The convenience associated with rideshare rides from companies like Uber and Lyft is difficult to overstate. Since they made getting around with the touch of an app a reality, it’s difficult to remember how we used to get from place to place. While rideshare rides are great, rideshare accidents tend to be quite dangerous – and their claims are often complicated by virtue of involving a rideshare driver.
If you’ve been injured in a rideshare accident, 388CEDA offers comprehensive medical services and pain management that are designed to help you effectively and efficiently regain your health and well-being. That, however, is not all we do – we can also recommend an experienced rideshare accident attorney in Coral Gables – upon your request – who can help you present a solid claim in support of just compensation for the full array of damages you’ve suffered.
The Dangers Inherent to Rideshare Rides
There are a variety of reasons that hopping a ride on a rideshare can leave you more vulnerable to dangerous traffic accidents.
Rideshare Drivers Are Not Professional Drivers
While rideshare drivers do drive for a living, they are not professional drivers in any other sense of the word. This means that they don’t need a special driver’s license – nor do they need any special skills or experience to be paid to pick you up and drop you off. While this doesn’t necessarily mean that they aren’t capable of doing the job, it does mean that they may not be prepared to safely deal with everything a rideshare driver has to cope with (and there is plenty).
Rideshare Drivers Shoulder Considerable Responsibilities
Every motorist is required to accept serious responsibilities when they get behind the wheel, but rideshare drivers must take on these responsibilities and many additional tasks besides, including:
- Rideshare drivers do not get to pick and choose the rides they accept, which means that they’re often required to drive in areas with which they are not familiar. When combined with everything else these drivers must contend with, it can increase the risk of dangerous rideshare accidents happening.
- Rideshare drivers must interact with the rideshare app while behind the wheel, which – in some situations – can amount to a dangerous distraction.
- Rideshare drivers must enter and exit traffic frequently – in addition to making frequent stops – and all of these tasks can contribute to dangerous accidents.
- Rideshare drivers must locate passengers who are waiting for them in their midst, which is dangerous in and of itself.
Insurance Coverage Is Even More Complicated
If you are injured in a traffic accident as a result of someone else’s negligence, you’re facing difficult negotiations ahead with the involved insurance company. If the accident is a rideshare accident, the matter can be that much more complicated. Your rideshare driver does not work for the rideshare company, which helps the rideshare company dodge liability. There are, however, instances in which the company’s coverage comes into play. Consider the following situations:
- If the at-fault rideshare driver has a passenger or is on the way to pick one up at the time of the accident, the rideshare company’s insurance is responsible for covering the damages you suffer.
- If the at-fault rideshare driver is waiting to be connected with a passenger, the rideshare company’s coverage could kick in at the point that the driver’s personal coverage is exhausted.
- If the at-fault rideshare driver is not on the rideshare app – even if he or she just hopped off –the accident becomes a typical car accident and will proceed accordingly.
It’s important to note that knowing which insurance company to file your claim with does not mean the insurance company is going to make it easy for you to obtain the compensation to which you may be entitled. An experienced rideshare accident attorney in Coral Gables, however, can help you with this.
388CEDA Offers Comprehensive Medical Care and More
You have been injured by a negligent rideshare driver, which makes obtaining the medical attention that you need paramount. At 388CEDA, we offer comprehensive medical care that includes highly effective pain prevention. Additionally, if you are interested in consulting with an accomplished rideshare accident attorney in Coral Gables, we can recommend one for you upon your request. We are here for you, so please don’t put off calling us at 1-800-388-CEDA for more information about how we can help you today.
*388CEDA is not a law firm or an attorney referral service. 388CEDA does not provide legal advice, services, or legal representation to anyone including but not limited to visitors to this site or individuals/persons responding to our advertisements. In Florida, 388CEDA provides the following types of physician services: M.D., Orthopedic d Surgeons, Anesthesiologists, General Practitioners, Nurse Practitioners, & D.C., Chiropractic Physicians that document and treat individuals that have suffered injuries. Results may vary and are not guaranteed. If you have any questions or need assistance, please call one of our agents at 388CEDA. We work with experienced attorneys.
