In Akron, Ohio, public transportation is limited to a fleet of local-driving buses known as the METRO Regional Transit Authority. Buses are slow-traveling and only serve specific routes for getting around town, so the need to rely on private cars, bikes, walking, and rideshare services makes sense.
For many people, this increases convenience by a landslide but can pose a risk to others. For example, the MIT Technology Review says services like Uber and Lyft are the cause of traffic deaths in the United States due to an increased number of cars on roadways.
If you or a loved one has experienced an accident while using a service such as Uber or Lyft, you can speak with a lawyer who might be able to help you with your recovery needs. Ben Crump Law, PLLC, can handle the litigation process that can unfold following an accident with a ridesharing service.
Call (844) 730-0233 to schedule a free consultation with a team member and learn more information about working with an Akron ridesharing accident lawyer on your case.
Insurance and Rideshare Accidents
Insurance for rideshare companies was a legal gray area until 2016, when Ohio legislators enacted House Bill 237. Ohio is like most other states in terms of car insurance requirements: All drivers must have some form of insurance coverage or proof of financial liability in case an accident happens.
For most people, a standard car insurance policy covers this with a minimum dollar amount of coverage for bodily injuries or death of $25,000 for one person and $50,000 for two or more people, plus $25,000 for any property damage.
Additionally, Ohio follows at-fault insurance rules. If a vehicle accident happens, both parties can seek compensation from the insurance company of the driver who caused the accident. The driver who is not at fault can also file an insurance claim with their insurance company. They also have the option of filing a personal injury lawsuit against the at-fault driver.
Transportation Network Companies and Insurance
One common issue with rideshare vehicles is insurance. It is an issue for drivers and riders alike, who need to know what to do if an accident happens. House Bill 237 clarified how to handle a car accident with a rideshare service with certain exceptions.
This bill made Transportation Network Companies (TNCs) like Uber and Lyft responsible for providing background checks and insurance guarantees for anyone driving for the companies. The companies must provide a minimum of $1 million in insurance coverage per driver in the event of an accident.
However, the issue can be even more complicated if you use a rideshare company that is not widely known. One could see the benefits of supporting the next big tech rideshare company or having ethical issues with some of the bigger names in the game. Using lesser-known companies may come with an unexpected caveat.
According to the Insurance Information Institute (III), some rideshare services do not qualify as Transportation Network Companies. This can be a problem for drivers who choose to provide services for non-TNCs that do not provide them with some form of insurance coverage. Instead, these drivers are liable for purchasing their own commercial vehicle insurance.
Uncertainty about rideshare insurance coverage can make for a challenging recovery process after an accident. Despite the complications of a rideshare accident, a lawyer can manage your case and help you seek recovery from any injuries or losses. Call Ben Crump Law, PLLC, today to learn how you can start working with an Akron ridesharing accident lawyer.
For a free legal consultation with a ridesharing accidents lawyer serving Akron, call (844) 730-0233
Legal Options for Rideshare Accident Victims
Victims of rideshare accidents could benefit from the support of a lawyer who can handle much of the legal process on their behalf. Facing the legal representatives and other people who work for rideshare corporations can be intimidating, but it does not have to be.
A lawyer can present and summarize the details of your case to communicate what happened and how you were affected. An attorney can also negotiate for a settlement with insurance companies on your behalf.
Several scenarios can play out when you are negotiating for compensation after a rideshare vehicle accident. For example:
- The insurance payout does not fully cover the cost of your losses.
- Your accident claim is unfairly denied or underpaid.
- Your injuries and losses are diminished by the driver, insurance company, or rideshare company.
The above list is not exhaustive of what can happen after a rideshare accident. No matter how complicated your case is, Ben Crump Law, PLLC, can use the facts of your unique circumstances to defend your rights.
In many cases, personal injury claims for car accidents do not escalate to in-person court proceedings. However, each case is different. It is important for our lawyers to evaluate findings and develop a legal strategy to hold up to the highest judicial standards. You can handle difficult rideshare accident cases alone, but a lawyer’s thorough analysis of your case could help ease the burden of the litigation process.
Akron Ridesharing Accident Lawyer Near Me (844) 730-0233
Hold Liable Parties Accountable
Working with a lawyer through something like a ridesharing accident can help you as an individual and help set the legal precedent for other cases like yours. Litigation surrounding ridesharing accidents can seem complicated, and that could be because, even years after rideshare companies first became popular, some of the issues surrounding them are still vague.
At Ben Crump Law, PLLC, we believe accident victims should be least impacted by what happened. Call (844) 730-0233 to learn more about an Akron ridesharing accident lawyer’s services during a free consultation.
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