With Uber®, Lyft®, and other rideshare services available in major cities, many people are quitting their 9-to-5 jobs and becoming full-time drivers. Using their personal vehicles, they contract with the companies to pick up passengers through reservations set up in smartphone apps. This can cause confusion when it comes to who to file a personal injury suit against in the event of an accident. If you get hit by a rideshare driver or sustain injuries as a passenger in Ohio, below is a guide to who is responsible and how to proceed.  

Who Pays for Damages in Rideshare Accidents?

As rideshare drivers use their personal vehicles, you could file a personal injury claim against the driver if they were off duty at the time of the accident. Their personal auto insurance will pay for damages. Otherwise, Nationwide and other larger insurance companies offer ride-hailing coverage in many states, including Ohio.

This ensures drivers don’t have to pay out-of-pocket for damages, as personal policies won’t cover claims when lenders are driving their personal vehicles for money. Uber and Lyft also offer drivers liability coverage. If personal insurance won’t pay for damages, the companies pay out personal injury claims. Drivers are covered as soon as they log into the app. 

What to Do If You Are Involved in an Accident

If hit by a rideshare driver or involved in an accident as a passenger, you must be able to prove liability and the extent of your injuries to file a personal injury suit. To prove the driver’s negligence, take pictures at the scene and write down the names and contact information of witnesses.

You should also contact the police for assistance, as an official investigation will help your claim. A personal injury attorney will help you file a claim against the driver. If they don’t have ride-hailing coverage, the counselor will let you know how to proceed while waiting for the rideshare company to pay damages.

If you sustained a personal injury during a rideshare accident in Butler County, OH, contact the attorneys at Pater, Pater & Halverson. Based in Hamilton, the counselors have over 90 years of combined experience, which means they will advocate to ensure you are awarded compensation for your injuries. They can also help you navigate the legal waters with estate planning, criminal cases, and divorce proceedings. To schedule a consultation, call (513) 867-1411. Visit the law firm online to meet the team.