Rs Law Offices/Our blog/Facts About Ridesharing Accidents

Facts About Ridesharing Accidents

27/06/2022

Even in cities that are considered to be “car cultures,” rideshare services are quickly becoming a solid alternative for those who don’t want to abandon their car after a night out, or don’t want to take public transportation. For some, Uber and Lyft, etc are their best bet for timely arrival to work or a function. With this increasing popularity comes the increased likelihood of accidents, so here are some basic facts about what to do to make sure you aren’t left in the wind, insurance-wise, if you find yourself in an accident involving a rideshare.


Do Ridesharing Companies Insure Their Riders?

According to public statements by both Lyft and Uber, they do offer insurance coverage for riders, regardless of whether or not they are insured themselves, covering up to $1 million. This covers accidents involving their drivers and covers regardless of fault since you are not the one making the driving decisions, yourself.

How Should You Handle a Ridesharing Accident?

Since you are not the one driving, you don’t need to share insurance information with the other party, but you will need to collect the insurance information of your driver, and their ridesharing information (employee ID number, etc). This information helps insurance determine exactly who pays for what, in terms of insurance and losses. If a driver did not have the app open at the time of the accident, for example, this means that only their insurance will cover the accident. There are other time periods that determine the different responsibilities of each party, such as if the driver is awaiting a fare, has already picked a fare up, etc.

What Restitution Can You Seek?

While every accident will be different, there are some typical areas for which reimbursement tends to be available. You will need to keep all documentation and other proof in order to make it more likely that your claims will be honored. These areas include:

  • Medical expense reimbursement (prescriptions, rehab costs, current, and future medical bills)
  • Lost wages reimbursement
  • Payment for pain and suffering (emotional stress and physical stress)

How Much Time Do You Have to Pursue Legal Action?

You have two years from the date of the accident, according to California and Arizona law, to file a personal injury claim. You should make sure that you keep all receipts and file a claim in a timely manner to avoid the statute of limitations expiring.

Summary

Obviously, there’s no quick and easy rule about how to deal with an accident involving a rideshare, so your best bet is to consult a specializing attorney to figure out what your options are. The other, most important part of any potential accident situation is to be prepared and ride as safely as you’d drive your own car. Stay buckled up and always remember that your safety is a top priority, so you don’t have to continue with a driver who seems unsafe. You can report unsafe drivers to their service and the police.

blogs

You might like

Pedestrian Safety in Cold Weather

When it’s cold outside, people drive worse than they did before. If you’re a pedestrian, you need to take extra precautions during the cold weather and, if you’re driving, you need to keep an extra eye out for pedestrians who are even harder to see, especially if snow is lowering your visibility. Safety is always […]

11/01/2023
Read more

Apps for Increased Rideshare Safety

Rideshares can be fun and convenient, but if you’re putting your life in the hands of a stranger by taking a rideshare, you’ll want to feel safe. No one wants to be put in a situation where they feel unsafe or lost, or where they might end up in a ridesharingaccident. Here are some apps […]

10/10/2022
Read more

Top 5 Reasons Why You Need a Personal Injury Lawyer

Accidents happen almost every time and sometimes so fast that you don’t have time to figure out the way forward. True, you might end up feeling stressed up because of the piling medical bills. The pilling finances might drain you, thus rendering you unable to work. Statistics reveal that more than 31 million people are […]

28/12/2020
Read more

Four Surprising Myths about Motorcycle Accidents and Injuries

Motorcycles have become a pretty popular way to get around in the country. In California alone, there are over 790,000 registered motorcycles. This number is set to increase as more people choose the convenience and the fun that comes with getting around on a motorcycle. But despite these increasing numbers, there are countless myths and […]

19/04/2021
Read more

Looking Out for Motorcycles

In 2019, the number of deaths caused by motorcycles was found to be 29 times that of deaths caused by cars. Motorcycles can go very fast, they have no sides to protect the rider, they are more difficult to see on the road and they do not perform well in bad weather. While it is […]

11/10/2021
Read more

Basic Bike Safety

Since 2014, in Los Angeles, more than 180 bicyclists lost their lives when colliding with motor vehicles in and around Los Angeles. More than 50,000 bicyclists suffer serious injuries in such collisions nationally. Understanding some basic bike safety might help you better avoid accidents in the future. As bicycles increase in daily use for Americans, […]

03/04/2022
Read more

Who is Liable if an Airbag Fails to Deploy During a Car Accident?

An airbag is an automobile device designed to inflate rapidly during an automobile collision. The airbag prevents a person from hitting their face on the dashboard or steering wheel. They’re customarily hidden but inflate instantly when a crash begins. When Are Airbags Supposed to Deploy? As soon as the Airbags work by inflating vehicle starts […]

05/10/2020
Read more

5 Things Cyclists Should Do After a Bike Accident in California

Biking, especially on a highway, is a fun and an adrenaline-filled way to keep fit and explore what California has to offer. At the same time, it’s also a dangerous activity as the chances of being rear-ended by a motorist in California are pretty high.  Unfortunately, when a bicycle accident happens, most cyclists often have […]

02/11/2020
Read more

Bike Maintenence Checklist

For those of us who bike to work, it’s clear that riding around is more than a hobby. Biking is something that can improve your mental and physical health. It can become a way of life, because to do it right takes commitment. You need to learn the best and fastest bike routes, have all […]

11/09/2021
Read more

Winter Driving Safety Tips

Having your winter tires installed on your car and packing a windshield scraper is a good start to being prepared to drive in the winter, but as the cold weather gets harsher, the driving conditions get worse. With this comes the tendency for some people to overcorrect or not know how to stop properly, or […]

26/12/2022
Read more

contact form

Get in touch

By providing your phone number, you agree to receive text messages from RS Law Offices. Message and data rates may apply. Message frequency varies. View our Privacy Policy.