- Car Accidents, Personal Injury
Founder of Wade Law and expert trial attorney with experience in the courts and in the classroom, lecturing in several courses. Admitted to all of Georgia’s courts and the United States Supreme Court
Uber and Lyft, along with rideshare and taxi services, are are becoming more popular and are also in the news because of novel legal issues. Knowing who is at fault and who has to pay for injuries is the hardest part. One legal issue in Uber accidents is the liability in the hands of the Lyft/Uber driver? Or is the driver’s company responsible? Would insurance of the company itself be paying, or the driver’s? What if the taxi driver was not on work time when the accident occurred.
Uber Accidents: Who Is the Responsible Party
An investigation is needed to know who acted negligently in Uber/Lyft accidents, as well as all other accidents. If another vehicle hits the taxi/rideshare while you are a riding as a passenger, the insurance of the other driver would be liable for paying for your injuries.
But what if you are a passenger in a vehicle that has an accident and it was your driver’s fault? Then who would have to pay?
Insurance for Rideshare Services
Drivers use their own vehicles in taxis and rideshares. And so, according to the law, drivers are required to obtain personal vehicle insurance up to legal limits. If a rideshare driver is not working at the time of being involved in an accident, the damages would be paid for by their private insurance.
But, taxi companies are responsible for giving insurance to their drivers too. An example would be if the Uber/Lyft driver is on duty at the time of an accident then he or she would be covered by the employer’s insurance. This is also true for taxi drivers: the taxi company would provide insurance coverage to pay for the passenger and driver’s injuries while on the clock.
Although taxi and Uber/Lyft drivers are usually considered independent contractors, several courts have deemed them to be looked at as employees. And so, under the theory of vicarious liability, the company of the rideshare driver may be held liable should you decide to take legal action against a driver.
To receive the maximum amount of damages back after being involved in an accident as an Uber/Lyft driver or passenger, you should contact an attorney to work for you.
For more questions such as why you should have an attorney after an accident, how much your claim might be worth, filing a claim, and more, contact an experienced attorney today.
