Rideshare Accidents: Protecting Your Rights as a Passenger or Driver

Rideshare services like Uber and Lyft have made getting around easier than ever. Whether you’re using them for convenience or as a driver to earn extra income, they’ve become a part of our daily lives. But like any form of transportation, accidents can and do happen.

Knowing what steps to take and understanding your rights can make a huge difference if you’re involved in a rideshare accident. If you’ve been injured in a rideshare accident in Wisconsin, whether as a passenger or a driver, understanding your options is critical to protecting your rights.

Understanding Your Rights as a Rideshare Passenger

As a passenger, you expect a safe and reliable ride. However, accidents can occur for many reasons, from driver error to other vehicles on the road. Wisconsin law provides certain protections for passengers, ensuring you’re not left to shoulder the financial burden of an accident caused by someone else’s negligence.

If you are a passenger in a rideshare vehicle and are injured in an accident, you have the right to seek compensation. Damages in a rideshare car accident case may include medical expenses, lost wages, and other costs related to your injuries. The question of who is liable—the rideshare driver, another driver, or even the rideshare company—depends on the circumstances of the crash. It’s important to know that, as a passenger, you are rarely considered at fault.

Passenger Safety Tips: Minimizing Risk

1. Verify Your Rideshare Driver and Their Car: Always double-check that the driver and vehicle match the information in your rideshare app. Scammers and predators sometimes pose as rideshare drivers.
2. Wear Your Seatbelt: It might seem obvious, but buckling up is crucial for your safety. Wearing a seatbelt is one of the simplest and most effective ways to protect yourself in case of an accident.
3. Choose a Safe Pick-Up and Drop-Off Spot: Avoid busy intersections or locations with heavy traffic when entering and exiting the vehicle.
4. Speak Up If You Feel Unsafe: If your driver is speeding, distracted, or making you uncomfortable, don’t hesitate to ask them to stop or slow down. Trust your instincts.
5. Share Your Location: Use your rideshare app’s safety features to share your ride details with a trusted friend or family member so they know where you are.

What to Do in Case of a Rideshare Accident as a Passenger

If you’re involved in an accident while riding in an Uber or Lyft vehicle, it can be an overwhelming experience. However, taking the right steps immediately following the incident can make a big difference in protecting your rights:

1. Ensure Everyone’s Safety: The first priority after any accident is making sure everyone is safe. If anyone is injured, call 911 immediately.
2. Document the Scene: Take pictures of the accident scene, any visible damage to the vehicles, and your injuries.
3. Report the Accident to the Rideshare Company: Most rideshare apps have a built-in feature to report accidents. This step is crucial for starting any insurance claims.
4. Seek Medical Attention: Even if you don’t feel seriously injured at the scene, it’s important to see a doctor afterward.
5. Gather Information: Obtain the rideshare driver’s insurance information and note the details of the rideshare trip, such as the driver’s name, the time of the ride, and the route.

Understanding Insurance Coverage

• During an active ride (while a passenger is in the vehicle): Uber and Lyft both provide up to $1 million in liability coverage and uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage. This can cover your medical expenses if you’re injured during the ride.
• When the app is on, but the driver is not yet matched with a rider: In these situations, the driver’s personal insurance is typically the primary coverage, but the rideshare company also provides additional coverage in some cases.
• When the app is off: The driver’s personal auto insurance is fully responsible. The rideshare company’s coverage is not in effect.

Rights and Responsibilities of Passengers and Drivers

Both passengers and drivers have rights and responsibilities when using or providing rideshare services. As a passenger, you have the right to:

• Expect safe and responsible driving.
• Be free from harassment or discrimination.
• Seek compensation if injured because of someone else’s negligence.

Drivers also have rights but carry more responsibilities, as they are tasked with ensuring the safety of their passengers and other road users. They must:

• Comply with all traffic laws.
• Maintain adequate insurance coverage.
• Keep their vehicle in safe, working condition.

Free Case Reviews from an Appleton Wisconsin Rideshare Accident Lawyer

If you’ve been injured in a rideshare accident, either as a passenger or driver, it’s important to understand your rights and options by consulting with a Wisconsin personal injury lawyer. Rideshare accidents can be legally complex, involving multiple insurance policies and determining liability among various parties. Whether the accident was caused by the rideshare driver, another driver on the road, or faulty vehicle conditions, you have the right to seek compensation for your injuries.

At Brian Hodgkiss Injury Lawyers, we can guide you throughout the entire legal process after a rideshare crash. Contact us online for a free consultation. We’ll provide you with the legal advice you need to protect your rights and secure the compensation you deserve. Our No Fee Guarantee® means we handle cases on a contingency basis, so you only pay if we win money for you.