Rideshare companies like Lyft and Uber provide a convenient service when you are going somewhere you don’t want to park (like the airport) or are too intoxicated or tired to drive yourself. Rideshare drivers have undoubtedly prevented an untold number of car accidents in Georgia.
At the same time, you don’t get to choose who shows up to be your rideshare driver. You simply enter your destination into the app, and a driver arrives to pick you while. While the vast majority of rideshare drivers are experienced, responsible motorists, at least some of them lack the experience or judgment to avoid causing a major car accident during your ride.
Getting hurt in a crash caused by an Uber or Lyft driver can make things complicated when the victim seeks compensation for damages like medical bills and lost wages. Besides the driver themselves, the rideshare company could share responsibility. For example, they might have allowed your driver to work for them despite a record of speeding tickets or DUIs.
Not the normal third-party liability for employers
Normally, when a negligent driver injures somebody in the course of their work duties, their employer can also potentially be liable. But Uber and Lyft argue that their drivers are not employees, but “independent contractors,” and thus, they have no third-party liability for a car wreck involving one of those drivers. So far, most courts have sided with the companies.
However, both Uber and Lyft require their drivers to carry collision insurance. They also supply third-party liability coverage to drivers if their app was turned on when the collision occurred. Depending on the limits on each of these policies, you might be able to seek complete compensation for your financial and non-economic damages, such as pain and suffering.
Don’t give up on getting compensated
Don’t be discouraged by this. It is still possible to get the compensation you deserve after a Lyft or Uber driver seriously harms you. Discuss the details of your accident with a personal injury attorney for more information.