Rideshare services like Uber and Lyft make traveling easier. But what if this convenience turns into a legal challenge? A rideshare accident may involve the driver, the rideshare company or another driver.
If you’ve been injured in a rideshare accident, it can be hard to tell who caused the accident. As a result, you may face disputes over liability and insurance claims. A careful investigation and taking the right steps after the accident can help you reduce these problems.
How to prove liability in rideshare accidents
Rideshare services provide insurance only when the driver is actively using the app. Even then, people may disagree about which insurance applies. The common practice is that the driver’s personal car insurance is evaluated first before considering the rideshare insurance. Here are four factors you need to keep in mind to help you determine liability in a rideshare accident:
- Rideshare driver’s status: The rideshare app shows what the driver was doing at the time of the crash.This can help show who was at fault and which insurance – the driver’s or the company’s – applies.
- Contributory negligence rule: Maryland courts follow the contributory negligence doctrine. Even if you are slightly at fault, you may not receive compensation.
- Evidence: Police reports, photos of the accident, dashcam or traffic footage can help show who caused the crash.
- Third-party liability: Not every rideshare accident involves only one responsible party. Another driver, a vehicle manufacturer or a government agency may also share responsibility if they helped cause the accident.
After a rideshare accident, your first priority should be your safety and getting medical attention. The next thing you need to do is to report the accident and gather any evidence from the scene, which can help investigators in finding out the status of the driver on the app.
How to strengthen your rideshare accident claim
Rideshare accidents are often more complicated than traditional car accidents. They may involve more than one driver and different insurance policies. Understanding what to do helps you make better decisions after an accident. Your auto insurance may cover some of your medical bills. However, the rideshare driver or company may also be responsible for your other losses. Finding out who caused the accident and collecting the evidence can help you build a stronger claim and recover compensation.