Cherry Hill Rideshare Accident Lawyer

When people want to travel around Cherry Hill or other areas, it is not uncommon to order rideshare services from Uber and Lyft. These options offer a convenient and affordable way of being transported around the area. However, with the increase in their popularity, rideshare accidents have also gone up.

When a rideshare accident occurs, there are special insurance and liability issues that surround these cases, which can make getting compensation difficult for you. If you have been injured in these crashes, reach out to our Cherry Hill rideshare accident lawyer. At Folkman Law, we are here to answer your questions and provide options for your next legal steps, beginning with an initial consultation.

Rideshare Accidents in Cherry Hill

Data from Uber and Lyft can be difficult to access since both companies like to downplay accidents with their drivers. However, according to a 2019-2020 US Safety Report from Uber, 99.9% of trips on the Uber platform ended without a safety incident. But that doesn’t mean that these incidents do not occur or seriously injure individuals. Many times, the incidents affect passengers in the rideshare vehicle or other drivers who have been hit by these cars.

Unlike car accidents, these crashes are slightly more complicated. While it might seem like any other insurance claim, there are special situations that could affect your case. Rideshare companies have insurance policies that vary depending on the driver’s status at the time of the accident:

• Driver not logged into the app: When the driver is not actively using the rideshare app, they are essentially driving as a private citizen. In these cases, only their personal insurance applies in these situations.
• Driver logged into the app and waiting for a ride request: During this time, rideshare companies like Uber and Lyft offer limited liability coverage. If an accident occurs during this phase, the company’s insurance may provide secondary coverage. However, it may not be enough to cover serious injuries or damage.
• Driver en route to pick up a passenger or during a ride: When a driver has accepted a ride request and is either en route to pick up a passenger or actively transporting one, the rideshare company’s full commercial insurance coverage applies. In these cases, that includes liability coverage for both the driver and any passengers in the vehicle.

If you want to pursue legal action, you will need to identify the driver’s status at the time of the collision. For this reason, you will want to have a skilled and knowledgeable Cherry Hill rideshare accident lawyer representing you.

Common Causes of Accidents Involving Rideshares

These accidents involving rideshare vehicles occur for many of the same reasons as other car accidents. They can include:

• Distracted driving: In this role, rideshare drivers may check their phones to communicate with the app and navigate to their destinations. With this constant interaction with a mobile device, it can lead to distracted driving. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) data, nine people in the United States are killed every day in crashes with distracted drivers every day.
• Driver fatigue: Many rideshare drivers work long hours or drive as a second job. In turn, that can result in driver fatigue. Fatigued driving slows reaction times and increases the risk of making mistakes on the road.
• Speeding: Some drivers may try to complete as many rides as possible within a short period. This pressure can lead to speeding and other reckless driving behaviors.
• Inexperience: Not all rideshare drivers are seasoned drivers. Some may have limited experience driving in certain areas, and they can make mistakes that cause crashes.

If you have been seriously injured in these crashes, it may be time to reach out to the legal team at Folkman Law.

Who Could Be Liable for Your Crash?

In many car accidents, liability often falls on the driver. However, these incidents are different as several parties may hold some level of blame. These potentially liable parties include:

• The rideshare driver: If the rideshare driver was at fault, they may be held liable. With that, you may need to contact their insurance to seek compensation. If they were en route to pick up a passenger or transport one, the rideshare company’s insurance may also cover the damages.
• The rideshare company: These rideshare companies are required to carry liability insurance that covers their drivers while they are actively working. However, Uber and Lyft often argue that their drivers are independent contractors, not employees. As a result, that can complicate liability.
• Other drivers involved: If another driver was responsible for the accident, their insurance company may be responsible for covering the damages.
• Vehicle manufacturers: In rare cases, a vehicle defect may have contributed to the accident. If a faulty part, such as brakes or tires, played a role in the crash, the vehicle’s manufacturer could be held liable.

What Steps to Take After a Rideshare Collision

Following a rideshare accident, you need to take a few steps to protect your health, safety, and rights. These include:

• Get medical help: First, get treatment on the scene or immediately after the incident. Also, you will want to document your injuries. Medical records can provide evidence of the injuries sustained in the accident and establish your claim.
• Document the accident: You will want to take photographs of the accident scene, including damage to vehicles, road conditions, and any injuries. While on the scene, you must collect witnesses’ contact information and exchange information with the rideshare driver.
• Report the accident: There are two parties to notify: the rideshare company and your insurance company. Uber and Lyft have processes for reporting accidents involving their drivers. This is another way to document the incident.
• Consult a lawyer: An experienced Cherry Hill rideshare accident lawyer can help you understand your options and guide you through the legal process. They know how to handle negotiations with insurance companies, collect evidence, and represent your interests.

Rideshare Companies and Their Insurers Do Not Want To Pay

These companies and their insurance providers will use various strategies to minimize or avoid paying out compensation for accident claims. One common tactic is to classify their drivers as independent contractors instead of employees. This limits the company’s liability. In these cases, they can argue that their companies are not directly responsible for a driver’s actions.

Additionally, rideshare companies use insurance policies with tiered coverage based on the driver’s status in the app. Coverage levels vary depending on whether the driver is waiting for a ride, on their way to pick up a passenger, or actively transporting someone. This can complicate claims and provide grounds for the company to dispute which policy should apply. As a result, it can potentially reduce the available compensation.

Insurers may also downplay injuries or attempt to assign blame to other parties involved in the accident. For example, they may argue that another driver was at fault or that the rideshare driver’s personal insurance should cover the damages.

Also, they may offer quick, low settlement offers to pressure you into accepting less compensation before you know the full extent of injuries or losses. Accessing evidence, such as driver logs and GPS data, can be difficult. These companies may withhold or limit access to these records, making it harder for victims to prove fault.

All of these tactics can be countered with the help of an experienced attorney who can seek full and fair compensation for injuries, damages, and losses.