Who Is Liable If I Am Hurt In A Collision Involving A Rideshare Company?

If you are hurt in a collision while riding as a passenger of a rideshare company’s you will be protected by the $1 million in liability insurance that the major rideshare companies currently hold. This coverage will protect you even if your driver is not found at fault for the accident.

What Steps Do I Need To Take, As The Passenger, Involved In A Rideshare Accident?

As with any accident, if you are injured then you should immediately seek medical help.

You should contact local law enforcement to report the accident so they can examine the scene, then contact your local paramedics to be transported to the nearest medical facility if you are unable to do so yourself. You will want all your injuries to be documented, use your cell phone and take photos. You will also want to get the contact information of any drivers or witnesses involved. Lastly, we would urge you not to talk to any insurance adjusters about any claims, and to contact an experienced personal injury attorney for advice and how to proceed.

What Difference Can It Make To Coverage Available For My Injuries Whether A Driver Was “Online” Or “Offline” When Taking A Ride Request?

Recovery from a rideshare company’s coverage may be contingent on whether the driver was considered “online” or “offline” at the time of the accident.

It is possible that the rideshare company’s insurance may only be available if a rideshare driver is “online” within the company’s app, and has been assigned a rider through that app, and is driving said passenger.

If the rideshare driver’s status was “offline” during the time of the accident, then it is likely that the rideshare company’s insurer will deny liability for the collision. In this case, available coverage may only come through the driver’s personal car insurance policy.

Should I Stay With The Driver After The Accident?

First and foremost, you should seek medical care if you are injured. If you are not injured, you will want to stay long enough to get the contact information of all drivers involved, and of any witnesses at the scene. You will also want to be sure to speak with local law enforcement at the accident scene to give your statement before leaving the collision scene.

What Important Information Should I Collect After The Accident?

After an accident, you should seek contact information (name and phone number), license and auto information (license number, plate number, etc.), as well as insurance information from all motorist parties involved. Additionally, you should obtain the names and phone numbers of all witnesses at the scene.

Do Rideshare Companies Have Enough Insurance Coverage To Help With My Injuries As The Passenger?

If another vehicle driver causes an accident with a rideshare company vehicle that is holding you as the passenger, and the driver at fault doesn’t carry enough liability insurance, you as the rideshare passenger can file a claim with any uninsured motorist coverage to which you are an insured. In addition to your uninsured motorist claims, the major rideshare companies will typically carry a $1 million-dollar uninsured motorist insurance coverage policy, which covers bodily injury to all passengers of the rideshare vehicle. Uninsured motorist insurance also ensures that you will be protected in the event of a hit and run accident, or if the driver at fault is uninsured or underinsured.

What If I Wasn’t Wearing A Seatbelt? Will That Affect My Claim At All?

Failing to wear a seatbelt during an auto accident may contribute to you being found partly responsible for your injuries through comparative negligence. However, not wearing a seatbelt does not automatically absolve the insurance company of the at-fault party of responsibility. More evidence would need to be provided within the context of the situation to determine how, if at all, you failing to wear a seatbelt during an accident would affect your claim.

Should I Turn My Bills Into My Own Medical Or My PIP Insurance First?

If you are injured in a rideshare accident, then you should file a claim with your own PIP insurance, even if you plan to recover damages through other means (such as the rideshare company’s liability insurance, the at-fault driver’s personal auto coverage, etc.). You, as the passenger, should also utilize any first party coverage that you carry, such as your own health insurance.

How Do I Know If I Need A Personal Injury Attorney If I Am A Passenger Involved In A Rideshare Accident?

If you are involved in an accident while riding as a passenger of a rideshare company, it may be unclear as to what damages you are entitled to, and who to recover them from. For that reason, it is always a good idea to seek counsel from a personal injury attorney who has extensive experience with auto accidents so they can advise you with how to proceed.

For more information on Liability In A Rideshare Accident, a free initial consultation is your next best step. Get the information and legal answers you are seeking by calling 954-456-2488 today.