Whether you can file a lawsuit against a rideshare company after a collision depends greatly on the facts of your case. Suing Uber or Lyft is not generally necessary after a traffic accident; instead, you may be able to recover damages through an insurance claim.
Uber and Lyft drivers have extensive liability policies that may cover riders or other drivers in collisions they cause. Whether you qualify for this coverage depends on the driver’s status at the time of the accident. It may be possible to recover compensation based on these policies and avoid going to trial.
Cases Against a Ridesharing Company Can Be Complex
While Uber and Lyft have faced civil lawsuits in some cases, this is rare, largely because rideshare drivers are not employees. Instead, they are independent contractors. For this reason, the most common ways to seek damages following a collision include:
- Filing a claim based on the driver’s personal insurance
- Filing an insurance claim based on the rideshare company’s coverage
- Suing the driver who caused the collision
How does Being an Independent Contractor Affect Liability?
When an employee acts negligently while working, their employer may also be vicariously liable for any injuries or other harm they cause others. This idea stems from a legal doctrine known as respondeat superior.
However, this doctrine only applies to employees and their employers. Because rideshare companies employ their drivers as independent contractors, vicarious liability is unlikely to apply.
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Rideshare Companies Provide Liability Coverage in Certain Circumstances
Despite requiring their drivers to carry their own auto insurance, rideshare companies also provide liability policies to cover victims of collisions under specific conditions. This is in response to issues the companies had early on when private insurers refused to cover riders’ injuries.
According to Uber and Lyft, the policies they provide include:
- A contingency policy when the rideshare driver causes an accident while signed in to the app but not matched with a rider
- A $1 million liability policy from the time the driver matches with a rider until the ride is complete
- Additional coverage as required by state or local laws
Who May Qualify for Coverage Under These Liability Policies
The liability auto insurance policies Uber and Lyft provide cover any victim of an accident when the rideshare driver is responsible. This could include:
- The driver or passengers of another vehicle hit by the rideshare driver
- Pedestrians or bicyclists hit by the rideshare vehicle
- Rideshare passengers in the Uber or Lyft
Our collision attorneys are familiar with how the Uber and Lyft insurance policies work. We can review your case for free. If you hire us, we will determine which insurance policy applies, gather evidence, and file your claim.
You do Not Have to Try to Sort This Out on Your Own
If you are considering filing a claim or lawsuit based on your rideshare accident, it can be beneficial to have one of our attorneys on your side. These cases often become more complex than a typical car crash. Not only do you have to prove what happened and who is liable, but you also need to determine which insurance policy applies. Our team can help.
Damages You Could Recover from an Uber or Lyft Accident
With the right evidence, one of our attorneys can build a strong claim for damages and negotiate a fair settlement on your behalf that includes:
- Current and future related medical costs
- Lost income and diminished earning capacity
- Property damages
- Out-of-pocket expenses
- Loss of services
- Pain and suffering
- Other intangible losses
When the $1 million liability policy is in effect, these cases rarely reach the policy’s maximum payout. This may allow us to negotiate a fair settlement and get justice for you without worrying about filing a lawsuit against Uber or Lyft.
It’s crucial to act quickly, though. There are filing deadlines that restrict how long you have to file a lawsuit. Allowing this deadline to pass reduces the leverage we have to negotiate, so our goal is to reach a settlement before this date arrives.
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Morris Bart, LLC, Is Here to Review Your Case for Free
If you suffered injuries in an Uber or Lyft accident, we will discuss your case with you and outline the legal avenues available for seeking compensation. If you hire us to represent you, we will manage your claim on a contingency-fee basis. This fee arrangement means your financial situation will not impact your ability to receive legal support from us, and you will owe nothing for our services unless you win.
At the Morris Bart law firm, our team also provides accident victims with complimentary case evaluations when they call for information. Call (800) 537-8185 to speak with a team member at one of our offices in Alabama, Arkansas, Louisiana, or Mississippi. The sooner you reach out, the sooner we can begin advocating for your financial recovery.
Questions?Call (800) 537-8185
to find a Morris Bart office near you.