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RIDESHARE LIABILITY

Accidents with rideshare vehicles are extremely common. Whether you were a passenger injured in a rideshare accident, a rideshare driver struck you, or a rideshare driver injured in an accident that wasn’t your fault, contact Strongin, LLP today to discuss your case.

What is Rideshare Liability?

Rideshare liability refers to the legal responsibility and potential financial obligation that may arise in ride-sharing services. Ridesharing involves using a platform or app to connect passengers with drivers who use their personal vehicles to provide transportation services. Popular ridesharing services include Uber, Lyft, and others.

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Strongin, LLP understands the complexity of rideshare liability in California

Liability in ridesharing can be complex and involve multiple parties, including the rideshare company, the driver, and passengers. Here are some key aspects of rideshare liability:

  • Driver Liability: Rideshare drivers are typically considered independent contractors who are responsible for their actions while providing rides. If a driver causes an accident or is involved in any other incident that results in harm, they may be liable for damages.

  • Rideshare Company Liability: Rideshare companies may also have liability, especially if the incident occurred while the driver was actively providing services through the platform. The company's liability may include issues related to driver vetting, training, and the overall safety of the platform.

  • Insurance Coverage: Rideshare drivers are generally required to have their auto insurance, but many insurance policies may not cover commercial activities like ridesharing. Rideshare companies typically provide insurance coverage for their drivers. Still, the coverage may vary depending on the driver's status within the app (e.g., waiting for a ride, en route to pick up a passenger, or actively transporting a passenger).

  • Passenger Liability: In some cases, passengers may also be involved in liability issues. For example, if a passenger's actions contribute to an accident or if they damage the driver's vehicle intentionally, they may be held liable.

Understanding rideshare liability is crucial for all parties involved—rideshare companies, drivers, and passengers. It's recommended that rideshare drivers review their insurance coverage, and both drivers and passengers should be aware of the terms and conditions provided by the rideshare platform. Additionally, rideshare companies often have policies and procedures to address liability and insurance matters.

What is a Rideshare Liability Lawsuit?

A rideshare liability lawsuit is a legal action brought by one party against another party in the context of ridesharing services. These lawsuits typically arise when there is an accident or incident involving a rideshare vehicle, and one or more parties believe they have suffered harm and are seeking compensation for damages. The parties involved in such lawsuits may include the rideshare driver, passengers, other drivers, pedestrians, and even the rideshare company.

 

Here are some common scenarios that might lead to a rideshare liability lawsuit:

  • Accidents and Injuries: If a rideshare driver is involved in a traffic accident that results in injuries to passengers, other drivers, pedestrians, or even the rideshare driver themselves, the injured parties may file a lawsuit seeking compensation for medical expenses, pain, and suffering, and other damages.

  • Driver Misconduct: If a rideshare driver engages in negligent or intentional misconduct, leading to harm, a lawsuit may be filed against the driver. This could include cases of assault, harassment, or any behavior that causes harm to passengers or others.

  • Insurance Disputes: Disputes regarding coverage and compensation may arise between parties and insurance companies after an accident. Rideshare companies often provide insurance for their drivers, but the specific circumstances of the incident may lead to disputes over liability and coverage.

  • Product Liability: In some cases, a lawsuit may involve claims of product liability against the rideshare company, especially if there are allegations that a defect in the rideshare platform or app contributed to the incident.

  • Failure to Screen Drivers: Rideshare companies are responsible for vetting and screening their drivers. If a rideshare driver with a history of unsafe behavior causes harm, there could be a lawsuit against the rideshare company for inadequate screening and supervision.

It's important to note that the specifics of rideshare liability lawsuits can vary based on local laws, the nature of the incident, and the parties involved. In many cases, resolution may involve negotiation, arbitration, or court proceedings. If you are in such a situation, contact us to discuss the specific legal principles that apply to your case.  We do not charge for an initial consultation and comprehensive case evaluation. For a free case evaluation, call our office at (949) 529-2250, email results@stronginlaw.com, or use the form below to tell us what happened. We’re ready to help.

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