Rideshare services are popular in part because they make it possible for people to quickly and effectively navigate areas where they don’t know the roads. Many people without vehicles and those who are not in condition to drive also rely on rideshare services to reach their destinations safely in most cases.
However, even people who drive regularly for rideshare services can get into crashes. People never know how tired or aggressive a specific rideshare driver might be. Rideshare collisions are more than just inconvenient for passengers who don’t reach their destinations on time. They can result in serious injuries.
Who might be responsible for the costs resulting from a rideshare collision? Let’s look at three possibilities.
1. The rideshare driver
In some cases, the rideshare driver is clearly at fault for the crash. If they park in an unsafe location and the crash occurs while the passenger enters the vehicle but before the trip starts, the driver’s rideshare insurance might be the main source of compensation for the passenger. Similarly, crashes that occur after the trip ends may lead to liability for the driver.
2. The rideshare company
Rideshare companies may have liability for crashes that occur during actual trips. The passenger may be able to file a claim against the commercial insurance policy carried by the rideshare company.
3. The other driver
The party operating another vehicle involved in the crash might actually be at fault for the crash. Their insurance coverage could compensate those injured. If they do not have adequate insurance, then the injured rideshare passenger might have grounds for a personal injury lawsuit.
Evaluating fault and liability can be complicated for those involved in rideshare collisions. Injured passengers can benefit from experienced legal guidance as they seek compensation for their losses.