Rideshare Liability: Guide For Passengers And Riders
Rideshare liability is a term used to describe the legal responsibilities of rideshare companies and their passengers and riders. This can be a confusing topic, so this article will try to break it down for you. Rideshare companies like Uber and Lyft are responsible for ensuring the safety of their passengers. In contrast, passengers and riders are responsible for acting safely inside and outside the vehicle. In addition, there are certain things that both parties should avoid doing to minimize the risk of accidents or injuries.
In many cases, auto insurance can cover medical expenses to a certain extent. However, this will depend on the details of the case, such as who caused the accident. You should also know that filing a claim under the rideshare insurance of the rideshare drivers involved is not always a straightforward process.
To help you receive the maximum insurance coverage possible and any compensation for the damages or injuries you may have suffered, it’s best to consult with a rideshare liability lawyer. If you are involved in a rideshare accident in Florida, you may contact the lawyers at Jared Spingarn’s firm. They will be able to provide legal advice about the specific situation and help you receive the compensation that is due to you.
What should passengers and riders do when acquiring the services of a ridesharing company?
When taking rideshares, passengers and riders should take precautions to ensure their safety. If possible, both parties should be aware of the rideshare driver’s identity and ensure that the vehicle is in good working condition. Passengers and riders should also ensure that their belongings are secured safely by wearing a seatbelt.
In addition, both parties should report any dangerous or suspicious behavior to the rideshare company immediately and avoid engaging in distracting activities such as texting or using a cell phone while the rideshare vehicle is in motion. Finally, all passengers and riders should be aware of the company’s rideshare liability policies to understand what rights and obligations are available to them in case of an accident or injury.
Rideshare companies have rideshare liability policies that may include additional coverage for rideshare passengers and riders, such as uninsured or underinsured motorist coverage. If you have any questions about rideshare liability, always consult a ride-sharing lawyer from Jared’s firm who can provide more specific advice and help ensure that your rights are protected in case of an accident or injury.
Who can be held liable in a rideshare accident?
If you are involved in a rideshare accident, it is essential to determine who was at fault. Depending on the details of the case, rideshare companies may be held liable for accidents that occur due to driver negligence or mechanical failure. Additionally, rideshare drivers may also be held responsible if they are found to have been negligent.
Ultimately, rideshare liability claims can vary greatly depending on the case’s specifics. Consult with a rideshare lawyer if you have any questions or need help determining who is liable for an accident that has occurred. They can provide professional advice and help ensure that all parties receive their due compensation.
Rideshare Company
The rideshare company can be held liable when the rideshare driver is not adequately screened or trained, when the rideshare vehicle is mechanically defective, or when the rideshare company does not provide adequate insurance coverage for passengers and riders.
Most rideshare insurance policies, such as those from popular companies Uber and Lyft, will provide comprehensive coverage depending on the details of the accident. But this provision is subject to the approval of the rideshare insurance provider as it has to meet certain conditions, such as either of the following:
- Rideshare insurance applies when the accident occurs while the driver is logged into the rideshare app, meaning they are actively carrying a passenger or on their way to pick up a ride request.
- When the accident occurs while the driver is waiting for a ride request.
In these cases, rideshare coverage may be applied because rideshare companies are found to be liable for their rideshare drivers’ negligence. However, passengers and riders should always consult with a rideshare lawyer from Jared’s law office to ensure that they receive the compensation they deserve regardless of the rideshare company’s insurance policies.
Rideshare Driver
Sometimes, the rideshare driver can be held directly liable if they are found to have been negligent in their driving. This includes speeding, operating a rideshare vehicle under the influence of drugs or alcohol, not following traffic laws and regulations, or engaging in any other dangerous behavior resulting from an accident.
Additionally, the driver’s auto insurance will apply if the accident happened while the driver was logged off the app, meaning they were not actively working for the ridesharing company at the time of the accident. Personal insurance applies because most rideshare drivers are considered independent contractors, meaning rideshare companies will not be liable for their actions.
Passengers and Riders
In some cases, passengers and riders can also be held liable for rideshare accidents if they are found to have been behaving recklessly. This includes distracting the rideshare driver or engaging in any other behavior considered negligence.
You may file a claim in Florida with your personal auto insurance policy because Florida is a no-fault state. This means that passengers and riders are covered regardless of who is at fault in rideshare accidents. Of course, you may only file a claim if you have a personal auto policy or if an immediate family member has one that can cover you.
Other Drivers Involved
When rideshare vehicles are involved in an accident with other vehicles, the rideshare company may not always be held liable. If the other driver is found to have been at fault for the accident, they can be held responsible for any damages or injuries incurred by rideshare passengers and riders. Thus, the at-fault driver’s liability coverage should apply in this case.
What types of insurance coverage are available to victims of a rideshare accident?
There are several types of rideshare insurance, as well as other insurance policies, that can cover a rideshare accident.
Personal Car Insurance Policy
Personal car insurance policies may provide coverage if the rideshare driver has their own personal policy. In Florida, this coverage can only apply to medical bills and lost wages up to $10,000.
Rideshare Insurance
Rideshare companies provide rideshare liability insurance that will cover passengers and riders in case of an accident while the rideshare driver is working for them. Both Lyft and Uber can provide the following rideshare insurance coverage when an accident occurs:
- $100,000 for each accident
- $50,000 bodily injury liability insurance per person
- $25,000 for property damage liability
Additionally, these companies can provide the following coverage if the accident occurs while a passenger is onboard the rideshare vehicle:
- Third-party Liability Coverage of at least $1,000,000
- Uninsured or Underinsured Motorist Coverage only when the other party does not have insurance.
- Comprehensive Collision Coverage if the rideshare driver has personal comprehensive coverage on the vehicle. The amount of this coverage is up to the actual cash value of the vehicle and may require a deductible.
Bodily Injury Liability Insurance
Bodily injury liability insurance is a type of coverage that pays for medical expenses and any other damages caused by bodily injury to another person. This type of rideshare insurance should cover any injuries sustained in the rideshare accident, regardless of who was at fault for it.
Uninsured or Underinsured Motorist Coverage
Uninsured or underinsured motorist coverage provides coverage if the rideshare driver, passenger, or rider is injured in an accident caused by someone else who does not have adequate insurance.
Comprehensive and Collision Coverage
Comprehensive and collision rideshare insurance covers any damage to the rideshare vehicle or another vehicle that is caused by the accident. This type of coverage may also cover any damage to personal property resulting from the rideshare accident.
What are the steps after an accident involving one or more rideshare drivers?
If you have been involved in an accident with a rideshare vehicle, or if you are a rideshare driver, there are several steps that you should take.
- Call 911 to report the accident and get medical attention if necessary.
- Exchange contact information and insurance details with all parties involved in the accident.
- Take photographs at the scene of the accident.
- Notify rideshare companies and other insurance providers, if applicable.
- Consult experienced accident attorney Jared Spingarn to understand your legal rights in rideshare accidents.
Conclusion
Rideshare liability is a complex issue and should not be taken lightly. Both rideshare passengers and riders need to understand rideshare insurance policies to protect themselves from potential liabilities. If you are involved in a rideshare accident, it is best to consult with a rideshare liability lawyer from the Law Offices of Jared Spingarn. Jared can provide specific advice and help ensure that your rights are protected.
By understanding rideshare liability, taking the necessary precautions, and consulting with rideshare lawyers, rideshare passengers and riders can help ensure their safety while using ridesharing services.
>> If you’re involved in a rideshare accident in Florida, don’t hesitate to reach out to Jared Spingarn, Accident Attorney at 1-954-781-2316 for a Free Case Review or drop a message on their Contact Us page.
