Who is Responsible for Injuries in an Uber, Lyft or Ride-sharing Car Accident?
Ride-sharing companies like Uber and Lyft have become all the rage over the last few years. In fact, Uber and Lyft now offer their services in every mid-size to major city in the U.S. and throughout the world. But, as with any new business based on emerging technology, there are certain concerns regarding liability that are unclear. Unlike taxi companies, who consider their drivers employees, ride-sharing companies claim their drivers are independent contractors. This can be a problem if an accident happens and insurance companies become involved. If you are involved in an accident with a ride-share car, or are injured in a ride-share accident, it is important to contact an experienced Dallas car accident attorney.
The expert legal team at Crowe Arnold & Majors, LLP has been representing clients for over 25 years and has won more than $110,000,000 in settlements and verdicts. If you feel you have a claim against a ride-share company, call us at (214) 231-0555 for a comprehensive, no charge consultation.
Ride Share Company Liability in Texas
Both Uber and Lyft have million dollar liability insurance policies for their drivers while they are transporting customers. Insurance coverage while ride share drivers are waiting for a ride request is a matter of controversy in many states. The gray area of when a ride share driver is logged on to the particular ride share app, but has not yet received a ride request, is often referred to as the “insurance gap.” Many insurance companies will deny responsibility for any accident that happens while a vehicle’s driver is logged onto a ride share app and, therefore, “on call.”
Driver Responsibility in Dallas
Anyone who transports people for profit needs a commercial driver’s insurance policy. Ride-sharing companies have been able, so far, to get around this issue. One current case that has gone to court is a wrongful death suit filed by some San Francisco parents whose six year old daughter was struck and killed by an Uber driver several years ago. Uber contends that because the driver was waiting for a ride request at the time, they and their insurance are not responsible. The driver’s personal insurance company is also claiming that they are not responsible. As we said before, new technologies can result in liability controversies in a static legal system.
While ride share drivers are subject to cursory background checks and vehicle inspections, they ARE NOT required to go through the rigorous licensing processes involved in obtaining a commercial limo or taxi drivers’ permit. This leaves open a window for unsafe drivers to transport innocent customers.
Call a Dallas Ride-sharing Car Accident Lawyer
When you consider all the legal questions surrounding the emerging ride share movement, it is a good idea to keep yourself protected. If you’re involved in an accident with a ride share driver, or injured in a ride share vehicle, it is important that you obtain expert legal representation. The Dallas personal injury attorneys at Crowe Arnold & Majors, LLP have been representing accident victims for over 25 years. We have won substantial settlements for our clients and will handle your case with passion. Call our offices today at (214) 231-0555 for a free comprehensive consultation. Our firm takes cases on a contingency basis, so you pay no legal fees up front.
