The modern convenience of pulling out our phones to call Uber or Lyft is helpful in any situation in which driving your own car, asking a friend for a ride, or using public transportation is not preferable. It is important to remember that although ridesharing is helpful, the employees of Uber and Lyft are not professional drivers — it is possible that you can be injured in a collision while using these services.
Being hurt in a Lyft or Uber accident can be confusing because of the involvement of rideshare businesses. As an injury victim, you may be wondering if the companies could be liable for your damages, or if they will be involved in your case at all. The Mellino Law Firm LLC legal team can help you understand your rights following a rideshare accident.
Call (440) 333-3800 or send us a message to discuss your collision case — for free — with our rideshare accident lawyers in Cleveland.
The Responsibility of Rideshare Businesses Rideshare companies, in theory, have a responsibility to hire safe and qualified drivers. However, their business model allows drivers to operate as “independent contractors,” rather than employees. This contributes to more lax hiring procedures and minimal oversight. Drivers have to pass a background check, but are not required to have any special license or training like other commercial drivers might. Drivers’ independent contractor status also limits the liability of Uber and Lyft following an accident. In most cases, fault will fall primarily on the driver.
Uber and Lyft Insurance In addition to their driver’s personal auto insurance plans, Uber and Lyft each have their own insurance policies which provide coverage to their driver and customers in the event of a car accident .
Unfortunately, just as Uber and Lyft drivers are equally as likely to be involved in a collision as any other driver, their insurance providers are equally as likely to deny your claim as any other insurance company. Even if your claim is accepted, it is possible that the allotted coverage amounts will not be enough to cover the full extent of your damages.
If You Were Injured as a Passenger Ohio is an at-fault state, so car accident injury victims must prove the liability of the responsible driver in order to recover compensation. Rideshare customers who are injured in an accident should be covered by Uber and Lyft’s insurance policies, in theory. If that coverage is not provided or is insufficient, you may need to file a claim with the liable driver’s individual insurance provider or pursue a personal injury claim.
If You Were Injured as Another Driver If you were driving your own car and collided with an Uber or Lyft driver, you will need to prove their liability and file a claim with their insurance provider (either through the rideshare company’s provider, the driver’s provider, or both). As in any car accident case, the other driver’s insurance company will do anything they can to say that you are actually liable for the collision and avoid paying your claim. Our Cleveland rideshare accident attorneys can help you build a strong case and take on the insurance companies.
Schedule a Free Consultation with Our Legal Team Your path to achieving justice and recovering compensation following a rideshare collision will depend on the details of your individual case. The Mellino Law Firm LLC legal team is prepared to evaluate the details of your Lyft or Uber accident and discuss how we can help you receive the coverage you deserve.
To schedule a free case evaluation with our Cleveland rideshare accident lawyers, complete our contact form or call (440) 333-3800.
