How Are Ride-Share Companies Sued Following a Car Accident?
Uber and Lyft, the two most popular ride-share companies, have both been around for more than a decade, and these companies make it easier for individuals to get from place to place. But Uber and Lyft drivers are basically regular everyday people who drive either full- or part-time, and they get into accidents like everybody else.
If you get into a car accident with an Uber or Lyft driver, or if you’re a driver’s passenger in the event of a car accident, it’s likely you’ll sustain injuries from the accident. So what do you do in either instance? How are ride-share companies sued? Do you sue the company or the person driving for them? For answers to these questions and others that are related to them, read on.
Call 1-800-HURT-511 now. We’ll connect you with the best car accident lawyers in Sunset Park. They’ve secured hundreds of favorable judgments over the years for accident victims and their families, and they possess the skills, experience, and access to resources necessary to sue a ride-share company and win.
What Should Be Done First After a Ride-Share Car Accident?
The first thing you should do if you’re injured in an accident involving an Uber or Lyft driver, whether you’re a passenger with them or another driver, is seek medical attention. And if you’re seriously injured, you need to get medical attention as soon as possible; don’t worry so much about getting the Uber/Lyft driver’s information, as you can get this later. The sooner you get medical attention, the likelier it is your case yields a favorable result. Once you’ve been thoroughly examined and treated, it’s time to bring on a car accident lawyer, as they’ll know how to proceed.
Can a Ride-Share Company Be Sued for Car Accident Damages in a No-Fault State?
In a no-fault state, you don’t sue the Uber/Lyft driver directly, even if they’re responsible for accident; you don’t sue the companies they work for either. Instead, you need to file a claim with your own auto insurance provider, and they will pay damages in accordance with how much fault you bear for the accident.
In most cases, the passenger bears no fault for a car accident caused by an Uber/Lyft driver. However, if it can be proven that you were being distracting and this is what caused the car accident, you may be held either wholly or possibly responsible.
What Damages Are Recoverable Following a Ride-Share Car Accident?
Whether you’re an Uber/Lyft driver’s passenger or another driver who gets hit by them, you can sue for damages. Here are damages that can be sued for:
General Damages:
- Pain and suffering
- PTSD
- Loss of life enjoyment
- Dismemberment
- Disfigurement
Economic Damages:
- Medical bills
- Long-term care bills
- Lost earnings both past and future
Keep in mind that Uber and Lyft are billion-dollar companies, so they have the resources to pay a settlement if one of their drivers causes an accident from which you get injured. You should know the full extent of your injuries so you can get the precise amount of money you deserve.
If you weren’t at fault for the car accident, all costs associated with it should be covered, either by the driver, the company they work for, or both entities. This is the position your car accident lawyer will take while negotiating with your auto insurance provider for a fair settlement. And if your case ends up in court, this is the position your lawyer will present before a judge and jury.
How Is Suing a Ride-Share Company Following a Car Accident Unique?
If you sustain injuries from a car accident caused by an Uber/Lyft driver, you may believe the company and their driver share fault, and you’d be right. But because of how ride-share companies operate, determining who bears what degree of fault can be difficult. Uber/Lyft drivers are not employees of these companies, rather they’re independent contractors. One of the reasons why the ride-share companies operate this way is specifically to avoid liability. But this doesn’t mean the companies are totally off the hook in the event of a car accident involving one of their drivers.
What Evidence Is Necessary in Ride-Share Car Accident Cases?
The most important evidence in a ride-share car accident case is evidence which establishes the Uber/Lyft driver was acting in their capacity as a contractor for the ride-share company when the car accident occurred. If the driver is involved in a car accident when they’re not working, the ride-share company that employs them will bear no responsibility. But if a ride-share driver gets in an accident while working, and they don’t have a passenger, the company will bear some fault. Where a ride-share company bears the most fault is in a car accident involving one of their passengers. The plaintiff’s ability to show the relationship they had with the ride-share company at the time of the accident largely determines who can be sued.
How Much Do Ride-Share Companies Usually Pay Out in Car Accident Cases?
Generally, ride-share companies pay between $15,000 and $50,000 to settle car accident cases. However, Uber has a $1 million payout policy, though you’re not likely to see over six figures unless you sustain a life-altering injury like a traumatic brain injury or the loss of a limb. Car accidents that result in loss of life are also associated with high damages figures.
Can You Bring a Case Against a Ride-Share Company on Your Own?
While it’s possible to bring a car accident case on your own, you shouldn’t do this when the opposing party is a multibillion-dollar corporation like Uber or Lyft, as they have legal teams that’ll exhaust every option to make sure they don’t pay. Instead, you should hire a car accident lawyer who specializes in ride-share car accident cases, as they’ll know how to seek damages for all at-fault parties.
It’s no secret that finding a high-quality car accident lawyer can be tough. But we’re proud to say we’ve made the process a lot simpler. Just call 1-800-HURT-511. We’ll connect you with best-in-class car accident lawyers in Sunset Park who have secured over $1 billion for car accident victims and their families. They speak the language you speak, and they’re well-versed in the kind of case you’re looking to bring. And you won’t pay a cent unless you win.
Call 1-800-HURT-511 now, as you only have so long to file!
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