Unlike taxis, which are visually distinct from other vehicles, rideshare vehicles are typically personal passenger vehicles owned by their rideshare drivers. They may not stand out from other vehicles in traffic. People may feel shocked to learn that the driver who caused their crash is a rideshare driver. Handling a crash caused by a rideshare driver can be a daunting prospect for many motorists.
What do people need to know about handling the aftermath of a crash caused by a rideshare driver?
The same standards generally apply
The same rules about liability and conduct in traffic apply regardless of whether a driver gets paid for their services or simply wants to transport themselves to work. Aggressive rideshare motorists may very well have caused the collision.
The other party involved likely needs to document as much as they can about the crash immediately and then provide information about their concerns to the police officer who arrives to put together a collision report. They also need to know what rideshare company the driver works for and whether they were providing a ride at the time of the wreck, in addition to securing information about their identity and insurance.
Those who rely on their own vehicles for work and who need to retain their licenses to earn income may be more likely than others to deny their culpability or try to place blame on others after a crash. It’s therefore important to be assertive when communicating to police officers about what occurred and who was at fault. After completing the crash reporting process, the driver of the other vehicle may then need to look into their options for compensation.
Compensation claims may be different
Typically, the party at fault for a car crash provides liability insurance coverage for the other people affected by the incident. Their policy can pay for property damage losses and expenses related to injuries.
Standard insurance may not apply after a rideshare crash. Instead, the people affected by the collision may need to make a claim against the liability policy carried by the rideshare company rather than the driver. Uber and Lyft both carry large liability policies to defray the risk inherent in providing on-demand transportation.
Bigger insurance policies often lead to more complex and contentious claims. Insurance companies often try to limit their losses and may negotiate quite aggressively. They may try to manipulate details about the situation, such as whether the ride was actively in progress at the time of the crash, to limit the company’s exposure.
Those hoping to recoup the losses generated in a rideshare car wreck often need help. An attorney can provide invaluable support to those involved in unusual crash scenarios.