Rideshare is a convenient mode of modern transportation. It allows drivers to make money in their free time using their personal vehicles and enables customers to get quick and affordable rides from people in their areas. When it works well, it is quick, easy, and affordable. However, when something goes wrong, figuring out liability can be challenging.
Generally, drivers can be liable when their passengers suffer injuries in their vehicle. However, they are only liable if they were negligent. If another driver or other third party caused the accident, then the rideshare driver may not be liable. Luckily, you do not need to navigate the matters of compensation or liability alone; we are here to help. One of our seasoned car crash attorneys could help explain liability in Uber/Lyft/rideshare accidents in Inverness and do their best to get you the compensation you deserve.
Rideshare Companies and Traffic Accidents
Since Uber and Lyft gained popularity, there has been a moderate increase in traffic accidents. At the same time, there have been more people on the road, which one would expect to lead to more accidents. Even if rideshare drivers are overrepresented in traffic accidents, this is expected because they probably drive more than other drivers.
There is some question whether rideshare employees are considered commercial drivers in terms of duty and liability. While they are making money driving people, their vehicles are not larger and more dangerous than passengers’. Plus, they would have a duty to their passengers, even if they were unpaid.
A well-prepared rideshare driver will ensure that they have sufficient insurance to cover passenger injuries. State law only requires them to carry $10,000 in PIP — personal injury protection — coverage. However, they can increase their insurance amounts to ensure they have protection in the event of an Inverness Uber or Lyft collision.
Determining Liability
Determining liability in an auto accident depends on whether one or more of the drivers involved in the accident violated any laws or drove recklessly or negligently. Liability is fact-dependent, and the parties can share fault for the accident.
In a rideshare accident, there is the additional possibility of third-party liability. Generally, when someone is injured by a rideshare employee, the employer will have liability for the accident. A doctrine called respondeat superior explains this type of third-party liability.
Rideshare companies can often avoid third-party liability because they do not employ their drivers. Instead, their business model establishes a marketplace that connects riders and drivers. In many ways, their drivers are independent contractors and respondeat superior generally does not apply to independent contractors. So, a passenger may be unable to sue Uber or Lyft after an Inverness rideshare crash.
However, these rideshare companies do carry liability insurance coverage on their drivers. The limits on these policies are often much higher than those required by the state. These policies will not cover every accident but are a potential avenue for financial relief as long as the driver was driving for work, not personal purposes.
Potential Liability by Other Parties
Some other parties with potential liability include the other drivers in the accident, auto manufacturers, and the government entity responsible for road maintenance. An attorney could examine all the facts of the case and determine which parties may share liability. They may bring claims against multiple parties after the accident.
Connect With an Inverness Attorney About Uber and Lyft Accidents
Whether you are a rideshare passenger or another driver in an accident with a rideshare driver who is transporting or seeking riders, Uber and Lyft can complicate the recovery process. However, their higher insurance limits can lead to a more substantial financial recovery. When you are injured in a wreck, we could ease your mind by helping you recover damages for your injuries and walking you through Uber/Lyft/Rideshare accidents in Inverness. Call now to learn more.
