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What if a passenger gets hurt in a rideshare crash?

On Behalf of | Jan 15, 2025 | Automobile Accidents, Rideshare Accidents

woman rideshare passenger and male driver

Relying on businesses and service providers for transportation has been common practice for decades. Even those who own personal vehicles sometimes need on-demand transportation. Many people use public transit, and taxi services have historically helped fill the gaps left by public transportation.

In recent years, the public has embraced rideshare services as an alternative to traditional taxi services. Uber and Lyft are both popular rideshare services that make on-demand transportation accessible. People who don’t know the area, who have had too much to drink or who feel sick can rely on someone else to get them where they need to go.

Most of the time, rideshare trips are uneventful. However, a small percentage of them result in major collisions. How can passengers in rideshare vehicles cover their costs after a crash?

Fault and timing affect compensation options

In a standard car crash between two passenger vehicles, fault is the only thing that matters when determining financial responsibility. The driver at fault is the one responsible for providing insurance coverage or financial compensation to the other party.

Fault is also a consideration in a rideshare crash scenario. If the rideshare driver was not at fault, then the other motorist may be the party responsible for compensating the injured passenger.

If the rideshare driver caused the crash or contributed to it, the passenger may need to pursue a claim using the rideshare company’s insurance. Both major rideshare companies carry large commercial insurance policies that can pay for injury-related expenses and property damage losses sustained during a rideshare trip.

In some crash cases, the collision occurs before the driver officially begins the trip or after the trip technically ends. In such scenarios, the rideshare driver typically has to provide rideshare insurance coverage. People who use their personal vehicles for commercial purposes have to carry special insurance because of the enhanced risk their money-making activities represent for the insurance company.

In scenarios where there are extensive losses or a lack of appropriate insurance coverage, a lawsuit might be necessary. Individuals involved in a Lyft crash or an Uber wreck may need help figuring out how to cover their expenses. Reviewing crash circumstances with a skilled legal team can help people determine who might be liable for their rideshare collision losses.

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