Uber/Lyft/Rideshare Accidents in Columbus

Rideshare services are indispensable for many commuters, offering unmatched convenience to people who need transportation. However, handling liability and compensation matters can get tricky if you are involved in an accident with a vehicle providing rideshare services.

Contact our car accident attorneys if you were involved in an Uber/Lyft/rideshare accident in Columbus. An experienced legal counsel could help you navigate the complexities of collecting damages after an accident involving a rideshare company.

The At-Fault Driver Is Responsible for Damages

State law follows the traditional liability scheme for car accidents in which the insurance company of the at-fault driver typically covers the damages of anyone who sustained losses in an incident. All drivers must have a minimum coverage of $25,000 for injuries to one person, $50,000 for injuries to multiple people, and $25,000 for property damage.

Although it may seem obvious which party caused an accident, determining liability may be complex in certain circumstances. When liability is unclear, police reports, witness statements, drivers’ accounts, and vehicle damage analysis may help provide clarity.

Oftentimes, more than one driver may bear responsibility for an accident. In those cases, their respective insurance companies may negotiate a fair allocation of responsibility. However, according to Ohio Revised Statutes §2315.33, a driver who was 51 percent liable or more is not eligible to collect damages. For this reason, an injured driver who might be partially responsible for a Columbus Uber/Lyft/rideshare accident should contact an attorney to represent them as the insurers allocate fault.

What Might Insurance Cover?

Drivers for rideshare companies must carry their own vehicle liability insurance. However, these policies often exclude coverage when a driver is involved in commercial driving. If a rideshare driver has a wreck when they are not signed into the app, their personal insurance could cover damages depending on their policy language.

If the driver is signed into the rideshare app and is available to accept fares, the rideshare company’s liability insurance may cover an injured person’s damages. Uber and Lyft carry $1,000,000 liability policies, so a severely injured party could receive a significant settlement if they can prove that the rideshare driver was at fault.

Anyone hurt in a Columbus Uber/Lyft/rideshare crash, whether a pedestrian, cyclist, motorcyclist, or occupant of another vehicle, should seek legal counsel immediately. Our attorneys could investigate whether an injured party must rely on the rideshare driver’s personal policy to cover their damages, or if the commercial policy could cover them.

Rideshare Passengers Protected By Company Coverage

From the moment they enter the vehicle until they are discharged at their destination, the company’s insurance policy covers people who use rideshare apps to book a ride. However, companies aggressively try to limit the payouts available to injured patrons.

If a driver of a rideshare vehicle gets into an accident while carrying a fare, the passengers could protect themselves by taking the following steps immediately:

• Call the police
• Report the accident on the app
• Take pictures, if physically able and it is safe to do so
• Get medical attention as quickly as possible
• Speak with an attorney

Seeking a medical examination immediately after an accident is critically important, even if the passenger does not believe they suffered an injury. Many substantial injuries do not present discernable symptoms for several hours after the trauma, but a physician could find evidence of them on physical examination. In addition, a medical record generated shortly after a crash is evidence that a passenger suffered an injury in a Columbus Uber/Lyft/rideshare accident.

Discuss Your Uber/Lyft/Rideshare Accident in Columbus with an Attorney

Determining liability after a car accident can be challenging, especially without the guidance of a legal professional. If a vehicle involved in the crash was a rideshare, there could be an extra layer of complexity.

If you sustained injuries in an Uber/Lyft/rideshare accident in Columbus, you do not have to pursue legal action alone. Trust our car accident lawyers to help you collect the damages you deserve for your harm. Reach out to O’Connor Acciani & Levy CO. today to get started on your case.