As more and more individuals leverage apps such as Uber or Lyft for transportation, the nuances of car accidents and personal injury claims can become complicated. Navigating the implications of both corporate and personal insurance can raise questions and concerns about who is held liable in the event of an accident. Here, automobile accident and personal injury attorney Douglas C. Lauenstein discusses the process of filing a personal injury claim from ridesharing accidents.

Who Is Held Liable in Ridesharing Accidents?

With most ridesharing apps, the driver is considered to be an independent contractor under the ridesharing company. When an accident occurs, the insurance company that the driver is contracted under will be the first to pay insurance claims for personal injury or damages. Companies such as Uber or Lyft carry third-party liability coverage of a maximum of $1 million for potential damages. They will most likely be held responsible when an individual has been hurt in an accident involving the vehicle of one of their contractors while using the app.

However, if an individual driver gets in an accident when they are not on the clock, claims can become complicated. At this point, both the company’s insurance and the individual’s personal insurance can be involved, both of whom may try and deny claims.

What Claims Can Be Filed?

If you were injured in a ridesharing accident, lawsuits can be filed for various reasons, including payment for your medical bills, rehabilitative care and even pain and suffering. If the driver was negligent, you can be entitled to coverage for bills and payments as a result of the accident, either under the driver’s personal insurance or the ridesharing company. In addition, if a loved one was killed in a ridesharing accident, the family can file a wrongful death lawsuit for the driver’s negligence. However, filing a personal injury claim with a ridesharing company or one of their independent contractors can become complex. In instances where it is not clear who was at fault, the ridesharing company and the driver may argue over responsibility in paying the claim.

How Do You File a Claim?

The process of filing a personal injury claim can be difficult, so it is best to enlist the help of a car accident attorney. The first step in filing a claim is determining if an insurance policy covers the accident. As stated previously, most ridesharing apps such as Uber or Lyft have a policy of up to $1 million. From there, move to hiring a personal injury attorney, such as qualified attorney Douglas C. Lauenstein. Having professional counsel in personal injury claims can alleviate the burden of confusion and stress when figuring out how to properly file a claim. If you have not reached a settlement from your personal injury claim, then consider filing a lawsuit against the responsible party.

Speak To Personal Injury Attorney Douglas C. Lauenstein To Learn More

The increase in popularity of ridesharing applications has led to greater convenience in transportation, but also brings legal implications that can become complex in the event of an accident. If you or a loved one has been injured in a ridesharing accident, seek the help of an attorney to guide you through the process. For more information on personal injury claims and automobile accidents, contact attorney Douglas C. Lauenstein today.