Like residents throughout the country, New Jerseyites have welcomed with open arms ridesharing services to get from one place to another. But what happens if you get injured in a crash involving a rideshare driver?
The first step, like in any other motor vehicle accident, contact emergency services and promptly seek medical attention. But you also must obtain the driver’s name, insurance company information and accident-related details that will help you if you choose to pursue a legal case.
Ridesharing companies or drivers?
A big question you wonder, though, is who pays for any crash-related damages? Who is deemed the negligent party – the ridesharing company or the ridesharing driver? Do not forget that the driver of the other vehicle likely is culpable as well.
Negligence may be attributed to any of these parties:
- Ridesharing companies: Uber and Lyft will aggressively defend themselves in personal injury cases. They may claim that their drivers are not employees, but instead independent contractors, so these companies will attempt to avoid any responsibility. However, these companies also should conduct background checks on prospective drivers. Sometimes, this may not even happen.
- Ridesharing drivers: Some of these drivers may not receive enough training to fulfill their duties. A big concern is whether these people are even qualified to perform this role. Their qualifications should go beyond merely owning a car. Another potential complication: They may not even be driving their own car while on duty.
- The other driver: If the accident was the fault of the other driver, then this person’s insurance company likely will have to dole out money in any settlement. This driver could have done a number of things such as driving under the influence, distracted driving and reckless driving.
Be aware that blame for a ridesharing accident can fall on the shoulders of any of these parties.
Protecting yourself
The next time you choose a ridesharing service, think about what you must do to protect yourself in case a crash occurs, and you get injured.