Ridesharing services such as Uber and Lyft have revolutionized urban transportation but have also brought unique challenges and complexities, especially when accidents occur. This becomes more convoluted when a pedestrian or cyclist is involved in a ridesharing accident. The vulnerability of these road users makes the consequences of such incidents potentially far more severe, and the legal aspects surrounding liability and compensation become increasingly complex due to the multiple parties involved.
INCREASED VULNERABILITY OF PEDESTRIANS AND CYCLISTS IN RIDESHARING ACCIDENTS
Pedestrians and cyclists inherently face higher risks on the road due to their increased exposure and lack of protective barriers. When involved in a ridesharing accident, the resulting injuries can be significantly more severe compared to those sustained by passengers within the vehicle.
Factors such as speed, the size of the rideshare vehicle, and the lack of protective gear exacerbate the injury severity. Understanding these risks is crucial to navigate the aftermath of such incidents effectively and seek appropriate compensation for injuries sustained.
THE COMPLEXITIES OF DETERMINING LIABILITY IN RIDESHARING ACCIDENTS INVOLVING PEDESTRIANS AND CYCLISTS
Determining liability in ridesharing accidents with pedestrians or cyclists becomes complex due to the number of parties potentially involved. These can include the ridesharing driver, the ridesharing company, other motorists, and in some cases, even the city if road conditions contributed to the accident.
Ridesharing companies like Uber and Lyft typically carry third-party liability coverage, which is designed to compensate victims in such cases. In certain cases, the value of the injuries exceeds these coverage limits and the victim may seek to hold the ridesharing company financially accountable beyond this initial layer of insurance. However, these companies often argue that drivers are independent contractors, not employees, thus making these claims for contribution difficult and often decided in court. If you have been seriously injured as a pedestrian or cyclist by a rideshare driver, experienced legal counsel is a must to navigate the intricate landscape of ridesharing accident liability and ensure you receive due compensation.
WORK WITH WALNUT CREEK PERSONAL INJURY ATTORNEYS
When you’ve been injured in a ridesharing accident, know you have the right to seek compensation. The team at Casper, Meadows, Schwartz & Cook is here to help you achieve justice.
Learn more about how we can help with a ridesharing accident or schedule a case review by calling (925) 275-5592 or visiting our website.