Who Bears the Burden? Decoding Liability in Ride-Sharing Collision Claims

Ride sharing has continued to boom through the last few years as a convenient way to get around. However, what happens if a rideshare vehicle gets into an accident? How is liability determined? While the majority of Uber and Lyft drivers prioritize passenger safety, accidents still regularly occur. Although most collisions involving rideshare vehicles only result in minor property damage, in certain cases there may be significant and life-altering physical and mental injuries that occur. Rhode Island law recently instituted certain changes making it easier for victims of such accidents to file a claim for compensation. Unfortunately, big rideshare companies are always looking out for their own bottom line and may be reluctant to own up for over-the-road accidents, which is why it’s important to consult with an experienced Rhode Island rideshare accident attorney for the optimal case outcome.

How Is Liability Determined After A RI Rideshare Accident?

Since Rhode Island is an “at-fault” state, the at-fault motorist and their insurance company in most automobile accidents are liable for damages resulting from the collision. Typically, accident victims also have the option of pursuing a claim against the employer of the other driver in the case that the crash occurred at the place of work of the motorist at-fault. However, Uber and Lyft try to escape responsibility by claiming that they simply offer platforms linking independent contractors with passengers. Rideshare operators are considered “transportation network companies” and not “transportation companies” under Rhode Island Law, meaning that Uber and Lyft are not necessarily liable for the majority of accidents involving driver negligence or misconduct, although they are mandated to perform background checks on their drivers and make sure that contractors have adequate insurance coverage.

Insurance Requirements For Rideshare Drivers

Most rideshare drivers generally are held to the same insurance standards as private motorists, and must have:

• Personal liability insurance with a $50,000 minimum coverage for personal injury per accident
• Personal liability insurance with a $25,000 minimum coverage for personal injury per person
• Personal liability insurance with a $25,000 minimum coverage for property damage

Additional Coverages Rideshare Operators Require

• If the driver is actively transporting a passenger and logged into a rideshare application, the liability policy covering the vehicle must total $1,500,000 and be payable for wrongful death, bodily injury, and property damage.
• If the driver is not actively transporting a passenger but logged into a rideshare application, they are required to have liability insurance covering $100,000 per accident and $50,000 per person

Contact Us Today

Liability and recovering compensation when rideshare vehicles are involved can be extremely complex. Your best chance at recovering the compensation you are legally entitled to is to work with an experienced Rhode Island rideshare accident attorney. A personal injury attorney like Tapalian Law can listen to your case to determine the next steps, help you investigate the case, gather evidence, represent you in court, and ensure the optimal outcome and maximum compensation you deserve while you rest and recuperate from your injuries. Call Tapalian Law to consult with a rideshare accident lawyer today.