Ridesharing has become a popular way to get around in Denver and other large cities in Colorado. Uber and Lyft offer Denver commuters an affordable and convenient alternative to traditional taxi services. However, as with any transportation, accidents can happen when you’re in a ridesharing cab. If you or a loved one was injured in a taxi, consult competent legal aid to learn more about assessing liability and filing for restitution.
Ridesharing has gained significant popularity primarily due to its convenience, especially since riders need their cars or take public transportation. Generally speaking, most rides are uneventful and go off without a hitch. However, what happens when you’re involved in a rideshare accident? Rideshare companies have insurance policies that cover their drivers. But who should be held responsible if you were injured using one of these services?
Liability for Injuries from Rideshare Accidents
The answer to this question isn’t simple because there are several parties involved in most ridesharing accidents:
The Driver
In most cases, the driver of the rideshare vehicle will be considered liable for any injuries sustained during an accident caused by his negligence. If the driver violates traffic laws or was impaired during the crash, he may be held fully responsible for the injuries.
However, it is worth noting that some states operate differently. Some regions hold all those associated with ride-hailing apps covered under “no-fault” liability agreements – meaning anyone hurt during an accident will receive compensation through each party’s respective insurance policies and not private lawsuits.
The Rideshare Company
As stated above, no-fault liability agreements benefit injured drivers while expanding protection for app companies.
Generally speaking, an app developer could be held liable if:
- The network followed improper/biased procedures and screening measures
- It issued confusing safety guidelines
- It failed to support its software and platform, directly leading to the accident
If it is determined that the rideshare app company was negligent in allowing an unsafe driver to begin working for them or failed to follow proper screening measures, the company may be liable for your injuries. A competent attorney can help you assess liability and determine fault. This information will become important as negotiations with the insurer take place.
Other Drivers
There are always other drivers involved when there is a multi-car accident. If another driver on the road caused or contributed to your injuries in a rideshare accident, you have the legal right to pursue a claim against that driver’s insurance policy.
Determining Liability
Determining liability after a rideshare car accident follows a process similar to other car accidents. However, rideshare accidents can involve additional factors due to the involvement of the rideshare company, the driver’s status, and the insurance coverage specific to ridesharing services. Data from surrounding surveillance cameras and police records will be important in reaching sound conclusions during legal accusations.
Who Pays For Damages?
Generally speaking, if you are injured while riding in a ride-hailing vehicle, you are entitled to reimbursement for your medical expenses and lost wages due to time taken off work. The payment source (injury claims may be covered by many parts depending on region/state) will depend on who was determined responsible for causing the accident.
Ridesharing services ensure coverage through multiple insurance policies – personal auto insurance of drivers and supplemental policies embedded within apps. Primary liabilities provided by third-party covers passengers’ damages up to certain limits ($1 million in most states).
Conclusion
Ridesharing services have revolutionized transportation, providing convenience and accessibility to millions of people. However, accidents can still happen, leaving victims with injuries and financial burdens. Understanding liability in rideshare accidents is crucial to determine who is responsible for the damages.
When it comes to rideshare accidents, several factors come into play. Determining the driver’s status during the accident is essential, as it affects the coverage provided by the rideshare company. Additionally, establishing negligence is key to attributing fault to the responsible party.
