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The aftermath of any car accident can be complex and stressful. But when the driver who caused the crash drives for a rideshare company, there are even more complications, and it can be hard to know who to hold responsible: the driver or the company they work for. If you’ve been injured in an accident, a Middletown rideshare accident lawyer at Loughlin FitzGerald, P.C., can help you determine your next steps.
The compassionate and experienced legal team at Loughlin FitzGerald, P.C., puts the focus on our clients and their needs. When it comes to rideshare accidents, your attorney can guide you through the process and act as a buffer between you and insurance companies, medical bill collectors, the rideshare company, law enforcement, and others so that your rights and interests are always protected.
Connecticut requires that all drivers carry a minimum amount of liability insurance on their motor vehicles as part of the registration criteria. The minimum includes:
When a vehicle is used for commercial purposes, it may need to have a commercial auto insurance policy as well, rather than a personal insurance policy. For example, if a general contractor owns a pickup truck that employees drive to job sites, the truck may be required to have a commercial insurance policy.
Ridesharing complicates the matter further. In general, a rideshare vehicle is owned by the driver, who may also use the vehicle as their personal transportation, so the driver is required to have personal auto insurance coverage. But most personal policies won’t cover rideshare driving because it is a business activity. Connecticut requires that all rideshare vehicles have minimum coverage that accommodates the rideshare business activity as well.
When a rideshare driver causes an accident, the result includes a set of complications that most car accidents don’t deal with, and there may also be more than one liable party as a result. Both the rideshare service and the driver are required to have insurance, and which one is responsible for damages depends on the specific situation.
If the driver causes an accident in a vehicle that is used for ridesharing but they are not on the clock when the accident occurs, the driver’s personal insurance is responsible for the claim. If the driver is on the clock, the rideshare insurance is responsible for the claim, but that may be on the driver’s policy or the rideshare company’s policy. In some cases, both may have some liability.
If you are in a traffic accident that involves a rideshare driver, whether you are a passenger or driving another vehicle, it is essential to contact law enforcement and stay at the scene of the accident until they arrive and take your statement. If you or another person were injured, make sure to get medical assistance as well. Even if you don’t feel injured, it’s important to get checked out.
If possible, pay attention to what others say at the scene and take pictures with your phone. Once the immediate issues have been handled, contact a Middletown car accident lawyer who has experience with rideshare accidents as soon as possible. A qualified attorney can explain the next steps to you and advise you on how to communicate with insurance companies, the rideshare company, the rideshare driver, and any other parties involved in the accident.
A: You can get up to $1 million from Uber for an accident in most cases where there is a rideshare passenger in the vehicle. Uber’s standard liability policy has a $1 million limit. However, not all cases will warrant a settlement that size, and in some cases, an even larger settlement may be necessary. A qualified rideshare accident attorney can help you determine how much a settlement in your case might be.
A: When an Uber driver in Middletown gets into an accident, the process is the same as when any other driver is in an accident. The drivers should report the accident and wait for law enforcement to arrive at the scene and file a report. The main difference in an accident when an Uber driver is involved is that there may be additional complications regarding liability and insurance.
A: Most lawyers work on a contingency basis for car accidents and other personal injury cases. This means that the client does not have to pay fees upfront, and the Middletown personal injury lawyer takes a percentage of the settlement to pay for their services. Make sure you discuss fees and payment with your attorney during your initial consultation so you understand the fee structure and expectations.
A: You should contact an auto accident lawyer as soon as possible after an accident, especially if you have serious injuries, lost wages, or other serious consequences as a result of the accident. Your attorney can handle most of the official details, and you can focus on recovering from your injuries and dealing with the other changes in your life.
When a rideshare vehicle causes a car accident, the normal process of filing claims and getting adequate compensation can be even more frustrating and confusing for victims who’ve been injured. Just knowing where to start can be a challenge, especially when also dealing with serious injuries, missed work, car repairs, and other demands in the aftermath of a collision.
Your lawyer at Loughlin FitzGerald, P.C., can evaluate the details of the case, determine which party or parties are liable, help you navigate the claims process, and make sure your interests and rights are protected throughout the process. We have the knowledge and resources to increase the chances of your desired outcome. Contact our office today to discuss your needs and legal options.
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