Who’s at Fault for Rideshare Car Accidents
What if you're driving your own car and get hit by someone else while they're driving a rideshare vehicle? The first thing to know is that drivers for these companies are not employees of the company. Instead, they are considered contractors for the companies. Similar to taxi companies, when there is an accident, both parties will need to file an insurance claim and show that the other party was at fault. Who is liable for the accident? The driver of the vehicle, or the company they were working for?
First, rideshare drivers must have liability car coverage. Most personal auto policies won't cover drivers when they're driving rideshare vehicles. The driver needs to be logged into the app before receiving any rides. Rides vary depending on location, time of day, and other factors. Drivers may accept calls while driving, meaning that they will not get paid until they arrive at the destination. If you were in an accident with a rideshare driver, please contact your local authorities right away. A police report will help you file a claim against the company in the future. If you were injured in a car accident caused by a rideshare driver, you should consult with a car accident lawyer in Harris County, Galveston County, Fort Bend County, Montgomery County, Brazoria County, Houston, Sugar Land, Missouri City, Stafford, Texas at Thornton Esquire Law Group, PLLC, right away. Many rideshare companies claim that they follow strict safety guidelines, but there are still many complexities surrounding some of these cases. An experienced attorney can help guide you through the process and ensure that you receive fair compensation for any injuries sustained. Contact us today at thorntonesquirelawgroup.com for a free consultation.
In order to prove negligence, you need to show that the defendant did something wrong. If you were injured because someone else was driving recklessly, then you could sue them. You might also be able to sue if you were injured because someone ran a red light, failed to yield right of way, or otherwise broke a traffic rule. Injured parties may seek compensation through their own insurance companies, regardless of whether the driver was negligent or not. However, if you're seeking compensation from the driver, you must prove that he was negligent. If you cannot prove negligence, then your claim will likely fail.
Contractors are not employees of the company, nor are they insured by the company. If you get injured in an accident caused by a contractor, you'll need to file an insurance claim and show that the other driver was negligent. To get paid for damages, you will need to file a lawsuit against the other driver. Who is responsible for the accident? The driver of the vehicle, or the company they worked for? First, rideshare drivers must carry liability car insurance. Most personal car insurance policies won't cover the driver if they're driving for a ride-sharing service. When you need to file a claim for injuries sustained in a car crash, you should contact an experienced personal injury lawyer right away. You may be entitled to compensation for medical bills, lost wages, pain, and suffering, and other damages.
After an accident, insurance companies work to determine fault, looking at certain factors like injuries and police reports. It’s important to gather as many facts as possible after a rideshare accident. Photograph the injuries, any vehicle damage, and the accident scene. Get the names and accounts of any witnesses who saw the accident happen. Give your account of what happened, along with any evidence gathered at the scene, to show the rideshare driver’s fault and get your money back.
Riders need to ask themselves a few important questions about ridesharing. Who is liable if you get in a car accident while using a rideshare app. Is there liability protection for both parties? What happens if you're injured in a car accident caused by a driver using a rideshare app? Are your injuries covered under your personal auto policy, or will you need to pay out of pocket? If your car is damaged after a collision, you might not realize that you could be entitled to compensation. If you've been injured in a crash involving a driver using a rideshare app, you may be eligible for damages under the law.
Ridesharing apps are becoming increasingly popular among users. However, there are some legal and safety concerns riders need to be aware of. Liability and insurance issues are two big ones. A recent study found that 1 in 5 drivers surveyed reported an injury while driving for a rideshare company. That means ridesharing companies aren't immune to accidents. Another issue is insurance. Rideshare drivers often drive for multiple companies at once. If you get into an accident while working for one company, you could be liable for paying damages to another company. Ridesharing apps have become wildly successful because they're easy to use and convenient. However, they also come with risks. Just ask the family of a woman killed after her car collided with another driver's car. Or ask the passengers of a van carrying 24 students who were injured when their ride crashed during rush hour traffic. These incidents are just two examples of crashes that have occurred in recent years. While many people choose to drive themselves, others prefer to share a ride with someone else.
If you've had a rideshare accident, you may be offered a settlement. Don't be tempted. Even if you think you need more money because you have medical bills, car repairs, lost wages, etc., it's not fair to let someone else pay for these costs. Once you accept a settlement, you're stuck with the terms. If you need more money later, you'll have to go through the same process again. If you are offered a settlement, then you need to think about what you are going to do next. If you accept the offer, then you will not be able to sue the other party later on. You may also miss out on any compensation you could have received had you gone to court. So before you sign anything, make sure you understand all the terms. An experienced lawyer can guide you through the process and help ensure that you get all the money you deserve.