Can I Sue a Rideshare Company for an Accident?
Rideshare companies like Lyft and Uber are relatively new to the world yet tremendously influential. Every day, countless individuals get lifts through a rideshare company.
What happens if you are injured in an accident involving a rideshare?
Uber and Lyft have dealt with lawsuits involving accidents in the past despite only being around since the 21st century. Following some hard lessons, rideshare companies have taken out insurance policies to protect themselves and their drivers.
Therefore, understanding how rideshare insurance works and if you are entitled to receive more compensation through a personal injury lawsuit depends on a variety of factors.
Understanding Rideshare Companies
“An Uber driver hit my car, help!”
We hear the complaint from time to time, and given how new rideshare companies are to the world, often, victims are confused as to what to do next.
First, you need to understand how rideshare companies operate.
Lyft or Uber helps represent a driver by helping find people who need rides through the phone app and assist with billing and payments.
Lyft and Uber provide the app and related services, while the driver provides his or her car. As a result, the driver is responsible for his or her actions on the road, including making a wrong turn or other mistakes that might lead to a serious accident.
Dealing with Rideshare Insurance form of insurance, which is provided to drivers who operate through the name of the company, regardless if they are independent contractors or not.
Rideshare companies require their drivers to have their own car insurance coverage. Furthermore, major companies like Uber and Lyft also have their form of insurance as an added layer of protection. Additionally, in some states, drivers can also purchase ride-sharing endorsements, which adds more protection.
The rideshare insurance supplements the insurance of the driver whenever he or she is available for a fare via the app or is actively transporting passengers.
Filing a Personal Injury Claim or Wrongful Death Lawsuit Against Rideshare Drivers
It cannot be stressed enough how important it is to hire a rideshare accident attorney as soon as possible following an accident. Injuries or deaths that result from a rideshare vehicle are complicated, and there are plenty of obstacles to overcome. However, it shouldn’t prevent you from receiving fair and adequate compensation for your injuries.
Rideshare drivers traditionally have most of the responsibility on their shoulders, and rightfully so. The rideshare company requires that a driver uses his or her policy first to cover damages if the driver is determined at-fault. However, the insurance provider may deny the claim which forces a company like Uber or Lyft to cover the damages.
The process is often long and a hassle because of all the bureaucratic obstacles. For example, a personal insurance provider may cancel the policy of the driver without a rideshare endorsement for breaching the terms and conditions of the policy.
Secondly, rideshare companies may intentionally draw out the proceedings or attempt to reach a settlement. While it is tempting to take the money, these settlements often do not cover the full extent of the injuries and are only a way for companies to get out of the problem quickly.
Receiving Compensation for Your Injuries – Hire a Rideshare Accident Attorney
It is important not to accept any immediate settlement offered by the rideshare company. Once you accept a settlement, you can no longer file a lawsuit and are left with the agreed terms of the settlement. Often major companies offer injury settlements that understate the severity of the damages just for a quick payout. Never accept a settlement before speaking with an attorney beforehand.
Consult a qualified, skilled lawyer at Greenberg & Stein. We have handled numerous personal injury claims, including rideshare accidents, and know how to deal with the complicated insurance agencies involved. Get a free initial consultation by calling 212-969-8770 or visit www.greenbergandstein.com.