The state of Nevada has authorized ride-sharing companies Uber and Lyft to operate as transport network companies, despite objections and criticisms. One of the criticisms hurled against ride-sharing networks is the difficulty in obtaining insurance information when their vehicles are involved in accidents. Without essential information on the rideshare's insurance company, injured passengers, motorists, and pedestrians may not be able to claim compensation for their injuries.
Uber Accident Investigation
Shortly after Uber secured its license to operate in 2015, one of its vehicles figured in a collision, albeit a minor one with no reported injuries. A vehicle that was on the Uber app crashed into the back of a Yellow Cab taxi. Regulations require an officer of the Nevada Taxicab Authority to investigate the accident for purposes of determining whether the damaged cab must be taken off the service. Pending the officer’s arrival at the accident site, the Uber driver allegedly removed the trade dress from the plastic sleeve mounted on the car’s windshield.
A mounted trade dress while driving a vehicle indicates that the driver was operating on the ride-sharing app. Without seeing the trade dress after an accident, an injured person in that situation would not have been able to readily determine all parties potentially liable for their damages.
The taxicab company also alleged that it took hours for them to contact an Uber official for insurance information and other details about the vehicle that caused the accident. Uber maintains that their partner drivers are required to exchange all information with other motorists in an accident.
Consulting a Personal Injury Attorney Is Important
Unlike taxi operators, who are required to maintain commercial insurance coverage, ride-sharing vehicles often carry personal auto policies with limited coverage. Personal auto policies typically exclude ‘livery’, leaving their owners without coverage during a ride-sharing trip.
Regardless, if you are injured in a car accident involving a ride-sharing vehicle, you may be entitled to compensation for your damages and injury.
Sorting the legal issues of liability and insurance coverage can be a challenge considering that the laws regulating ride-sharing companies are fairly new. A Las Vegas personal injury attorney can assess your situation, identify the parties responsible for your injuries, and determine appropriate steps in pursuing a claim for compensation.
An experienced accident attorney can also examine your policy for uninsured or underinsured motorist coverage in case the ride-sharing vehicle owner only carries a personal auto policy or does not have sufficient insurance coverage.
In Las Vegas, our taxi cab attorneys at Bertoldo Carter Smith & Cullen have proven years of experience in auto accidents, helping clients recover compensation whether or not the other driver carries insurance or is underinsured. We invite you to contact us today at (702) 505-8115 to speak to an attorney about your situation.
Related Links:
Taxis Remain Popular Transit Option In Las Vegas, Nv: Accidents Continue
Proposed Amendment to State Senate Bill Includes Strict Provisions for Ride-Sharing Companies
Drivers of Ride Sharing Companies May Soon Need Business License in Nevada
Ridesharing Giant Lyft Facing New Lawsuit Stemming from Fatal 2014 Crash
Ride-Sharing Companies Personal Injury Liability in an Accident
Uber, Lyft, and Ride Sharing Accidents Lawyers in Las Vegas, NV