A rideshare accident attorney can help individuals who have been injured or harmed as a result of an accident involving a rideshare driver or their vehicle. Although the use of rideshare apps, such as Uber and Lyft, have become a popular form of transportation, lawsuits allege that driver negligence may have led to the death of a passenger and pedestrian. People who have been injured in accidents involving a rideshare vehicle could be eligible to recover compensation with the help of a car accident attorney.
For more information, contact Attorney Group today. Our consultations are free, confidential and without any obligation on your part. We can help answer your questions, and if you choose to pursue a claim we can connect you with an affiliated rideshare accident attorney who can assist you throughout the legal process.
Ridesharing, also known as carpooling, is the sharing of vehicles to reduce the number of vehicle trips, traffic congestion and automobile emissions. People carpool for many reasons, and it wasn’t until the past few years that people began to turn to rideshare companies (sometimes called transportation network companies) to get around town.
Popular rideshare companies such as Uber and Lyft operate through mobile apps downloaded to a person’s smartphone. When people want a ride, they simply place a request through the app, and a driver arrives to take them to their destination.
What Kinds of Insurance are Drivers Required to Have?
Drivers for rideshare companies such as Uber and Lyft must carry and maintain their own vehicle insurance. In most cases, the type of insurance a driver will need to have depends on the city and state in which the driver lives, however, some states may require drivers to purchase a commercial insurance policy before they can contract as a rideshare driver.
Uber and Lyft offer a series of insurance policies that change as the driver’s status changes. For example, Lyft drivers are covered by the company’s contingent liability plan until a passenger enters the vehicle for a ride. From the time a passenger is picked up to the time they are dropped off at their destination, Lyft’s primary liability coverage insures the vehicle for up to $1 million. Uber and Lyft offer similar insurance coverage plans for collision coverage as well as uninsured/underinsured motorist accidents.
According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Americans spend over 1 million days in the hospital each year treating injuries suffered from motor vehicle crashes.
Pedestrians who are injured as a result of an automobile accident may suffer injuries to their body, including their limbs, feet and toes. Those involved in automobile accidents may face emotional and psychological injuries as well.
A rideshare accident attorney notes that lawsuits have been filed alleging negligence on the part of rideshare drivers. In 2014, the family of a six-year old girl filed a lawsuit against Uber and the driver of an UberX car, claiming that the driver’s use and monitoring of the Uber mobile app caused him to become distracted. The little girl and two members of her family were struck by the vehicle, and the six-year old was killed. According to NBCnews.com, the family of the six-year old was awarded an undisclosed amount of money from the company. Uber had initially argued that because the driver was not transporting any Uber passengers at the time of the accident, the company was not at fault.
Also in 2014, the family of a Lyft passenger who was killed in an accident claim that the driver’s negligence led to the young man’s death. Although Lyft did not deny liability in the accident, the company has failed to offer the family compensation for their loss. In a lawsuit filed, the family seeks damages from the company.
In addition to lawsuits involving rideshare accidents, a number of lawsuits have been filed regarding other issues with rideshare companies, particular Uber. Lawsuits include the misclassification of Uber drivers, the use of unlawful driver background checks and allegations of fake ride requests used to discourage Lyft riders from using Uber.
Rideshare companies and their drivers have a duty to provide a safe environment for its passengers, drivers, other commuters, and pedestrians. If there are risks of harm associated with rideshare company drivers and the vehicles that they drive, the company must also provide adequate warnings and safeguards. If a driver fails to fulfill this duty, they, as well as the company, could be held liable in lawsuits for injuries that may result.
The families of those who have died in car accidents may be eligible to recover money for funeral expenses and the pain that comes with losing a loved one.
For more information, contact Attorney Group. After you contact us, an affiliated rideshare accident attorney will follow up to answer questions that you might have. There is no cost or obligation to speak with us, and any information you provide will be kept confidential.