Ridesharing services are an integral part of modern transportation. While these convenient services offer many benefits, they also come with their fair share of risks, including the possibility of accidents.
If you find yourself involved in a rideshare accident, it is important to know what steps to take and who may be liable for the damages.
Steps to take
Immediately after a rideshare accident, prioritize safety. If you are capable, check yourself and others for injuries. If there are injuries, call 911 for medical assistance. From there, follow the same protocols you would in any other type of car accident, including exchanging information, documenting the scene and filing a police report.
Additionally, contact the rideshare company to report the accident. They may have specific protocols to follow, which may help initiate the insurance claims process.
Liability factors
Determining liability in a rideshare accident can be complex, depending on various factors. The rideshare driver may be liable if they were at fault for the accident. For example, if they ran a red light or were speeding. In such cases, their insurance may cover the damages. If another driver caused the accident, their insurance would typically be responsible for covering damages.
If the at-fault driver lacks insurance or has insufficient coverage, your rideshare company’s uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage may come into play. In some cases, multiple parties may share liability. Insurance companies will assess the proportion of fault for each party involved and settle accordingly.
Although companies like Uber state that 99.9% of rides end without incident, there is always a possibility. By staying informed and taking the right actions, you can navigate a rideshare accident more confidently.