Rideshare drivers may find their weekly pay increases when picking up and dropping off more passengers. Driving too fast or otherwise violating traffic laws might become a “standard operating procedure” for drivers wishing to transport a high volume of passengers. Unfortunately, many rideshare accidents in Minnesota and Wisconsin occur when the driver acts recklessly. Of course, some incidents happen when the rideshare driver isn’t at fault. No matter the situation, a passenger could suffer injuries in a collision, leading to questions about what actions to pursue.
Rideshare accidents and the aftermath
After a rideshare vehicle crash, injured victims or their representatives may seek to determine who is liable. If the rideshare driver stepped on the gas pedal to speed through a recently changed red light, the driver could be wholly liable for the crash. When the driver’s car gets hit by an intoxicated driver, the rideshare driver might not be at fault.
Whoever turns out to be at fault for the accident could face a liability claim. Victims might not realize more than one party may be liable. The rideshare driver, the rideshare company, another driver, and even a car’s manufacturer or the auto dealership might contribute to harm.
Filing a lawsuit against the negligent party could be one legal avenue to explore. Since the crash involves an automobile, auto liability coverage could cover the losses.
Rideshare insurance coverage points
Rideshare companies typically provide substantial insurance coverage to address claims after motor vehicle accidents when a driver transports a passenger. At the very least, the victim knows there’s sufficient insurance in place. However, the rideshare company’s liability coverage won’t pay for a third party’s negligence. That is, if another driver hits the rideshare car, the insurance claim goes against that other driver. That driver may be uninsured or underinsured, although the victim’s insurance policy may address such instances.
Although rideshare companies have insurance in place, the providers will often offer a low settlement amount. Litigation might be necessary to deal with such situations.