The ride you took through a ride-sharing program may have seemed like a good idea at the time simply because it was cheap; however, you may wonder if this was the best choice after the driver struck another car. Ride-sharing programs can be good, but there are also liability issues that may create problems for you. If this recently happened to you, here are three things you may want to know.
Ride-Sharing Doesn't Have The Same Requirements As Other Transportation Services
According to the LexBlog Network, people that sign up to be drivers for ride-sharing services do not have to go through rigorous screenings. They typically do not even need to have a commercial driver's license either.
When you take a ride in a taxi, you can be certain that this driver has a commercial license and that the taxi company has looked into the person's background and driving record. This is not necessary true for ride-sharing programs, which is why it poses risks to people that use these services for rides.
In addition, a taxi company will monitor, inspect, and maintain all vehicles that are used for services. These steps are completed as part of the safety and liability aspects of the business. A taxi company will want to make sure that all vehicles used for services are safe for the drivers and passengers.
When you take a ride with someone that works for a ride-sharing company, you have no idea who the driver is or whether the car is safe to ride in. The driver that picked you up may have a horrible driving record and may be considered a high-risk driver, and this could be the reason the accident occurred.
Ride-Sharing Drivers Are Often Underinsured
The second thing to know is that ride-sharing services are often provided by drivers and companies that are uninsured. The drivers that work for the companies are considered independent contractors. Because of this, they are required to carry their own auto insurance on their vehicles. The companies they work for may have no liability risks at all because of how the relationship is structured.
While some drivers may have appropriate coverage, others may not. After your accident, you may try to collect money from the driver's insurance company for the injuries and damages you occurred, but you may have problems with this. If the driver only had liability coverage, you may not be able to get a dime for your damages. This occurs because to get money for injuries, the policy must provide coverage for medical payments, uninsured motorist, or underinsured motorist coverage.
Ride-Sharing Accidents May Result In Lawsuits
If you are having trouble collecting money for your damage, the only option you may have is to hire an accident attorney. The accident attorney will review the case and will research ride-sharing service laws. After this, the attorney will determine whether to sue the company the driver, or the company the driver worked for.
One argument your attorney may use when suing the driver is that he or she did not have a commercial license, and therefore, he or she should not have been offering services for money. The attorney may also argue that the company should be liable for failing to research a driver's background, or for failing to complete an inspection on the driver's car.
In some cases, ride-sharing companies carry umbrellas insurance policies. These are designed to cover expenses from accidents that a driver's personal policy will not cover. If this is the case, your attorney may go after this policy to help you get the money you are entitled to.
If you are having trouble collecting money after an accident that occurred while taking a ride-sharing service, contact an attorney that specializes in car accident cases. Click here for more information.
