Rideshares can be a great way to avoid driving after a night at a bar, or to skip the trouble of finding a parking spot. But they have human drivers just like you and me, and your driver may have been careless behind the wheel. Now you’ve been hurt in an accident, and you’re suffering for their actions.
Suing for a rideshare accident can be difficult, especially if you’re not sure who was at fault in your accident. Below are some of the concerns you may need to consider when you’re hurt in a rideshare accident.
Employer Liability in Rideshare Accidents
When you’re hurt in a rideshare accident, you may be certain you should sue the rideshare company. Employers are responsible for their employees, right? Unfortunately, it may not be that simple.
In California, Prop 22 allows rideshare companies to treat drivers as independent contractors, not employees. That means that rideshare companies are technically not responsible for the actions of their drivers.
Unfortunately, that can limit your options to suing the involved drivers, not an employer who may have hired a careless driver. However, that doesn’t mean you’re out of options for compensation.
Rideshare Insurance for Your Claim
When you’re hurt by a rideshare driver, you may be able to seek a settlement with their insurance company. Rideshare drivers are expected to carry commercial drivers insurance, which covers more for an accident than standard insurance policies.
Because Uber and Lyft drivers are expected to carry this type of insurance, you should be covered for up to $1 million following a rideshare accident. That can go a long way toward your recovery.
But the insurance company may not always be willing to settle with you. The adjuster may downplay the severity of your injuries, for example. In these cases, your lawyer can step in and ensure you get a fair settlement offer. If they fail to settle fairly, you may have grounds for a lawsuit for any bad-faith actions.
Compensation for a Rideshare Accident
But what compensation should you expect from your rideshare accident? When you’re injured by someone else’s carelessness, you shouldn’t have to cover the costs of your injuries and other damages. These damages, both economic and non-economic, should cover all the suffering you experienced because of the accident.
For example, you may be due more than coverage of your medical bills. You may also be due compensation for the mental and emotional trauma you experienced because of the accident. Your lawyer can provide the tools you need to determine what your claim is worth. That way, you don’t have to settle for less.
Get Help from a Rideshare Accident Lawyer
When you’re hurt in a rideshare, you don’t have to accept your injuries and move on without help. You may have grounds for compensation or even a lawsuit. To get your compensation, you may need a lawyer at Kohan & Bablove Injury Attorneys to help. Get the assistance you need through a free consultation when you call 949.535.1341 or when you fill out the following online contact form.
