Rideshare services have decentralized on-demand transportation. The big players in the rideshare industry, Uber and Lyft, have effectively ended the market control a small number of taxi businesses had in many municipalities. People no longer need to look up taxi companies licensed in a region and call to request a ride. It only takes a few moments on an app to arrange for a driver to come directly where the rider needs them to be, and they can use the same interface regardless of where they travel.
Uber and Lyft have become major power players in the modern transportation economy. In theory, rideshare services help increase traffic safety. Those who have had too much to drink can call in a professional for transportation, as can visitors in town for business or pleasure. Unfortunately, sometimes Uber or Lyft vehicles end up involved in collisions.
What happens after a crash involving a rideshare vehicle?
Timing and fault determine someone’s options
Determining who is at fault is crucial in any car crash claim. The rideshare driver might not be the party to blame for the crash. If the other vehicle is at fault for the collision, then that driver is likely the party responsible for compensating the passenger in the rideshare vehicle.
However, if the rideshare vehicle is at fault, then either the driver or the rideshare company may have liability for the situation. If the crash occurred before the driver technically starts the trip in the app or after completing it, then their personal insurance is likely what applies. Rideshare drivers typically need to carry supplemental rideshare policies in addition to their basic liability coverage because they use their personal vehicles for business purposes.
If the crash occurs during the trip itself, then the corporate policies carried by the rideshare businesses may apply. Often, negotiating claims for compensation can be an intimidating process. Business insurance policies often see more intense negotiations because they provide more coverage than standard liability policies. Confusion about liability and fault can also negatively impact negotiations after a collision involving a rideshare vehicle.
Passengers who understand liability rules and how to establish fault may have an easier time addressing a rideshare collision. Learning about unique modern car crash scenarios can help people more effectively pursue the support they require after a collision.
