The Most Frequently Asked Questions about Rideshare Accidents
Whether you are a driver for Uber or Lyft, have been a passenger while your rideshare was in an accident, or were in a vehicle in an accident with a rideshare, you likely have a host of questions regarding who is responsible or what your rights may be. It is for these reasons and more that we have assembled answers to the most frequently asked questions regarding rideshare.
What are the most common causes of rideshare accidents?
- Poor Vehicle Maintenance – Neglecting to replace old breaks, deflated tires, balding tires and more, contribute to poor vehicle handling and accidents.
- Lack of Sleep – Many drivers have long shifts and sometimes drive for longer periods than what is recommended. This leads to fatigue and accidents.
- Driving Under the Influence – Any drivers, rideshare or not, are more likely to have an accident while under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
- Negligent or Reckless Driving – When a driver exceeds the speed limit, fails to obey traffic signals, or changes lanes carelessly, there is an increased chance of an accident.
Are passengers ever responsible for the safety and maintenance of a rideshare vehicle?
No. The driver of the vehicle is the only person responsible for maintaining the rideshare care. While taxis are required to undergo routine inspection by the cab company, rideshare vehicles are not. Rideshare drivers are the only party responsible for properly maintaining the vehicles.
Are rideshare companies conducting background checks on all drivers?
Technically? Yes. However, there have been reports of drivers with a questionable background and driver’s history being allowed to drive passengers for a rideshare, so how diligent smaller companies are about background checks is not certain. That said, major rideshare companies like Uber, Lyft and SideCar are required to look a minimum of 7 years into a driver’s past for criminal and driving behavior.
Do rideshare companies employ professional drivers?
No, not really. Many rideshare drivers only drive part time, and the majority use their personal vehicles. There is no requirement to take any kind of specialized driving training or test and they are not required to have a minimum number of years’ driving experience. A valid license and basic insurance are all that is required, which does not equate to the distinction of “professional,” by any definition.
Do rideshare drivers carry insurance?
Obviously, it not uncommon for drivers on the road to be uninsured or underinsured, so nothing is absolute. However, the rideshare drivers are supposed to have at least the minimum insurance coverage required by the state, and major rideshare providers carry $1 million policies. If the driver is transporting a rideshare passenger at the time they are logged into the app, the million-dollar liability coverage kicks in. The insurance also applies when a driver causes an accident while uninsured or underinsured.
[Important Note: The stipulation of the driver being signed in to the rideshare company’s app is an important one. If their phone is somehow disconnected from the app at the time of an accident occurring, there may be no coverage for someone’s damages or medical expenses sustained as a result of the accident.]
Can a wrongful death lawsuit be filed against a driver or rideshare company?
If the worst happens, and a pedestrian or passenger is killed during a rideshare accident, a wrongful death lawsuit may be filed against a driver and, in certain circumstances, a rideshare company. If you are personally involved in such a tragedy, we do recommend you call A to Z to speak to our rideshare accident lawyers as soon as possible.
If you have been involved in an accident with a rideshare vehicle, or while the passenger in a rideshare vehicle, you should absolutely speak with Miami’s top Uber and Lyft rideshare accident attorneys. Call A to the Z Injury Law offices today at (305) 677-8325 or click here for help, 24/7. Hablamos Español.
