How to Handle an Accident Involving a Rideshare Driver

If an Uber or Lyft driver causes an accident in Mississippi, injured victims may have recourse. However, they will generally take action against the driver who caused the accident as opposed to the rideshare company. This is because rideshare drivers are generally classified as independent contractors rather than employees. Passengers who are hurt in an accident involving an Uber or Lyft driver are urged to call 911 and document as much about the crash as possible.

In many cases, this will include getting the name of the driver as well as a receipt showing the time and date when the ride took place. If a driver causes the accident while on duty, passenger victims are covered by a $1 million insurance policy. Both Uber and Lyft offer the same type of protection to those who are hurt by their drivers.

It is important to point out that an injured victim would likely sue the driver and then make a claim under the policies offered by Uber and Lyft. However, if a driver is using a vehicle for personal reasons, the policy generally does not cover damages incurred by a victim. The same may be true if a driver is active but does not have a passenger in the vehicle. In Washington and California, policies are active whenever a driver is active on a rideshare app.

Those who are in a car accident caused by a negligent driver may make a claim for medical expenses and other damages. This is generally true whether the driver is using the vehicle for professional or personal reasons. However, if a driver is using a vehicle for work, however, an employer or other parties may be liable for damages as well.