Who is Liable in a Rideshare Accident?

Big thanks to attorney Jesse Minc in New York City for supporting our site with this article!

Uber and Lyft, also known as transportation network companies (TNCs), continue to be increasingly popular ridesharing services for many Americans in need of a convenient way to travel to their destinations. Each day thousands of drivers give rides to passengers in New York City and the Bronx. Unfortunately, these popular ride-sharing platforms have led to an increase in accidents involving rideshare vehicles.

For passengers of a rideshare vehicle and occupants of other vehicles, sustaining a bodily injury in an accident is both traumatic and life-threatening. The cost of being injured is too high, and recovering financial compensation requires the representation of an experienced Bronx rideshare accident lawyer. Bronx Car Accident Lawyer Jesse Minc recommends hiring an attorney who has helped clients recover substantial amounts of financial compensation, and can offer assistance and guidance in the injury and insurance claim process.

Commercial Driver HQ
Commercial Driver HQ

Determining Liability in a Rideshare Accident

Upon hiring your car accident lawyer, they will be able to determine if the at-fault driver, their employer, or a third party is liable for the damages you experienced in the ridesharing accident.

Liability can be determined in a ridesharing accident by confirming three criteria:

  • Whether the rideshare driver was the primary cause of the accident
  • Whether the rideshare driver was using the ridesharing app
  • Whether other parties were involved

Who is Responsible for Rideshare Accidents?

In most scenarios, the driver’s insurance is primarily accountable for damages that were sustained to the vehicle. Rideshare drivers must carry personal coverage while they are logged into the app while providing rides. If the rideshare driver fails to provide insurance, the ridesharing service needs to provide coverage.

Uber and Lyft both provide insurance that covers their drivers while they are logged in and providing rides. However, if a rideshare driver is negligent in causing an accident, then his or her insurance company should provide coverage, and so should the rideshare company’s insurer.

What to Do After a Rideshare Accident?

After a rideshare accident, it’s important to seek medical attention immediately. If possible, write down everything you remember about the accident and try to take pictures of the damages. It’s a good idea to obtain the insurance and contact information of the drivers involved and to cooperate with the police. In addition, ask for the police report because it’s a critical piece of evidence.

Understanding Car Accident Liability

More than one person can be held liable in a car accident. In other words, multiple individuals could potentially be held liable for damages caused, which can include any drivers, pedestrians, bicyclists, or anyone whose negligence was the cause of your accident.  

To establish liability, the following criteria must be met:

Duty of Care

All drivers, including your rideshare driver and other drivers on the road, have an obligation to drive safely and with due care toward everyone on the road.

Breaching Duty of Care

When a duty of care is breached in a car accident, in most cases, it’s likely a result a driver’s negligent actions. Examples of negligence include distracted driving, drunk driving, speeding, and not obeying traffic lights and signs.

Responsibility for the Damages Sustained

To receive compensation, you must prove that their negligent actions resulted in your injuries and subsequent damages.

Consult with a New York Rideshare Accident Lawyer

If you want to obtain financial compensation for a rideshare accident in the Bronx, it’s strongly recommended that you speak with an experienced car accident attorney. While you have the option to try and deal with the insurance companies on your own, it is not advisable if you are not sure how to navigate the insurance claim process. A knowledgeable lawyer can help you understand what you need to win your case, get the compensation you deserve, and hold the parties that caused the damages or injuries you sustained accountable. 

In summary, experienced car accident lawyers help their clients by:

  • Investigating the car accident
  • Examining police reports
  • Talking to first responders and witnesses from the scene
  • Determining who is liable for the accident
  • Filing insurance and bodily injury claims
  • Negotiating settlements
  • Litigating on your behalf in court (if necessary)