Compared to other transportation options like busing and taxi services, ridesharing is relatively new to the scene. In the short amount of time it has existed, ridesharing has rapidly altered the way residents get around.
With the rapid growth of this form of transportation also comes an increase in traffic accidents. These accidents cause severe injuries and substantial property damage. According to Forbes, rideshare accidents cause roughly $10 billion in economic losses involving fatal accidents. The full economic impact of ridesharing collisions is impossible to measure.
If you have suffered injuries due to a negligent rideshare driver, you have the legal right to seek monetary compensation for your injuries. The team at Ben Crump Law, PLLC, can assist you in your pursuit of justice and a fair monetary award. To discuss your case, call (844) 730-0233 today to speak with a Louisville ridesharing accident lawyer.
Common Rideshare Accident Injuries
Common injuries in rideshare accidents are like those in standard vehicle collisions for one obvious reason—drivers use their vehicles when transporting riders. Like with any accident, a collision with a rideshare operator has the potential to injure virtually any part of the body. Some of the injuries that regularly occur in these collisions include:
- Broken bones, including ribs, arms, legs, or wrists
- Neck injuries
- Spinal damage and paralysis
- Severe burns
- Lacerations, scrapes, and bruises
- Internal bleeding or organ damage
- Concussions and other traumatic brain injuries
Significant financial implications come with any of these injuries. On top of the cost of medical treatment, many accident victims also face lost income, disability expenses, and other costs.
Kentucky is a “no-fault” state, meaning you must first file an injury claim after a car accident with your insurance company. However, once you receive your final personal injury protection (PIP) payment, you have two years to file a lawsuit per KRS § 304.39-230.
A Louisville ridesharing accident lawyer can help you evaluate your condition and identify the compensation you could recover. From hospital bills to missed paychecks, an attorney could help make you financially whole following a collision with a rideshare driver. Contact Ben Crump Law, PLLC, today to get started with your claim.
For a free legal consultation with a ridesharing accidents lawyer serving Louisville, call (844) 730-0233
Accident Risks Among Rideshare Drivers
The reasons for a ridesharing accident vary. They can result from many of the same hazards that lead to most auto accidents. However, some factors make rideshare drivers more likely to cause a crash compared to other motorists:
- Drowsiness: Tired drivers are a serious risk behind the wheel. According to the American Academy of Sleep Medicine (AASM), the physical symptoms of fatigue (e.g., falling asleep at the wheel or reduced reaction time) cause many rideshare accidents. Rideshare drivers regularly drive fatigued due to the push to maximize income.
- Distractions: Every driver faces potential distractions while behind the wheel. Ridesharing often amplifies these distractions. Traveling in unfamiliar parts of town, managing the rideshare app, and dealing with passengers can contribute to an accident.
- Aggressive driving: Due to the push to complete rides as quickly as possible to earn as much as they can during their active hours, many rideshare drivers operate their vehicles aggressively. They might speed, tailgate, fail to yield the right-of-way, or drive in other reckless ways.
- Drugs and alcohol: Intoxicated driving is a common factor in vehicle collisions, and rideshare drivers are not immune to these substances’ effects. Intoxicated drivers see their decision-making ability fail them in critical situations and often lose the reaction time necessary to avoid accidents.
- Bad weather: Sometimes, the weather plays a vital role in causing a rideshare accident. Accumulated snow or heavy rain can cause an accident, especially with a rideshare driver unfamiliar with a specific part of town.
Louisville Ridesharing Accident Lawyer Near Me (844) 730-0233
Insurance Requirements for Louisville Ridesharing Drivers
The liability insurance implications of a rideshare accident can become more complicated than a standard collision. While rideshare drivers perform a business function, rideshare companies consider them independent contractors, so you might want to consult a Louisville ridesharing accident lawyer to determine whether you can hold the company liable after a crash.
Rideshare companies like Uber and Lyft offer drivers coverage through their insurance, but exceptions might apply, and their policy limits might not adequately cover your injuries. The driver might have taken out a rideshare insurance policy, but the availability and amount of coverage with these policies vary.
Depending on which of the three phases of ridesharing that the at-fault driver was in, that will determine if their liability coverage will pay for your accident-related injuries.
Phase 1
The first phase involves a driver using their vehicle purely for personal reasons and not using the app to locate or transport a passenger. If they cause an accident during this phase, the rideshare company will not provide any liability coverage. Their personal liability policy would cover the accident.
Phase 2
The second phase occurs when a driver actively seeks riders but has not yet accepted a trip. If that driver causes an accident, the rideshare policy is in effect. However, many policies cap this coverage at $50,000 per injured person, $100,000 in bodily injury coverage for the entire accident, and $25,000 for property damage. These limits might not cover all the damages you incur.
Phase 3
The third phase involves a driver in the process of transporting a customer to their destination. As long as a customer is in the car, the ridesharing companies must provide up to $1 million worth of coverage for bodily injuries. This coverage also extends to uninsured and underinsured motorist (UIM) claims. Phase three begins when the customer enters the vehicle and does not conclude until they leave.
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You Could Pursue Compensation Following a Louisville Ridesharing Accident
If you choose to pursue an insurance claim or lawsuit against the at-fault rideshare driver, you do not have to do so alone. A Louisville ridesharing accident lawyer could help you recover compensation and assist you every step of the way.
The attorneys at Ben Crump Law, PLLC, look forward to discussing your case with you. With our experience, we can advise you on your claim’s value and the steps you need to take to obtain the compensation you deserve. To get started, call (844) 730-0233 to schedule a free consultation with a team member.
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