Rideshare Accidents in Glendale: Who’s Responsible for Your Injuries?

Rideshare companies like Uber and Lyft are lifelines for many Glendale residents. Whether you use them as spare rides to the airport or grocery store or as a source of extra money as a driver, everyone is familiar with the companies and the rideshare system.

What happens if you’re a passenger and the driver is involved in an accident? Is the driver liable, Uber, or the other driver? Or are you on the hook for your injuries yourself?

California Rideshare Company Laws

California state law says that rideshare drivers are independent contractors. That is, they are not employees of the rideshare companies. At the same time, riders have a right to expect a safe, secure ride. Rideshare companies cannot accept anyone for a driver and then avoid responsibility by saying “that person didn’t work for us.”

Under California law, rideshare companies must have two types of insurance for their drivers:

• If the driver is “on the app” but has not accepted a trip, the insurance must have $50,000 per person or $100,000 per accident personal injury coverage

• When the driver accepts a trip, the coverage must provide $1 million coverage for death, personal injury, and property damage

• Drivers must have a valid California driver’s license and cannot have criminal convictions or histories of reckless driving

• Drivers cannot transport unaccompanied minors or single riders under 18 years of age

Uber Accidents

If a rideshare driver is involved in an accident, a personal injury attorney like those at Brand Law Group will investigate the accident to determine who is responsible. In any third-party accident like this, there are multiple parties involved:

• The Uber or Lyft driver

• The driver of the other vehicle

• The rideshare company

• Possibly the owner of the other driver’s vehicle

For instance, if you are involved in an accident where your Uber is hit by a commercial truck, there may be up to six parties involved in the investigation. This is why you must have expert legal advice.

As the passenger, you are not responsible for your injuries, provided you follow all the driver’s instructions. Whenever you ride in any hired vehicle, whether it’s an Uber, a bus, or an airplane, always follow the posted requirements. That includes wearing your seatbelt and not harassing the driver.

\After the Accident

California is an “at-fault” state for auto insurance. This means that whoever is responsible for the accident pays for all injuries. Once you’ve been in an accident, you submit your claim to the other driver’s insurance. In this case, you’ll need to submit the claim to Uber or Lyft or whoever holds the driver’s insurance.

Because of the difficulty in determining whose insurance should cover the payment, this is a task best left to your attorney. The lawyers at Brand Law Group can review your case and explain how your claim should be filed. Contact us today to discuss your case.