Ridesharing is a relatively new mode of transportation. In the last decade, ridesharing companies like Uber and Lyft have eclipsed the taxi industry with their affordable, fast, and easy-to-use ways of getting from place to place.
Ridesharing companies are no strangers to liability and insurance, but they’ve done a good job of absolving themselves of any responsibility in the event of an accident. Essentially, ridesharing companies provide the software necessary for drivers to connect with passengers, and the drivers keep their own devices afterward.
Problems with Ridesharing
As a new industry, there are still some hurdles in the infrastructure of ridesharing companies. Large ridesharing corporations often avoid liability for accidents because they consider their drivers to be independent contractors. This means there are virtually no company overheads to protect drivers or passengers. Other problems that arise with ridesharing companies include:
No Driver Training
Because these companies don’t consider drivers their employees, there’s no incentive to ensure drivers have basic road safety skills. Most companies don’t conduct background checks on their drivers (or passengers), so there’s no way to know if a driver has a history of bad driving.
Little Regulation
Unlike traditional taxi companies, there are very few rules and regulations that rideshare companies must follow. Having a rideshare accident attorney who is familiar with Arizona’s local rideshare laws will help you better understand your rights if you have been in a related accident.
Imprecise Insurance Policy
Rideshare drivers must have their own insurance policy in addition to the company’s insurance. The company is expected to pay if an accident occurs during a company-approved trip, but winning these claims is often difficult. That’s why having a strong legal team on your side is essential.
How Our Expert Lawyers Can Help You
After calling the police, it’s important to obtain insurance information from all parties involved. Because the rideshare company likely won’t cover its driver, this process is generally handled similarly to a traditional car accident. However, there may be exceptions to this rule, and our team can help you understand the next steps after a rideshare accident.
Injuries sustained in a rideshare accident can range from broken bones to death. Don’t let the nuances of this situation prevent you from seeking help. The top personal injury attorneys at Cruz & Associates can work with you to ensure you receive full and fair compensation.
Schedule your free consultation today!
If you or a loved one has been injured in a rideshare accident in Phoenix, Tempe, Scottsdale, or Glendale, you don’t have to face this alone. Our team of personal injury attorneys can help you plan your next steps.
At Cruz & Associates, we begin every case with a free consultation to better understand how we can help you. To get started, simply fill out our online contact form or call our Phoenix office today.
