Who Is Liable in a Rideshare Accident: The Driver or the Company?

When you are involved in a rideshare accident in Los Angeles, an important question arises: who is liable, the driver or the company? You may be wondering how to assign blame and seek compensation for your injuries. The answer is not straightforward, as both parties can share responsibility.

If you’ve been injured in a rideshare accident, it’s important to consult with a Los Angeles rideshare accident lawyer at J&Y Law to determine the liable party and pursue the compensation you need to recover from your injuries. Our team has 60 years of combined experience handling rideshare accidents. Read on to determine whether the driver or the company is liable in a rideshare accident.

The Rideshare Company’s Liability

As you examine the liability landscape in rideshare accidents, you may wonder: To what extent are rideshare companies responsible for the actions of their drivers? This requires a deeper examination of the role rideshare regulations and company policies play in shaping the company’s liability. 

Under current laws, rideshare companies are considered transportation network companies (TNCs), which subjects them to specific regulations. These regulations often require companies to implement certain safety protocols, such as background checks on drivers and vehicle maintenance standards. 

Company policies, like those addressing driver conduct and accident reporting, also come into play. You’ll find that the extent of a rideshare company’s liability hinges on whether they’ve fulfilled their duties under these regulations and policies. If they’ve failed to do so, they may be held accountable for their driver’s actions.

The Driver’s Liability as an Independent Contractor

Since you’re now shifting focus to the driver’s role in rideshare accidents, an important aspect to examine is the driver’s liability as an independent contractor. As a contractor, the driver is responsible for their actions and decisions while operating on the platform. 

This classification affects the extent of their liability in the event of an accident. Some important considerations regarding the driver’s liability as an independent contractor include:

• The driver is responsible for maintaining their vehicle, including ensuring it’s in good working condition and properly insured.
• As an independent contractor, the driver is not considered an employee of the rideshare company, which may limit the company’s liability.
• Depending on the specific circumstances, the driver’s own insurance policy may be primary in the event of an accident.

Our team of rideshare accident lawyers can help determine whether the driver or the company is liable in a rideshare accident.

Insurance Coverage for Rideshare Accidents in Los Angeles

When you’re involved in a rideshare accident, understanding the insurance coverage in place is important to determine who’s liable and what compensation you may be entitled to. Rideshare companies, such as Uber and Lyft, typically have multi-layered insurance policies that cover drivers, passengers, and third parties. 

The primary policy limits are usually $1 million, which includes $1 million in bodily injury coverage per accident, $1 million in property damage coverage, and $1 million in uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage. Additionally, some states require rideshare companies to maintain higher coverage limits. 

For instance, in California, the coverage limit is $1.5 million. It’s important to identify which policy applies to your specific accident and understand the coverage limits to increase the chances that you receive fair compensation for your injuries and damages.

Negligence and Negligent Hiring Claims in Los Angeles Rideshare Accidents

When you’re involved in a rideshare accident, you may have claims against both the driver and the rideshare company. Here’s what to know when determining whether the driver or the company is liable in a rideshare accident:

Driver Negligence Claims

Rideshare companies’ screening processes and driver supervision are put to the test when you’re involved in an accident with one of their drivers. As a passenger, you expect a safe ride, but sometimes driver behavior falls short. Some common examples of driver negligence include:

• Speeding or reckless driving
• Distracted driving, such as texting or talking on the phone
• Failure to obey traffic laws or signals
• Impaired driving due to drugs or alcohol

Rideshare Company Negligence

As you explore your options for seeking compensation after a rideshare accident, you may find that the company’s negligence played a significant role in the incident. Rideshare companies have a responsibility to guarantee rideshare safety by implementing and enforcing adequate company policies. 

Failure to do so can be considered negligence. If the company fails to provide adequate training or support to its drivers, leading to a preventable accident, they may be held responsible. By investigating the company’s policies and practices, you may uncover evidence of negligence that can support your claim for compensation.

Hiring Negligent Drivers

If you’ve been injured in a rideshare accident, you may wonder whether the company’s hiring practices contributed to the incident. 

Negligent hiring claims can be an important aspect of your case. Rideshare companies have a responsibility to guarantee their drivers are competent and safe. Failure to do so can lead to devastating consequences. Some potential red flags in a rideshare company’s hiring process include:

• Failing to conduct thorough driver background checks
• Ignoring safety protocols during the hiring process
• Neglecting to provide adequate training to drivers
• Overlooking driver misconduct or previous accidents

Proving Who is Liable in a Rideshare Accident

Rideshare companies like Uber and Lyft often argue that they are not responsible for their drivers’ actions, and proving liability in a rideshare accident claim can be complicated and challenging. 

You’ll need to gather evidence to demonstrate that the driver or the company was negligent, which can be an intimidating task. Understanding rideshare regulations and accident statistics can help you build a stronger case. 

For instance, you may need to prove that the driver violated traffic laws or failed to maintain their vehicle or that the company failed to conduct adequate background checks or provide sufficient training. You may also need to obtain documentation, such as police reports, witness statements, and medical records, to support your claim.

Learn More About If the Driver or Company Is Liable in a Rideshare Accident

In determining liability in a rideshare accident in Los Angeles, it’s important to examine the circumstances surrounding the incident. Both the driver and the company may be held accountable, depending on the evidence. At J&Y Law, we recognize that you need a comprehensive approach to determine liability in your rideshare accident case. 

Contact us today for a free consultation.