Riding-sharing companies like Uber and Lyft have transformed how individuals get around, making it much more convenient. Most of the time, ride-sharing app drivers get their passengers safely to their destination without any issues; however, accidents do happen. What happens if you were injured in a car accident then? Will the ride-sharing company be held liable for any damages?
Ride-Sharing Settlements
Ride-sharing companies understand that accidents can happen, which is why they have comprehensive insurance policies in place to pay out accident claims. If a ride-sharing app driver was negligent, causing an accident that led to injuries and property damage, the app company will pay for the damages.
How Much Should I Expect My Accident Settlement to Be?
Like all personal injury settlements, your ride-sharing app accident settlement amount depends on the circumstances of your case. It is important to determine who was at fault to hold that individual, or in this case, company, liable for your injuries.
You will also need to prove your injuries. If they are serious, you will need to show proof of other losses such as lost earnings and high medical bills. All this information can result in a higher settlement, so it is important to keep track of all your medical documents, time you spent away from work, and anything else that might be considered helpful information to your case.
When it comes to determining a settlement, you probably will not know an exact number until speaking to an attorney. An attorney can provide you with advice and help you secure the best settlement offer possible.
How Long Do Ride-Sharing App Accident Settlements Take?
It is hard to put a timeline on this type of settlement; however, ride-sharing app settlements do often take longer to resolve than other car accident cases. As ride-sharing app drivers are considered contractors, it may take some time to discover who was responsible for the accident itself. Was it the driver, the app company, or both? Additionally, the more individuals involved in the car accident, the more complicated it will be to figure out a settlement. Also, if these individuals cannot cooperate and negotiate how they wish to divide a settlement offer, this could draw out the process.
You may also need to determine what the driver was doing at the time of the accident. For example, Uber’s liability for injuries depends on if the driver was driving while the accident happened. If the driver was in between fares, the accident may not be covered by Uber’s liability insurance.
Additionally, the timeline of your case could be extended if you suffered severe injuries. These injuries take longer to prove.
What Happens if the Ride Sharing-App Company Does Not Assume Liability?
There are some instances where the ride-sharing app company will not be held liable for an accident. For instance, if a ride-sharing driver was on their way to pick up a passenger and got into an accident, they will be covered by their personal auto insurance policy, not the ride-sharing app insurance policy.
If the driver is available for hire, but not with a passenger at the time of the car accident, their personal auto insurance policy will cover the damages as well as the ride-sharing app policy. This excess coverage will only kick in if the driver’s insurance policy does not cover all the damages.
Uber covers damages in auto accidents if their driver was transporting a passenger. If the Uber driver was transporting a passenger or on the way to pick up a passenger for a ride, Uber’s $1 million liability insurance policy will over both the driver and the passenger.
Were you injured in a car accident caused by a ride-sharing app company and need legal advice? Contact our office online or call us at (916) 778-3228 to consult with a lawyer from our firm.