It’s extremely tragic and unfortunate whenever there is an accident. The amount of loss and tragedy a person and a family goes through is beyond words. Whether it is you or somebody at fault, the trauma it inflicts will stay for a long time. In case of an accident, as a driver of a Rideshare company, one needs to be aware of Rideshare driver lawsuit, mass tort cases and the legalities associated with it. Can you sue Uberor Lyft? What are the possible legal options available? There will be several such questions running in our mind.
A rideshare driver lawsuit usually refers to legal action taken against a rideshare company or its drivers. These are often related to accidents, assaults, or any other employment disputes. Rideshare driver lawsuit can involve passengers, drivers, or other parties affected by the actions of rideshare drivers.
The main point in any rideshare driver lawsuit is to understand who is responsible for paying after an accident. The passenger has a right and can file a rideshare driver lawsuit if the driver is at fault.
The legal rights for the drivers will also be varying based on the status during the time of the accident. If the driver was on a trip or online, he will have certain rights or can approach for help from Uber or Lyft.
But if you the person is offline, there are grim or no chances, since it is most likely to be considered under personal insurance.
Things also differ depending on whether you are a full-timer or a part-timer. Sometimes the drivers are hired as Independent contractors but not as employees. In this case a rideshare driver lawsuit becomes slightly complicated as companies can avoid taking direct responsibility and instead put the blame and burden towards insurance companies or the drivers themselves.
There are chances that some these companies provide the drivers with a third-party liability insurance, which means if you hit someone, their damages are covered. But if your own car is damaged, it is mostly your problem unless you have extra insurance. Many drivers only find this out after their first accident, and it can totally come as a shock.
Drivers do not know about mass tort cases and how they can help them.
Mass tort cases are those legal actions where many people sue a company for similar problems. Drivers can fight against unfair treatment, especially in cases of violence or injury caused by passengers. Some examples of Mass tort cases include when Uber and Lyft do not verify the drivers background properly or have not cared enough to protect drivers from any untoward situations.
Certain Legal aspects the drivers should be aware of are discussed below :
- Many drivers think Uber or Lyft will help them in any accident. But when you are offline, it is just like any personal trip. Your private insurance covers everything. The rideshare company has no legal role here. So, make sure you have decent personal insurance that covers both vehicle damage and third-party injury in case of an accident.
- When you are waiting for a ride, Uber and Lyft offer only third-party liability coverage. This means if you cause damage to someone else, it’s covered up to a limit. But what about your own vehicle damage or your medical expenses? That’s your responsibility unless you have personal comprehensive insurance. Many rideshare driver lawsuits happen because drivers expect full protection in this stage and are disappointed later.
- In case of an accident, it is extremely important to keep all the proofs, photos, videos, and all the accident details with you. It will bring a lot of authenticity and chance for a fair process.
- After accident, you have the right to sue whoever caused the accident. whether it’s another driver, or sometimes, even your own insurance if they reject claims. You don’t always have to think about suing Uber or Lyft. Many drivers win cases by focusing on third-party claims.
- You can sue Uber or Lyft in negligence cases or incase they fail to comply to any of the clauses which offer drivers protection.
- In certain special situations, drivers have filed a rideshare driver lawsuit directly against Uber or Lyft. These are instances when Uber fails to remove unsafe passengers despite complaints, or when driver safety systems don’t work properly. These are also the kind of cases where mass tort cases happen with many drivers joining together. While mass tort cases are common among passengers, they are useful when a company’s mistake harms many drivers.
Mass tort cases can help you get justice faster instead of fighting alone. - The biggest mistake drivers make is assuming the company will handle everything. Always keep your personal insurance updated, understand the basics of a ridesharedriver lawsuit, and don’t be afraid to speak to a lawyer after a serious accident. A quick legal consultation can save you from many financial troubles later.
Conclusion:
To keep it simple, the answer to can Uber or Lyft be sued after an accident is both yes and no. It is dependent on various factors which one needs to be aware of. In the end, driving for Uber or Lyft means you have to protect yourself. Learn about rideshare driver lawsuit options, understand mass tort cases, and always keep yourself insured. It is always smart to speak to a good lawyer before making decisions, especially when medical bills or income loss is involved. If something goes wrong, at least you will know about your next step.
