- June 1, 2018
- Car Accidents
- Personal Injury
- Rideshare Accidents
Rideshare companies have become increasingly popular across the U.S. for both their affordability and convenience. However, more and more people are realizing that these handy ride services aren’t without their shortcomings, or dangers. While rideshare companies like Uber and Lyft do have insurance coverage to help with the costs of certain incidents, you may be surprised to learn that not all car accidents that occur in rideshare vehicles may be covered.As with any motor vehicle accidents, crashes involving rideshare vehicles can be extremely damaging. If you were the passenger in a rideshare vehicle when an accident occurred, you might have suffered whiplash, abrasions, contusions, a concussion, broken bones, or worse. When injured in a car accident, you have every right to fight for compensation from the liable party. However, when the incident involved a rideshare app, liability can be tricky.
If you were involved in a rideshare accident, make sure you know your rights and your legal options.
How Do Rideshare Apps Work?
Smartphone applications like Uber and Lyft enable users to call for an affordable ride at a moment’s notice. These apps, called rideshare services, are quick, affordable, easy to use, and they’re available nearly anywhere. With the click of a button, you can order a ride, pay for the ride, and even rate the driver, providing future rideshare users with improved feedback.
Insurance Coverage for Drivers
The rideshare drivers, however, are not technically employed by their companies, which means coverage after a crash may be limited. The driver is entitled to coverage only if the app is turned on, indicating that the driver was working at the time of the incident. Also, most rideshare companies hold policies that only cover damage up to a certain extent. So, as a passenger, you may only be covered to the extent that the rideshare company allows, at which point the driver’s insurance may be your only other option for compensation.
Fighting for compensation to cover the hefty cost of medical expenses, loss of wages, pain and suffering, and material damage after an accident can be extremely challenging in any case. However, when rideshare apps are involved, the whole situation gets substantially trickier. If you were hurt while riding as a passenger in a rideshare vehicle, make sure you know your rights. Our experienced personal injury attorneys can work with you on your car accident case, gathering evidence in your favor and asserting your rights when necessary. Don’t wait a moment longer to secure the compensation you deserve.
Contact Goodman Acker P.C. today to get discuss your case with our Detroit personal injury attorneys.