What you need to know about Uber and Lyft car crashes
Millions of rideshare drivers are on the road, day and night. You have probably taken advantage of the convenience that Uber and Lyft drivers provide and hopefully have good, safe experiences. But, just like any other drivers, rideshare drivers can cause accidents. When they do, unfortunately, things get confusing very quickly. A rideshare injury is complicated.
It is difficult to determine negligence when a rideshare driver is involved, because there are multiple layers to the responsibility. They are driving their personal car, while working as a contractor for a rideshare corporation. So…who is responsible?
If you are injured during a ride share, you need an experienced attorney who can navigate the unique legal considerations. Multiple insurance companies get involved, and none of them will be looking out for your best interests. At Cave Law, that’s our job.
Who is responsible for a rideshare injury?
This is not a simple answer, but we can walk you through the process and answer the important questions: Is the rideshare driver the negligent party? Is it the rideshare company, like Uber or Lyft? Is it all of the above?
Colorado law requires rideshare drivers to carry accident insurance, and they also carry personal liability insurance for their own vehicle. After a crash, it is not uncommon for insurance companies to place blame on each other, trying to avoid paying what they owe for an injury.
The first question to answer is whether the rideshare driver was “on duty” at the time of the injury. Drivers who are on duty are generally covered by the rideshare company’s insurance policy, while off-duty drivers are not. It’s not hard to guess that insurance representatives for Uber or Lyft will immediately try to claim the negligent driver was off duty to avoid responsibility. This is where Cave Law can help. We know your rights and will fight to hold all negligent parties responsible.
On Duty vs Off Duty
While you are a passenger in a rideshare driver’s car, it is easy to know they are on duty. But, there are other parts of the trip that you may not realize also qualify. While the driver is searching directions to pick you up or driving to your location, they can be considered on duty and the rideshare company shares negligence.
Examples of Rideshare Negligence
Just like anyone else on the road, rideshare drivers are negligent in a crash if they break a law like running a red light or a stop sign, or are driving under the influence. The rideshare environment also introduces some more unique driving scenarios that we usually don’t see in private driver-crashes. Was the driver reading or texting on the rideshare app at the time of the crash? Was the driver qualified to have the rideshare job in the first place? Cave Law will dig through all the details to determine exactly who the driver is and what parts of their qualifications and history may have led to the crash.
What to Do After a Rideshare Injury
The most important thing to do after any injury is make sure your medical needs are met. Then, begin notifying the parties who can help.
- See your doctor and obtain a detailed medical report.
- Notify the police and file a police report.
- Take photos and document the crash scene if you are able.
- Notify the rideshare company.
- Notify your insurance company.
- Call Cave Law.
Injured? Let’s get started.
Rideshare injuries are complicated, and we have the experience you need. Since 2009, Cave Law has helped hundreds of people who have been injured through no fault of their own. We will work with you to make sure your needs are met so you can get back to your daily life with the resources and support you need. Our focus is on personal attention, and you can count on us to put our experience to work to win your case.
