If you’re involved in a car accident that isn’t your fault, or not entirely your fault, you can pursue compensation to cover the cost of things like lost earnings and medical expenses.
But what happens if you’re hit by a taxi or a driver who works on behalf of a ridesharing company like Uber? Who’s liable?
Let’s explore the topic in detail.
Who’s Liable If You’re Hit By A Taxi?
In the majority of cases, if a taxi hits your vehicle and the cab driver is responsible for the accident, both the taxi driver and the taxi company can be liable. But ultimately, the responsibility lies with the taxi company.
A reputable taxi firm will always have liability insurance in place to protect other drivers, the taxi driver, and passengers in the cab.
If you are in a car accident with a taxi, in addition to contacting your insurance company, you should get in touch with a lawyer who has experience in such cases to explore your legal options.
Who’s Liable If You’re Hit By An Uber Or Another Rideshare Vehicle?
If your vehicle is hit by a ridesharing car, like an Uber, you should also get in touch with an experienced law firm. An Uber accident lawyer will be able to give you sound legal advice and help you pursue a rideshare accident claim.
However, liability gets a little more complicated when the accident involves a ridesharing company like Uber or Lyft. While the rideshare driver is usually the one who is liable, due to the fact that he or she was the one driving the car, the driver’s insurance policy may not be adequate to compensate you for the injuries you sustain. So, many victims pursue holding the rideshare companies to account for the negligence or recklessness of their drivers.
In recent years, the number of lawsuits against companies like Uber and Lyft has steadily increased. But both Uber and Lyft have attempted to avoid responsibility for accidents that are caused by their drivers. Their reasoning is that, unlike taxi drivers, rideshare drivers are basically independent contractors. They don’t work directly for the likes of Uber and Lyft. Those companies have often claimed that they are not responsible for injuries caused by road accidents because they’re not actually employers. They merely operate mobile applications that connect drivers and passengers.
Well, ridesharing companies may use such reasoning to shield them from liability when their drivers hit vehicles, but that doesn’t mean the courts agree. Ridesharing companies can sometimes be held liable for a car accident.
So, How Does Insurance Work For Uber And Other Ridesharing Companies?
At present, both Uber and Lyft provide a $1 million insurance policy for drivers and passengers that are injured in car accidents that involve the companies’ drivers.
That means injured parties can claim compensation for things like medical costs.
Also, Uber requires all of its drivers to carry state-mandated minimums for their own personal insurance coverage.
Summing Up
Who is liable in the event that your vehicle is hit by a taxi, Uber, or another rideshare vehicle ultimately depends on the specific circumstances of your car accident. But either the driver or the company, or both, can be held responsible.
To ensure you receive the best possible compensatory outcome and hold the responsible party to account, you should contact a skillful lawyer who has experience in taxi and ridesharing accident cases. You can then explore your legal options and pursue the compensation that you deserve. However, as long as you remember to always drive safely, such as not using your phone when driving or using techniques to reduce stress while driving, you can reduce your risk of being involved in an accident in the first place.