Ride sharing companies such as Uber and Lyft have made a huge dent in the taxi-riding market, making them a force to reckon with. Closely tied with the increasing popularity of ride hailing services are the growing questions on the potential liability of drivers and ride sharing networks in case of a collision involving any of these vehicles.
When Ride Sharing Car Is ‘in Service’
Injuries resulting from ride sharing crashes can be complicated, and determining liability will primarily depend on whether the driver that caused the collision was ‘in service’ or ‘off the clock’. Major ride sharing companies such as Uber and Lyft provide liability insurance but these policies typically cover incidents that occur when the ride share vehicles are ‘in service’ or when the rideshare driver was driving for the company at the time of the incident. Uber, in particular, requires its drivers to obtain personal auto insurance. When a ride share vehicle is not ‘in service’, the ride sharing company’s insurance company can be expected to deny the coverage and the driver who is deemed an independent contractor (not an employee of the company), may be held solely responsible for the resulting injury and property damage.
Sorting out liability and which insurer to pursue for an injury claim can be complicated. If you or someone you know is involved in a collision with a ride sharing vehicle such as Uber and Lyft, aside from getting prompt treatment for any injuries, it’s important to consult an experienced personal injury lawyer immediately about your situation.
Role of Personal Injury Attorney
All parties to a collision will typically deny liability from the start. Similarly, insurance companies covering the rideshare company and the driver will most likely resist the claims or minimize the value of any injury claim. A seasoned attorney can:
- Examine all angles of an incident
- Determine the cause of the passenger’s or pedestrian’s injuries
- Identify the party at fault
- Represent the injured party in discussions with the appropriate insurance company as well as in litigation for the recovery of compensation
Representing Clients in Las Vegas, Nevada
In metropolitan Las Vegas and surrounding communities, the lawyers at Bertoldo Baker Carter & Smith have the combined skill and experience to help injured parties get the compensation that they deserve and move on with their lives. Our car accident attorneys are prepared to help persons injured in crashes with ride sharing vehicles recover compensation that they are entitled to receive through settlements or courtroom verdicts.
