Rideshare services can often be convenient ways of getting around. Particularly if you do not own your own vehicle, they may also be economical and safe ways of getting yourself home at the end of a night out. However, being in a car operated by a contractor who works for the ridesharing company can create complications should you ever be in a car accident. You may wonder, can I sue this rideshare company if the driver was at fault for the accident? You may be able to take legal action, but it depends. If you have been in a car accident in a rideshare, here is what you need to know.
Passengers, Motorists, and Pedestrians are all Eligible to Sue a Rideshare Company
Anyone involved in a car accident involving a rideshare driver and vehicle is eligible to sue a rideshare company. That includes other motorists, pedestrians, bicyclists, motorcyclists, and riders. However, most ridesharing services, like Uber and Lyft, have liability policies in place only for drivers who are currently “on duty.” That means that any payout you could receive would only be applicable if the driver had their driving app turned on. If a driver has their app turned off, the rideshare company for which they work assumes no liability for any damages.
Rideshare Companies Often Limit Their Liability
While big companies like Uber and Lyft do have supplemental auto insurance for all their drivers, they can often limit their liability by classifying their drivers as independent contractors. Since they are not technically full time “employees” employed by the rideshare company, the company’s claimed liability can be lower.
What Should I Do if I Am in a Rideshare Car Accident?
If you are the victim of a car accident of any kind, you should always tend to any injuries and cooperate with first responders first. After you are sound, medically, you can think about your legal options. Contact a reputable personal injury attorney in your area to help you get the compensation you deserve if you are eligible.
CONTACT HERRMAN & HERRMAN IF YOU HAVE BEEN INJURED IN ANY OF THE FOLLOWING TYPES OF ACCIDENTS:
We can help you if you have been harmed by the following:
- Car accidents – Our lawyers have extensive experience handling car accident cases. We will work to identify the party or parties at fault for the crash and build a case to demonstrate persuasively how the parties caused the accident and your injuries. We will seek fair and full compensation through a negotiated settlement or at trial if necessary.
- Truck accidents – Thousands of large commercial trucks travel the roads of Texas every single day. Unfortunately, careless truck drivers and trucking companies disregarding safety put innocent people at risk of serious injuries. If you’ve been injured in a truck accident, let our experienced Texas personal injury lawyers stand up to the trucking companies and insurers on your behalf.
- Motorcycle accidents – Motorcycle riders often suffer grievous injuries in crashes caused by other motorists. Too many motorcycle accidents in Corpus Christi are caused by careless drivers who don’t look for motorcycle riders or violate their right of way. Our personal injury lawyers will work to cut through the bias and stigma against motorcycle riders. Our goal is to seek the financial compensation that you’ll need to recover from a serious motorcycle accident and injuries such as bone fractures, road rash, or traumatic brain injury.
- Product liability – Product manufacturers have a legal obligation to make products that are safe for their intended uses and to warn consumers of any risks that may come with the product. When products have design or manufacturing defects or undisclosed dangers, the product manufacturer may be legally responsible for injuries suffered by consumers. Our attorneys can help you evaluate whether you have a valid product liability claim.
- Brain injury – Brain injuries can leave accident victims with disabilities that leave them unable to work or perform many tasks of daily living. Seeking compensation for a brain injury in an accident often proves incredibly complex. The brain injury survivor may seek compensation for anticipated future medical care and the medical care already provided. Our personal injury lawyers can help you through the difficult recovery process following a brain injury and will fight to make sure you have the resources you need.
- Spinal injury – Spinal cord injuries could cost millions of dollars of care over the course of the victim’s lifetime, especially when those injuries result in partial or complete paralysis, such as paraplegia or quadriplegia. If you or your loved one has suffered a spinal cord injury, you deserve compassionate legal representation. Our attorney can help you determine whether you may be entitled to claim compensation for your injury and expenses related to living with the disability, such as making a home more accessible.
- Wrongful death – If you have lost a loved one due to the negligent or reckless actions of another party, your family deserves to seek accountability and compensation from those at fault for the wrongful death. Our caring and dedicated attorneys can help guide you and your family through this difficult and painful time and seek justice for your loved one.
ABOUT HERRMAN & HERRMAN PERSONAL INJURY LAWYERS
