With rideshare companies becoming more popular, it’s important to know your rights if you’re ever injured by the negligence of a rideshare driver. Whether it’s Uber or Lyft, Wisconsin refers to these rideshare companies as “transportation network companies” and regulates their operations in Chapter 440 of the Wisconsin Statutes.
Your Uber and Lyft accident lawyers
Simply put, rideshare service drivers must, at a minimum, follow the rules of the road just like every other driver—but Wisconsin laws require brief screening of drivers, ensuring Uber, Lyft, and other rideshare drivers have a license and vehicle registration. The rideshare company must examine the driver’s driving history, perform a criminal background check, and prohibit drivers who have had more than three moving violations. Rideshare drivers also have a greater responsibility for safety and owe passengers the duty of the “highest degree of safety.” This heightened standard also applies to common carriers, taxis, and buses.
What you should do if your rideshare gets in an accident
- Seek medical attention: Prioritize your health and get a medical evaluation.
- Report the accident: Notify the rideshare company through the app, and call the police to get an official accident report.
- Gather evidence: Take photos of the accident scene and your injuries, and collect contact information from witnesses.
- Consult a lawyer: Personal injury lawyers specializing in rideshare accidents can help navigate the legal process and insurance claims.
Can you sue Uber for an accident as a passenger?
In cases that are being decided by a jury, the jury is instructed that a common carrier must exercise the highest degree of care for their safety. That means rideshare operators need to be critically careful in the manner in which they operate their vehicles, and if they fail to do so, they can be found liable. Most drivers do not have the liability insurance that is mandated for a rideshare operator, but rideshare companies are required to carry significant liability insurance if their passenger is injured in a vehicle. This heightened standard of care with significant insurance coverage should make it possible to receive fair compensation if you are injured as a passenger.
How your insurance may factor into an Uber or Lyft accident
If you have insurance on a vehicle of your own, your personal uninsured and underinsured motorist policy may provide coverage, even if you were in a rideshare. Some rideshares like Uber even provide insurance for passengers automatically. Sorting out the available coverages is something best left to an experienced personal injury attorney. The coverage provided under these circumstances is not always clear.
To be sure, ask the professionalsUnderstanding what to do after an accident involving a rideshare can be complicated. That’s why we recommend guidance from knowledgeable legal and financial professionals like Murphy & Prachthauser to guide you through the process to get you the results you deserve.