Rideshare Accidents

A rideshare accident is just as likely to happen as in any other car accident scenario. One concern about a rideshare accident is the multiple number of persons injured during the accident due to the increased number of passengers. Another concern is the complex insurance issues, especially if the rideshare involves a company. In general, carpooling is a great way to save gas money and extend the life of your vehicle by putting fewer miles on it. Carpooling reduces the number of vehicles on the road which means there is less carbon and other gasses being released into the air. It's also a great way to get to know other people who are commuting to the same places or general area each day. With all of the Park & Ride lots across the state of Wisconsin, it's no surprise that carpooling has become very popular and convenient in our area.

Park and Ride Carpooling Accidents

A rideshare accident can be complex, however, as the injured passenger rights and claims may vary depending on the totality of the circumstances. Because companies such as Uber contract with drivers who use their own personal vehicles, when an accident arises the facts of the case will determine the complex insurance coverage issues. The case depends on the totality of the circumstances because companies like Uber are a driving service, so part of the issue is whether the driver was in the course of employment when the accident occurred. As a passenger, you do have a legal right to seek compensation under Wisconsin law if you are injured in a car crash as a result of the carelessness or recklessness of a rideshare driver or of another motorist.

Uber Accident

The newest trend when it comes to a reliable, 24-hour transportation is to "request" or "order" a driving service such as Uber. This type of rideshare arrangement has become extremely common and is utilized by millions of people daily. The perks of such services allow for ease of obtaining reliable transportation, yet such services also cause for a new set of issues to arise when one is a passenger that is involved in an accident within the driving service’s car. If you have been injured while a passenger in the driving service’s vehicle, you may be entitled to compensation. Even as a passenger, you should not have to cover the expenses for treatment and other damages due to the driver’s negligence.

Currently, most rideshare companies, such as Uber, maintain and carry auto liability insurance coverage of up to $1 million dollars for those passengers who are injured due to the driver’s negligence while on the job. Additionally, Uber requires their drivers to carry supplemental personal auto insurance that complies with the laws of Wisconsin. Some drivers may even carry a commercial liability policy as well. Knowing which policy applies depends specifically on the facts and is an assessment that should be handled by an experienced attorney.