the downsides and potential danger associated with rideshare companies. Questions are asked such as: Which insurance company is liable in an Uber accident? Or: What happens if an Uber driver is attacked by a passenger?
Let’s look at the protections in place for both passengers and drivers for rideshare companies should an unfortunate accident or injury occur during a ride.
Which insurance company is liable if I am in a rideshare accident?
Thankfully for both riders and drivers, Uber maintains auto insurance coverage on behalf of their drivers. This covers drivers while they are available or waiting for a ride request, as well as while a driver is enroute to pick up a passenger or during the actual trip. Lyft maintains a similar policy.
While the driver apps are turned off or the driver is not actively engaged in work as a driver, their own personal insurance policy applies. As independent contractors, drivers are generally not eligible for workers’ compensation.
As with any car accident, there are actions you should take to ensure you receive the maximum compensation available to you. You can receive compensation for things like:
- Lost wages
- Hospital visits
- On-going medical care
- Pain and suffering
Our Houston car accident lawyers are well-versed in what to do, and you can find answers to frequently asked questions about car accidents here.
What happens if I am assaulted or injured while in an Uber?
Last year, Uber was the subject of a lawsuit from 550 passengers over its failure to protect female passengers from kidnapping and sexual assault from ride share drivers. Inadequate background checks on drivers, and a lack of willingness for victims to disclose sexual assault, can create a breeding ground for this type of injury to occur.
Passengers are not the only people at risk during an Uber ride. There have been numerous news stories around the drivers themselves being the victims of assault, robbery or car-jacking.
What protections are in place for both drivers and passengers during a ride? Here, the legal protections can be difficult to decipher. An experienced Houston rideshare accident attorney is well-equipped to advise on your options to obtain justice for your injury.
A Houston rideshare accident attorney can help!
If you are in an accident in an Uber or Lyft, you should not take the next steps alone. Give us a call, and our Katy car accident lawyer will discuss your claim with you and the best options for moving forward with your case. We are available 24/7 at 713-888-9000.