Hurt in a Rideshare Car Accident?

This video features Kathy McArthur, a Medical Malpractice attorney based in Georgia.

Kathy McArthur | 888-511-3130 | Free Consult

If you’re hurt in a rideshare car accident, you need to contact an attorney immediately to determine what you should do next. Lyft or Uber might be liable for a car accident, but the only way you can find out is if an attorney performs an investigation. To learn more, we spoke with Macon, Georgia attorney Kathy McArthur. She was recently named by Super Lawyers as one of Georgia’s Top 10 Lawyers, and she has recovered more than $250 million for her clients. Kathy McArthur can be reached by calling 888-511-3130 or by submitting the contact form on this page. She handles cases across the nation, and there is no fee to schedule a consultation. You also owe ZERO attorney fees, and the attorney only receives compensation if the case ends in your favor.

Who is liable for damages in an accident involving an Uber or Lyft vehicle?

It depends on who is the at-fault driver in the accident. If you were riding in a rideshare, your driver may not have committed an error. However, if you are in an Uber or Lyft accident and your drive is at-fault for the accident (i.e. running a stop sign or engaging in reckless driving), and you’re hurt, liability is more uncertain. The relationship between the driver and the ride-share company, as well as shifting laws and regulations, nake it harder to determine which party is responsible.

Is Uber or Lyft responsible if the driver makes an error?

Because the drivers for these companies are classified as independent contractors, Uber and Lyft are trying to avoid liability since the drivers are not technically “employees.” However, Uber and Lyft can be responsible if the driver had a history of dangerous behavior. For example, if the driver had many speeding tickets or car accidents on their record and Uber or Lyft still allowed them to drive for the company, then the rideshare company could be at least partially liable for the accident. The companies have a responsibility to screen drivers to make sure they don’t have bad driving records or criminal records. This is different from a traditional taxi company because the drivers are officially employers of the taxi company.

What if the rideshare driver commits a criminal act (like kidnapping or assault) while the ride is in progress?

If Uber or Lyft has done their due diligence, completed all the necessary background checks, and done everything they can to ensure that they’re hiring a safe driver, and then the driver goes on to assault or attack a passenger, the company would likely not be liable for the driver’s criminal activity. They would only be liable if they failed to perform the necessary criminal and background checks.

What if your car is hit by an Uber or Lyft vehicle?

This also depends on the situation. It could be that you’re only filing a claim with the at-fault driver’s insurance company. If the driver never should have been driving with Uber or Lyft, then the rideshare companies would be responsible. A lawyer can investigate to determine whether or not the rideshare company performed the necessary screenings.

Are there laws that govern how long a Lyft or Uber driver can stay on the road without taking a break?

It’s true that truck drivers must obey laws concerning how long they can be on the road at once. Many studies have shown that when truck drivers work too long, they are more likely to fall asleep behind the wheel and potentially cause an accident. Truck drivers are also required to go through physical exams and have no medical conditions like sleep apnea, experience with rehab and alcohol problems, etc. However, there is no such regulation with rideshare drivers. Compared to taxi companies which are subject to more regulations with regard to their drivers.

What type of lawyer should you contact after a rideshare accident?

Contact an attorney who has experience handling car accident cases, preferably cases that go to trial. These show that the attorney is prepared to launch a full investigation and seek maximum recovery for their clients. There is absolutely no charge to speak with a lawyer and learn about your best options going forward following a rideshare car accident. Plus, you will owe no attorney fees unless your case ends with you receiving compensation. Kathy McArthur can be reached by calling 888-511-3130 or by submitting the contact form on this page. Disclaimer: This video is for informational purposes only. In some states, this video may be deemed Attorney Advertising. The choice of lawyer is an important decision that should not be based solely on advertisements.

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