What happens to people who are hurt in rideshare collisions?
When people want to sell members of the public on the idea of rideshare services, they often approach the matter by talking about public safety. In theory, allowing drunk drivers quick and affordable access to on-demand transportation keeps impaired motorists off the road. Additionally, rideshare apps make it easier for tourists to catch a ride wherever they travel instead of trying to navigate while confused and distracted.
Although safety is certainly a selling point for those who are trying to explain the benefits of rideshare systems to others, the unfortunate truth is that traffic statistics paint a different picture. According to collision data, rideshare services certainly contribute to the number of fatal crashes that occur each year. They also leave thousands of passengers struggling in the wake of sustaining non-fatal injuries.
There should be insurance available
There may be multiple different kinds of insurance that could apply to a rideshare collision. So long as the crash occurs during the actual ride while the app is actively tracking the travel, an injured passenger should be able to make a claim against the company’s corporate liability.
However, if the collision occurs during a transitional part of the ride, then the passenger may need to make a claim against the driver’s rideshare coverage. Those who use their personal vehicles for professional purposes typically have to add supplemental coverage to their policies.
Occasionally, people hurt in rideshare vehicles could make a claim against a different driver’s policy if another vehicle was to blame for a crash. Passengers who have uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage on their liability policies can sometimes use that coverage if they get hurt in a crash in someone else’s vehicle.
A lawsuit could be an option
Maybe the Uber or Lyft driver didn’t start the app and didn’t have the right kind of coverage. If they were at fault for the crash, their passenger may have few other options beyond pursuing a lawsuit against that irresponsible rideshare driver. In some cases, the company could be the subject of a lawsuit as well.
It can be difficult to understand the options that someone may or may not have after a crash if they are not familiar with the insurance requirements for rideshare programs or if there are questions about fault for the collision. Discussing a recent rideshare collision with someone who understands the law can help people decide what step to take next.