It’s getting harder to remember a time when you had to actually call a taxi. While there’s no denying the convenience, or the explosive popularity, of ridesharing services like Uber and Lyft, they can create some tricky situations from a legal standpoint: Who foots the medical bill if you’re a passenger in a ridesharing accident? The short answer is that it’s complicated. Here is my perspective as a Memphis auto accident lawyer.
Ridesharing may not be as safe as it seems.
Ridesharing companies like to tout their services as an affordable option for people who may have otherwise driven drunk, but the real story is a bit more complicated. Some studies have indeed found a decrease in alcohol-related car accidents since the arrival of Uber, but others have reached other conclusions. A report published in the American Journal of Epidemiology in 2016 looked at 100 densely populated counties in the United States and found no correlation between ridesharing services and drunk driving fatalities. The truth is, while ridesharing is of course safer than driving while impaired, there is always a risk of an accident — even as a passenger in an Uber or Lyft vehicle.
Insurance coverage is more complex than in regular accidents.
Rideshare companies may be the “new taxis,” but they are not the same as taxis, legally speaking. Essentially, in ridesharing services, you have regular people working as independent contractors and using their own cars to provide transportation. As a result, accidents and insurance are a lot more complex. Third parties often have to get involved, which only adds to the confusion. And the rideshare companies themselves will do anything to avoid liability, positioning themselves as tech companies rather than transportation providers.
What should you do if you’re a passenger in a ridesharing accident?
– Get your rideshare driver’s name, insurance information, and license plate number.
– Get the name, insurance information, and license plate number of any other drivers involved.
– Take photos of the accident scene and any injuries.
– Report the accident to law enforcement.
– Seek immediate medical attention.
Get help from a trusted Memphis auto accident lawyer.
Since ridesharing services are relatively new, seeking compensation after an accident means navigating lots of gray areas. If you have been in a ridesharing accident, it is important to speak with an experienced car accident lawyer who will ensure your rights are protected and fight for the compensation you deserve.
For more than 30 years, our auto accident lawyers have helped victims recover compensation for medical bills, lost wages, and other related expenses. We’re ready to go the extra mile for you. Contact us here or call (901) 327-2100 to discuss your options today.