Who is Liable in Rideshare Accidents: The Driver or The Company?

The liability in rideshare accidents can vary depending on the circumstances of the accident and the laws in the jurisdiction where it occurred. According to car accident attorneys at Mountain States Injury Law, in Colorado, both the rideshare driver and the rideshare company may bear some level of responsibility.

It’s important to consult with a car accident attorney to determine the liable parties in your rideshare accident. An attorney can help you hold all responsible parties liable, offer legal guidance, and ensure fair compensation for your damages. Here is what you should know about rideshare accidents and liability.

Rideshare Driver Liability

A rideshare company considers rideshare drivers to be independent contractors rather than employees. As such, they are generally responsible for their own actions while driving, including any negligent or reckless behavior that leads to an accident.

If a rideshare driver causes an accident due to their negligence, they can be held personally liable for the damages resulting from the accident..

Rideshare Company Liability

Rideshare companies, such as Uber or Lyft, may also have liability in rideshare accidents in certain situations. Even though rideshare drivers are independent contractors, the rideshare companies may be held vicariously liable for the actions of their drivers under the legal concept of “vicarious liability” aka “respondeat superior.”

This means that if the driver was acting within the scope of their duties as a rideshare driver at the time of the accident, the rideshare company may be held responsible for the driver’s actions. In Colorado, rideshare companies are required to maintain liability insurance coverage that applies when the driver is logged into the app but has not yet accepted a ride request.

Additionally, once a ride request is accepted, the company’s insurance policy generally provides coverage during the duration of the ride. If the wronged party can prove that the company failed to screen its drivers properly or if they were aware of any misconduct or safety violations by the driver, the company could be held partially responsible for the accident.

Other Legal Considerations

The liability of rideshare companies can be subject to legal interpretation and may vary depending on the local laws and regulations. In some jurisdictions, rideshare companies may argue that they are technology platforms connecting drivers and passengers rather than transportation providers, which could affect their liability.

The best way to know if you can hold both the rideshare driver and the rideshare company liable for your car accident is to consult with a personal injury attorney who specializes in rideshare accidents and is familiar with the laws and regulations of your jurisdiction.

A car accident attorney can provide you with the necessary guidance based on the specific details of your case and help determine the potential liability of the rideshare driver or the rideshare company involved in the accident. Your rideshare car accident attorney will fight to ensure that you are properly compensated for your injuries and other losses.