Countless people take advantage of ridesharing to get around Crown Point every day. While these drivers offer value and convenience, they can also contribute to the risk of a vehicle collision. One mistake can lead to a dangerous accident that puts your life in jeopardy.
Uber/Lyft/rideshare accidents in Crown Point can be legally complex. If you have been hurt in a rideshare accident, there is the potential to recover financial compensation for your injuries. This could come in the form of a personal injury lawsuit or an insurance claim. Let a talented car accident attorney from the Law Offices of David Holub help you get the outcome you deserve.
Who is Liable for a Rideshare Accident?
One of the critical questions about Uber, Lyft, and rideshare accidents in Crown Point is determining who is at fault. Injured motorists will only be able to recover financial compensation from the individuals or entities who are liable for the crash. Some potential defendants in an accident include:
The Rideshare Driver
The obvious defendant in the aftermath of an accident is the other driver. Pursuing a case for compensation against them directly is an option, whether they are a rideshare operator or not. Suing these parties is often necessary to get the rideshare provider’s insurance company involved.
Rideshare Companies
The unfortunate reality is that rideshare companies like Uber and Lyft categorize their drivers as independent contractors instead of employees. The distinction matters, given that the company is liable for the negligence of employees, but not contractors. However, there are situations where a lawsuit against the company is still possible.
Vehicle Manufacturers
Suffering an injury in an accident with a rideshare vehicle does not always mean the other driver is to blame. There are collisions that would not occur but for a mechanical defect in one of the vehicles. When this happens, it may be possible to obtain compensation from the manufacturer of the vehicle or one of its parts. These manufacturers are held to high standards, which can simplify the legal process.
Filing an Insurance Claim
Even if filing suit against Uber, Lyft, or another rideshare company after a Crown Point accident is not an option, insurance coverage may still offer a path to compensation. These companies may provide supplemental coverage for their drivers in certain circumstances, which could help cover medical expenses, lost income, and related losses.
The specifics of the situation will determine how much insurance coverage Uber or Lyft must provide. When the driver is not carrying a passenger or actively using the mobile app, the rideshare company may not be obligated to cover any losses. On the other end of the spectrum, there may be as much as $1 million in coverage for bodily injury and property damage claims if the driver has a passenger in the vehicle at the time of the crash.
It is also worth remembering that these policies are often secondary to the driver’s. That means injured parties will first need to exhaust the operator’s coverage before Uber or Lyft will pay anything. This is rarely an issue given the high cost of a major accident.
Talk to an Uber/Lyft/rideshare accident attorney in Crown Point Today
As previously stated, Uber/Lyft/rideshare accidents in Crown Point can be legally challenging. If you were hurt in an accident involving a rideshare company, you have the right to seek compensation. While the thought of pursuing a claim against a major corporation might be daunting, the good news is that your attorney could even the odds.
These claims are often successful, and the financial award that comes with them can cover your losses and pay your out-of-pocket costs. Contact us today to learn more during a free, confidential consultation.