In recent years, there’s been a massive spike in the number of ride-sharing providers and users. Big-name brands like Uber and Lyft have overtaken the transportation industry as innovative solutions to getting from point A to point B, but not without some concern…
The past six months have seen a dramatic decrease in the number of ride-share users, due to the COVID-19 outbreak and a rising fear of contracting the virus from drivers or shared surfaces. However, slight improvements show “an indication that recovery will come slowly,” according to a Bloomberg article on Uber.
With this recovery approaching and an eventual rise in ride-sharing again, G3 Help Me wants you to feel confident and comfortable before ordering your next Uber or Lyft.
While we can’t help much with COVID-19 exposure prevention in these vehicles, we CAN make sure you and your loved ones have the information you need should you find yourself in an accident.
The short answer to this question is: no. As a passenger in a vehicle operated by a company, you are not at fault if you find yourself in an accident. Exceptions to this rule typically only apply if you (the passenger) cause considerable distraction to the driver, so it’s important to always remain safety-conscious when in another vehicle.
In addition to not being at fault, if you find yourself in an accident while using Uber (or a similar company), you may even be entitled to financial compensation. This compensation is highly dependent on multiple factors, including:
In most (but not all) cases, after an accident while ride-sharing, you are eligible to file a claim through your insurance provider— just as you would if you were in an accident in your own vehicle.
From there, the cause of the accident will be determined and one of two things will happen if the driver is found at fault: the company’s insurance will be billed, or the driver’s will be billed.
Either way, you should expect the company’s full cooperation during the process, as big-name brands like Uber are required to have liability insurance and property damage coverage policies already in place.
For a complete understanding of your local laws and insurance policies, it’s best to contact a Personal Injury attorney like the representatives at G3 Help Me. We’ll be able to get a complete look at your case and provide personalized recommendations on the next steps to getting you what you deserve.
Though most ride-sharing accident reports determine one of the drivers involved as “at fault,” many passengers don’t realize there are simple ways they can help prevent dangerous situations and better ensure their own safety.
To help avoid an accident next time you’re in an Uber or Lyft, here’s a few things you can do…
These may seem like obvious answers to the question “how can we improve road safety,” but sometimes it’s the little things that make the biggest difference.
At G3, everything we do is to ensure the safety of our clients and community. If you or someone you know is looking for support after an auto accident, we’re here to help.
Give us a call at (865) 658-4012 to schedule your free, confidential case evaluation today. And as always, stay safe out there.
— Turner Howard & Team, G3 Help Me Law | Wreck Attorneys
