Uber Accident Lawyer
Rideshare services are becoming more widely used, so it is no surprise that the number of rideshare-related accidents is growing. The process of resolving issues related to Uber and Lyft car accidents differs from the process of tackling problems that are common to ordinary car accidents. As an uber accident lawyer in Kansas City, MO from a firm like Royce Injury Attorneys LLC can explain, here is what makes an Uber or Lyft accident more complicated:
Liability Criteria
Determining liability in an Uber or Lyft accident is different than determining liability in a normal car accident. You have to remember that Uber and Lyft drivers are not employees of their respective rideshare companies – instead, they are independent contractors. This means rideshare companies can dispute liability when confronted with specific sets of circumstances.
Several factors are considered when looking at the circumstances surrounding a rideshare-related accident. One of these factors is whether the driver of the vehicle was on duty or not. Drivers who get into an accident while they are transporting passengers or on their way to pick up passengers are not placed in the same category as those who simply had their rideshare applications open but were not actively picking or dropping someone off.
Insurance Coverage
The insurance coverage policies related to rideshare accidents are a bit more complex than those concerning a normal accident. Drivers and passengers involved in rideshare accidents in which the independent contractor is at fault are protected under a one-million-dollar commercial insurance plan.
On the other hand, those involved in accidents where an outside party is at fault can utilize the outside party’s insurance coverage to address any damages. Sometimes outside parties have policies that are insufficient; if this is ever the case, rideshare companies have underinsured motorist plans that can make up for any unaddressed losses.
Driver Action
It is worth mentioning that drivers who get into accidents while they are searching for passengers cannot access the one-million-dollar commercial insurance plan. They have to settle for the $50,000 or less insurance policy that Uber or Lyft can offer them. You should understand that these companies will not assume liability if a driver gets into an accident when he or she is not using a ridesharing application. These companies will tell the driver to seek compensation from his or her personal insurance company, even if the driver was just about to utilize an application.
It can be very difficult for a single person to deal with the aftermath of an Uber or Lyft accident. Contact a rideshare accident lawyer today to learn more about laws and policies related to such accidents.
