Rideshare drivers continue to be a widespread presence on roads in Georgia. Those who prefer gig economy rides over public transportation encourage people looking for a side income to take to the road. Unfortunately, many of these drivers lack professional training, increasing the chances of collisions. People hurt by an accident with a rideshare driver could file a lawsuit or a claim against the available insurance policy.
Rideshare accidents
If a rideshare driver’s negligence injured someone, the victim could sue the driver. For example, a driver who makes an illegal turn and hits another vehicle might find the impacted car and the rideshare passengers take legal action. The rideshare company could be liable in some situations, such as when they continue to work with a driver with a history of reckless driving.
The negligent party might not be the rideshare driver. Commercial drivers could be the victims of others’ negligence. A drunk driver could hit the rideshare car, or a shoddy repair job from a careless mechanic might result in brake failures. Victims may sue multiple liable parties after motor vehicle accidents happen.
Rideshare claims
Uber and Lyft provide up to $1 million in liability coverage when drivers are en route to or carrying a passenger. The driver might also have an appropriate commercial insurance policy. Be mindful that the rideshare company’s insurance coverage could be significantly lower when the driver is not going to a pickup or carrying a passenger.
Filing an insurance claim against the driver becomes the only option because the rideshare company would not be responsible when someone completes a trip and shuts the app off. After all, they aren’t working as a rideshare driver at such times. Depending on the circumstances, someone who is injured in an accident with a rideshare driver may file a direct lawsuit against the rideshare company and the driver.
