Rideshare services like Uber and Lyft are very convenient. They allow people who have had too much to drink or don’t want to rent a vehicle on a business trip to obtain on-demand transportation. All it takes is a few taps on an app to summon a ride to exactly where someone needs it.
The drivers working for rideshare companies typically know the area well and can help people reach their destinations quickly and safely. However, there is always crash risk whenever someone travels in a motor vehicle. Rideshare collisions tend to leave people with a lot of questions. The answers to the three questions below can help someone affected by a rideshare crash decide what to do next.
How common are rideshare crashes?
People might assume that rideshare crashes are relatively rare. After all, those with more experience on the road tend to make better choices in traffic. Unfortunately, experience isn’t the only thing that matters for traffic safety. Paying attention to road conditions, choosing how assertive to be and avoiding distraction are also key. Rideshare drivers may become distracted because of their passengers or the app they have to use. They may be overly aggressive in traffic. They may also be tired if they drive as a second job. As many as one in three rideshare drivers has experienced a crash while working.
Who was to blame for a crash?
Passengers in rideshare vehicles often text their friends or finish a work project while in the backseat of the vehicle. They may not pay attention to the behavior of the driver or road conditions until a crash occurs. At that point, they may be uncertain about who is to blame for the wreck. Rideshare passengers generally need to evaluate the situation carefully to affirm whether the rideshare driver or the other vehicle is to blame. When the other vehicle is at fault for the crash, the passenger may need to make a claim against that driver’s insurance coverage or file a lawsuit against that individual.
What insurance applies?
If the rideshare driver was at fault or if there is a hit-and-run scenario where the other driver flees the scene, the passenger may need to seek reimbursement from the rideshare driver or the rideshare company. Both Uber and Lyft carry large commercial policies that apply to crashes that occur during the active stage of the ride. The rideshare driver’s specialized rideshare coverage may apply if the crash occurs before or after the trip.
Those dealing with injuries and property damage losses after a rideshare collision often need help exploring their options. Pursuing compensation after a rideshare crash requires an understanding of what is available and information about the wreck itself.
