Proving Liability in a Rideshare Accident

You can prove liability in a rideshare accident by thoroughly investigating the circumstances surrounding the crash, applying personal injury laws and insurance rules, and having compelling evidence to demonstrate negligence. Sounds confusing? Unfortunately, it’s meant to be. If that’s not intimidating enough, you should also know that liability is often harder to determine in rideshare accidents than in typical motor vehicle accidents.

A rideshare accident involves layers of potential liability and multiple coverages based on whether the driver was waiting for a ride request, logged into the rideshare app, on their way to the passenger, or was transporting the passenger. In this light, understanding these distinctions and applying them to your claim is essential. Our rideshare accident lawyers can efficiently handle these complex rules, investigate the crash, and develop a solid claim to prove who is liable for your injuries.

Gathering Evidence

Rideshare companies like Uber and Lyft work with experienced claims adjusters and legal teams whose primary goal is to reduce settlement payouts. Standing up to them alone can be overwhelming, but with the help of a skilled rideshare accident lawyer, you don’t have to.

Your attorney will gather and examine critical evidence from the crash scene, including photographs, videos, police reports, eyewitness statements, and any available dashcam or traffic camera footage. They’ll determine whether the rideshare driver was actively working during the crash, which is essential for identifying which insurance policy applies. This can involve requesting or subpoenaing records from the rideshare company.

Additional data, such as GPS logs and phone usage, can help establish if the driver was distracted or behaving recklessly. In some situations, liability may also rest with another driver or vehicle manufacturer. Your lawyer will evaluate all angles to ensure every responsible party is held accountable.

How a Rideshare Insurance Claim is Determined

Rideshare insurance coverage varies depending on the driver’s activity at the time of the crash:

• If the app is off, only the driver’s insurance applies.
• The app is on, but no ride is accepted; limited coverage may apply (up to $100,000 per crash).
• If the driver has accepted a ride or is transporting a passenger, full coverage up to $1 million is available.
• A qualified attorney will calculate the full value of your damages, manage all communications with insurers, and pursue a trial if a fair settlement isn’t offered.

We’re Ready to Help After a Rideshare Crash

L. Morgan Martin, P.A., has extensive experience helping clients recover compensation after Uber and Lyft accidents. Call 843-248-3177 or contact us online to schedule your free consultation.