Many people have come to depend on Uber, Lyft, and other smaller rideshare companies, appreciating their convenience and somewhat lower cost; however, being involved in a ridesharing accident is becoming increasingly common. If you have had the misfortune of being injured in a rideshare accident in the vicinity of Cincinnati, Jones Kahan Law, LLC, an accomplished personal injury practice, is here to help.
Our attorneys have a comprehensive understanding of rideshare accident law, and will be able to listen carefully to the details of the crash, examine police and medical reports, as well as the accident site, interview witnesses, and consult with experts in various fields who will be able to testify on your behalf if necessary. Because rideshare accidents involve unique insurance and legal issues, it is crucial to have us clarify your options.
Even though Uber and Lyft provide insurance for their drivers, drivers still must have their own personal insurance. Until March 2016, it was open to interpretation whether or not a rideshare company’s insurance would pay for collisions occurring when the rideshare driver was not actually transporting a passenger. This question was answered by an Ohio law passed at that time which determined that if the driver was logged into the company’s app at the time of the collision, the company’s insurance (with rare exceptions) covered any collisions. Ohio law requires all rideshare companies to carry $1 million in total liability insurance.
If, on the other hand, you are hit by a car driven by a rideshare driver who is not logged into the company’s app and who is therefore acting as a private individual, our attorneys will file a claim with his or her private insurance company. You should note that Jones Kahan can file a claim, or if necessary file a personal injury lawsuit for you against a rideshare driver whether you are a passenger in the rideshare vehicle, the driver of another vehicle involved in the collision, or a passenger in the other vehicle.
There is no doubt that rideshares are convenient. Instead of hailing a taxi and perhaps having to walk blocks, even in bad weather, to find one, when you use a rideshare, the driver comes to pick you up at your present location within minutes. Also, you can follow your rideshare driver’s progress toward you in real time on your smartphone. In addition, because drivers are using their own cars and because their income depends on passenger ratings, rideshare cars are likely to be cleaner and more comfortable than taxis and their drivers are likely to be more polite.
There are, however, definite downsides to being transported by rideshare vehicles. While Uber and Lyft claim that they perform initial and regular background checks on their drivers, the background checks for taxi drivers are much more stringent.
Many passengers feel safer in a taxicab because:
In a rideshare accident, just as in any traffic accident, injuries can be minor or catastrophic. The more terrible and long-lasting your injuries are, the more costly your rideshare accident is likely to be. Once we understand the parameters of all aspects of your injury, our personal injury attorneys will be able to strategize effectively to win you meaningful compensation for:
In addition to these compensatory damages, if the rideshare accident resulted from particularly egregious behavior on the part of the driver, the court may award you punitive damages as well. Punitive damages are designed to punish the at-fault driver and to discourage anyone else from engaging in similar behavior.
We know all too well how overwhelming a rideshare accident involving serious injuries can be, not only for you, but for your loved ones as well. Whether your trust was betrayed by someone to whom you entrusted your safety, or whether the rideshare driver was, to you, just another careless or reckless driver on the road, our attorneys are dedicated to winning your case. We want to see justice done and make sure you are compensated for all that you and your family have endured. We are also committed to making every effort to ensure your financial security into the future. Contact our offices for a free case evaluation.
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