Rideshare services like Uber work to ensure safety, but that does not mean accidents involving Uber vehicles will not occur. The reality is that rideshare accidents do happen, but determining liability after these incidents can be challenging. Here, we want to discuss possible liable parties after a rideshare accident occurs in California.
Uber Driver Liability
Whether you are a passenger in an Uber vehicle that was involved in an accident or a person in another vehicle involved in the collision, one of the first places to look for liability will be the rideshare driver. Uber drivers are just like any other driver on the roadway, with the exception that they have applied to drive for Uber. They have the same type of license that other drivers have, and there is no particular driver training for rideshare drivers.
However, we do need to point out that Uber drivers are not actual employees of Uber. This means that it is very hard to hold Uber accountable for the actions of the drivers. These drivers are independent contractors, and they are considered their own employers. When you file a claim against an Uber driver, the claim may actually be against their personal insurance carrier.
However, Uber does provide insurance for these incidents under certain circumstances, depending on the status of the driver at the time the incident occurs. If the driver is on the way to pick up a fare or if they already have the fare on board, then the rideshare company’s insurance carrier will cover the costs.
Other Drivers and Liability
Uber drivers may not be the only individuals responsible for causing an accident. In fact, an Uber driver may be a victim just like anyone else. After an accident occurs, the entire incident must be investigated to determine whether or not other drivers hold liability. For example, if an Uber driver is rear-ended at a stoplight, it is likely that another driver would be at fault for the incident.
Just like any type of vehicle accident that occurs, it is imperative for the police to come to the scene to conduct an investigation. If there are other parties liable for the incident, an Uber crash victim may also need to file a claim against the other party.
Could Uber be Held Responsible?
As we mentioned above, it is unlikely that Uber will hold any responsibility for the actions of their drivers or any other driver. The extent of Uber accepting liability is the company allowing their drivers to have insurance covered by the rideshare giant. Again, Uber only provides insurance if the driver is on signed into the “app” to work. The level of insurance they provide depends on whether or not the driver has a fare.
Working With an Attorney
We strongly encourage you to work with a skilled Uber accident attorney in California after an incident occurs. Attorneys who have experience handling rideshare incidents will have a much better chance of helping you recover the compensation you are entitled to for your losses. This includes coverage of your medical expenses, lost wages, and property damage expenses, along with any pain and suffering damages you endure.
