What Are Your Rights After a Rideshare Accident While Driving a Financed Car?
An ever-increasing number of people use the services of rideshare such as Uber and Lyft. For the passengers, rideshare services offer convenience, while for the drivers, it offers another income stream. However, rideshare accidents can often be complex, especially when the driver is operating a financed vehicle. In such cases, multiple layers of responsibility could come into play.
If you had a rideshare accident while driving a financed car, you need to understand your rights and responsibilities so you can make informed decisions throughout the legal process.
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Liability In Rideshare Accidents
Determining who is liable in a rideshare accident can be complicated because it may involve multiple at-fault parties. The rideshare companies, such as Uber or Lyft, could be held at fault for the accident if they are found to be negligent in driver screening. However, rideshare companies often protect themselves from liability by classifying the rideshare drivers as independent contractors, rather than employees.
The rideshare driver could be at fault if the accident happened due to their negligence or wrongdoing. Rideshare companies often require drivers to carry personal auto insurance and also offer company insurance to provide financial protection in case of accidents.
Passengers can sometimes share responsibility for an accident. For example, if a passenger distracts the driver or acts in a way that leads to the crash, they might be considered partially at fault. Third parties, such as other road users, could also be liable if their actions led to the accident.
Rights and Responsibilities Concerning Your Financed Car
If your finance vehicle is involved in a rideshare accident, the lender may have claims on the vehicle. Generally, a lender has a lien on the vehicle until the car loan is paid off. You must notify the lender about the accident, so they are aware of the damages. The lender may have certain requirements for the repair as it is in their best interest to maintain the vehicle value.
Most financed vehicles are required to be covered under auto insurance, so you have the right to seek compensation from your insurance provider to cover the damages. However, there could be deductibles and maximum limits with the insurance policy.
If your vehicle gets totaled in the accident your insurance provider doesn’t offer enough coverage, gap insurance can help cover the gap between a vehicle’s actual cash value and the outstanding balance on a loan or lease if your car is totaled or stolen. You can consult with an attorney who specializes in rideshare accidents to determine how the insurance claims process will be handled in such cases.
After a rideshare accident, you have the right to seek compensation for your damages. Not only can you claim vehicle damage, but you can also seek compensation for medical expenses such as treatment required for injuries suffered in the accident. If you had to take time off work, or your work was disrupted in any way that resulted in lost income, you can also claim this as part of your claim.
Insurance claims are typically the primary source of recovering damages in ridesharing accidents. As a rideshare driver, you also have the right to know all insurance coverage offered by the rideshare company. Uber, Lyft, and other rideshare companies offer liability insurance for different phases of the ride. If the accident happened while you were transporting a passenger, you can expect to get maximum coverage. If the driver is logged into the app but hasn’t accepted a ride request, then a lower liability coverage may apply.
You may run into issues with your vehicle car loan lender, so you need to be aware of the financing terms. You have the right to ask the lender to provide you with complete details of the financing terms. If you are having difficulty managing the financial impact of the accident, you can discuss the situation with your lender to check if they can offer options to defer payments temporarily.
Lastly, as a rideshare driver, you have the right to report the accident to the law enforcement officials. The police report for the accident can serve as crucial evidence in your injury claim. If you believe any insurance provider or the rideshare company is not treating you fairly, you also have the right to file a lawsuit against them.
Steps to Take After a Rideshare Accident Involving a Financed Car
As with any serious accident, your first step should be to ensure the health and safety of yourself and others involved in the incident. It is common for accident victims to not fully appreciate the severity of their injuries. Whether you have suffered minor or major injuries, you must seek medical attention. Call 911 so everyone involved in the accident can get the medical attention they need.
While you are at the accident site and in stable condition, you can start documenting the scene by taking detailed photos and videos, injuries, road conditions, and anything else relevant to your injury claim.
You also need to notify the rideshare company and provide them with details about the accident. The rideshare company may have specific procedures or protocols for you to report accidents, so you need to follow company policies. Additionally, you need to notify our insurance company about the accident. Even if the rideshare company will handle the insurance claim, you still need to notify your auto insurance provider.
As the accident happened with a financed car, you need to contact the lender and inform them about the accident. It may also help to review the financing agreement before you call them, as this document usually includes important information about what you’re responsible for if an accident occurs.
With all the complexities of claims and lawsuits involving rideshare accidents, it is best to engage a car crash attorney in Pittsburgh early in the process. They can guide you on each step of the process, and ensure you understand your rights and make informed decisions.
