While jumping in an Uber® or Lyft® has become popular in recent years, there are some downsides. Occasionally, a rideshare driver will hit a pedestrian or get into a collision, injuring their passengers. If you get hurt, the situation can be frustrating if the driver refuses to accept responsibility, or the rideshare company tries to pin the blame on another party. Here’s what you need to know before seeing an attorney about an injury relating to an Uber or Lyft motorist. 

Who’s Responsible if You’re Injured by a Rideshare Driver? 

To win a car accident case, you’ll need to prove liability and damages. In other words, you must show that the Uber or Lyft driver was negligent and that you were injured due to the collision. 

If you can prove the driver was liable, you can file against them. They’ll take the claim to their personal insurance carrier, who may cover the damages, such as medical bills and lost wages. However, because the driver was working for money while the accident happened, their insurance may reject the claim. 

Because of this, many drivers get commercial insurance to cover accidents that occur while they’re working. If they never purchased this type of coverage, they may have liability insurance via Uber or Lyft that will work if the driver’s personal carrier rejects the claim. That being the case, you can often hold the rideshare company financially responsible. However, you must be able to prove that the driver was negligent. 

What to Do After the Accident

If you’re not severely injured, here are a few steps to take immediately following the collision: 

• Get the contact information and insurance details of anyone involved. 
• Look for witnesses and get their contact information.
• Use your phone to take pictures of the accident scene, including damage and injuries.
• Call the police so they can fill out a report. 

If you were in an accident that involved an Uber or Lyft driver, contact Bennett Law Firm. Their attorneys have been helping residents of Montgomery County, AL, with personal injury cases for over 20 years. They treat their clients like family and always fight for their rights. Additionally, you’ll only need to pay for their services if you get paid. Call (334) 261-4400 to set up a consultation with an attorney, or head to their website to learn more about their legal services.