Ridesharing is a popular way to get around Uptown and other Twin Cities neighborhoods, and as with any form of transportation, there are inherent risks. However, rideshare collisions tend to be more complicated.
If you or a loved one was injured in a crash involving Lyft, Uber or another rideshare platform, it’s important that you understand how your case can differ from a standard car accident claim. The injury attorneys at Brazil Sweeney Law Group in Uptown, Minneapolis can help you navigate the complexities of your rideshare accident claim.
5 Ways Rideshare & Standard Car Accident Claims are Different
While there are similarities between any automobile accident claim, claims involving rideshare often have unique challenges that make them more complicated.
1. More Parties Involved
In a traditional car accident, claims typically involve the drivers and their insurance companies. Rideshare accidents, however, are rarely that straight forward and can involve additional parties such as Lyft, Uber or another rideshare company and any third-party companies that manage the rideshare company’s insurance claims.
2. More Complex Insurance Policies
Not only are there more parties and policies to deal with, but the policies are more complex. Lyft and Uber provide contingent liability coverage where the level of coverage can change depending on the rideshare driver’s activity at the time of the crash, such as whether they were logged in, waiting for a request, en route or had passengers in their vehicle.
3. More Complicated Liability Investigations
Uber and Lyft drivers are usually classified as independent contractors rather than employees, claiming they are simply an app provider. Rideshare companies do this to distance themselves from their drivers and limit their liability. And while they can be found liable and provide insurance during certain circumstances, figuring out when and how this coverage applies and holding Uber or Lyft directly responsible is far more difficult.
4. Different Legal Requirements
There are specific legal requirements rideshare drivers must meet such as having a valid driver’s license, carrying insurance, passing background checks and keeping their vehicles maintained to certain standards. Failing to meet these requirements could change who’s liable in an accident and how the claim will be processed.
5. Harder to Get a Fair Settlement
With so many addition factors at play and multiple large companies involved, it can be harder to secure a fair settlement, especially if you don’t have a deep understanding of the rideshare industry and strong negotiation skills. Having a rideshare accident lawyer on your side can be extremely important. Brazil Sweeney Law Group’s injury attorneys can help you navigate every aspect of your rideshare accident claim, even if you are a rideshare driver, ensuring you get the compensation you deserve.
Let the Uber & Lyft Accident Attorneys at Brazil Sweeney Law Group Help You
Pursuing an injury claim against a rideshare company can be complicated, but the skilled accident attorneys at Brazil Sweeney Law Group can overcome these unique challenges to get you the fair and just compensation you deserve. We bring years of experience, a strategic, detail-oriented approach and a willingness to stand up to big corporations and insurance companies to complex personal injury and car crash cases throughout Minnesota from Uptown. Call now for a free, no-obligation case review and let us get to work for you. There’s no fee unless we win.