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Uber and Lyft drivers carry more than 10 million riders each day. Yet they have no special training, and they have been subjected to only cursory background checks. When the driver causes a rider harm, the rider is often left to seek redress from the insurance policy provided by the rideshare company. But that insurer’s sole mission is to deny the rider’s claim. If you’ve been injured during a rideshare or assaulted by your Uber or Lyft driver in or around Redwood City, consult with our attorneys. We can help get you compensation to which you are entitled.
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Rideshare cases present special considerations. Usually, the driver has only limited assets and insurance. That means the injured rider must navigate the complexities of the rideshare company’s insurance program, and deal with the insurer’s claims department. The claims department’s sole job is to avoid paying. Often, to recover, the rider or other victim must prove that that the rideshare company is “vicariously’ or otherwise liable for the driver’s negligence or wrongdoing. That’s especially challenging for the victims of the thousands of sexual assaults that occur each year during rideshares. You’re best off with a lawyer and, in particular, one who knows the ins and outs of Uber and Lyft injury claims.
A chief cause of Lyft and Uber accidents is driver negligence. “Distracted driving” is not uncommon, because Uber and Lyft drivers use their rideshare app while transporting passengers. Other common causes of rideshare injuries and accidents include poor vehicle maintenance, vehicle breakdowns, and criminal actions such as physical or sexual assaults.
Uber and Lyft are set up to avoid responsibility for the injuries their enterprises cause. For example, as a first line of defense, both companies claim they are not responsible for drivers’ accidents because those drivers are independent contractors rather than employees.
To pursue compensation from Uber or Lyft after a collision or an assault by a rideshare driver, speak to an attorney about what steps to take next. You may need to file a claim against Uber or Lyft’s $1 million insurance policy. You may also need to file a police report depending on the circumstances of the incident. An attorney can provide counsel.
A rideshare accident or assault claim involves complex rules specific to the rideshare industry. A personal injury lawyer from Danko Meredith Trial Lawyers can make the claims process easier on you and your family. If you are curious as to whether you have grounds for a claim following an Uber or Lyft ride in or around Redwood City, contact us online or call us at (650) 453-3600. Initial consultations are free.