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Uber and Lyft Accidents
With the ease of obtaining a quick ride when it’s easier than driving, ride-sharing has become increasingly popular over recent years. Lyft and Uber have achieved success thanks to affordable prices, short wait times, and easy-to-use phone apps. While these companies are convenient, you can still become the victim of a traumatic accident. Navigating afterward can be difficult.
Odds are, if you’ve been injured in an accident where you’re a passenger, you may be able to file a claim. Goodman Acker has a team of Uber and Lyft accident lawyers in Detroit, ready to help. Learn more about the complexities surrounding this type of case and more of what you need to know moving forward.
What Are Ride-Sharing Companies?
Ride-sharing companies, such as Uber and Lyft, hire out contracted workers and offer transportation. They provide affordable transportation, often lower than traditional taxis. Customers download an app on their iPhone or Android and can request a ride and even pay on the app itself. Drivers are sent to the customer’s location, usually within minutes, and then take the customer to their destination.
One important thing to remember is that these contractors aren’t actual employees of the companies such as Lyft and Uber. Drivers are paid on a job-by-job basis and maintain their private insurance. Hiring drivers in this way allows Uber and Lyft to maximize profits by keeping vehicle upkeep and payroll to a minimum. The ability to save that money keeps customers happy by keeping ride prices down.
Determining Liability In an Uber or Lyft Accident
Determining liability in an Uber or Lyft accident can be difficult. It is important to remember that Uber and Lyft drivers are not actual employees of the ride-sharing companies they represent. They are independent contractors. This means that Uber or Lyft may not be responsible for the negligence of their drivers in most circumstances. Uber and Lyft, however, may be responsible to insure its drivers and passengers in certain situations. Contacting an attorney early after an accident will ensure that the right person or company pays.
What Are These Companies Doing to Prevent Accidents?
The ride-sharing company Lyft has released in recent years that its drivers are subject to continuous monitoring and background checks. This policy provides them with immediate notification of any criminal convictions. There are also annual screenings, and if drivers don’t pass, they are barred from the online ride-sharing platform. Each driver must pass a criminal background check before they’re able to accept their first ride as well. These checks include a search of county records, a search of the Department of Justice sex offender registry, a Social Security number lookup, and federal and national criminal record search.
If a driver’s search comes back with any convictions for sexual offenses, violent crimes, or other felonies, they’re prohibited from driving for the company. They also cannot drive if they’ve been convicted of more than three minor violations, such as traffic light tickets, or an offense such as driving with a suspended license or reckless driving within the last three years. Driving-related convictions such as a DUI within the previous seven years will prohibit them from driving as well.
Who Pays If An Accident Occurs?
In the event you’re injured in an Uber or Lyft accident, a negligence claim must be made with the driver’s personal insurance before the ride-sharing company’s insurance will pay. Drivers are responsible for carrying sufficient and current insurance on their personal vehicle, but most don’t carry a commercial insurance policy. Sometimes, the driver’s policy is invalid because they failed to tell the insurance company they were using their private vehicle to transport passengers for a fee. The good news is that the ride-sharing company’s insurance does not exclusively cover the driver and their insurance coverage may be available to you after the driver’s personal insurance has been thoroughly exhausted. Also, there may also be additional insurance coverage for your medical bills and lost wages. Guarantee security for your future by retaining a lawyer with experience in locating all applicable insurance policies to an accident.
How Can an Attorney Help?
One of the first things we learn in life is that accidents happen; however, some are more serious than others, such as a car accident. Victims may suffer from substantial injuries that can change the course of their lives forever. When these accidents happen due to someone else’s negligence, the victim may have the right to file a personal injury claim. A rideshare accident attorney can represent you in your claim and help get you fair compensation for your injuries, damages, future medical expenses, and pain and suffering that happened as a result.
Reach Out to Goodman Acker Today
If you’ve been in an accident while riding with an Uber or Lyft driver, an attorney may be able to get you the compensation that you deserve. Proving liability in these accidents can be a challenge, but Goodman Acker is here to help. One of our attorneys will fight for your rights and provide you with fair and honest representation to help you get the best outcome possible. Reach out to a member of our knowledgeable team today or contact us online. A member of our team will be happy to answer any questions you may have.
LEGALLY REVIEWED BY BARRY J. GOODMAN
Barry J. Goodman has devoted his professional life to keeping courthouse doors open for victims seeking justice. Always a tireless advocate for his own clients, Goodman sees his responsibility as a Detroit personal injury attorney in a broader sense as well. [ Attorney Bio ]
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