Understanding Liability in Rideshare Accidents 
Liability in rideshare accidents is not always straightforward. Depending on the situation, several parties may be found responsible. Generally, the potential parties that could be held liable include the rideshare driver, the rideshare company, or a third-party driver. In most cases, it’s a combination of factors that determine who is ultimately responsible for the crash.
The rideshare driver can be held accountable for an accident if they are negligent. This could involve a wide range of behaviors, including distracted driving, failing to obey traffic laws, or driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs. In many cases, the driver’s personal insurance would cover any damages, but there are instances when the rideshare company’s insurance might also come into play.
The rideshare company, like Uber or Lyft, is typically not responsible for accidents caused by their drivers. However, there are certain situations where the company may be held liable. For example, if the driver was actively using the rideshare app during the accident, the company’s insurance could provide coverage. But if the driver was off-duty or not logged into the app, the responsibility would likely fall to the driver’s personal insurance.
In some cases, a third party could be the cause of the accident. For example, if another driver caused the crash by running a red light or failing to yield, the other driver would be responsible for the damages. In such situations, the rideshare driver’s insurance and the third party’s insurance may both be involved in the claim.
When Is the Rideshare Company Liable?
While Uber and Lyft are generally not liable for accidents caused by their drivers, there are situations where the rideshare companies could be held responsible. The most common situations where this could occur are when the driver is logged into the app or actively transporting a passenger. When the rideshare driver is logged into the app and waiting for a ride request, the rideshare company’s insurance policy may apply if an accident occurs. In this situation, the driver is technically working for the company, even if they are not yet transporting a passenger. If the driver accepts a ride request and is en route to pick up the passenger, the company’s insurance is typically responsible for covering the damages if the driver causes an accident. However, if the driver is not logged into the app and is driving for personal reasons, the rideshare company will not be liable. In these cases, the driver’s personal insurance policy is the one that will cover the damages. This is why it’s important for anyone involved in a rideshare accident to understand whether the driver was logged into the app at the time of the incident. In the case where the rideshare driver is actively transporting a passenger, both the driver and the company may be held responsible. Uber and Lyft provide insurance coverage for their drivers during these times, but there may still be situations where additional parties are involved or the driver’s actions contributed to the accident.Tennessee’s Rideshare Laws
Tennessee law requires rideshare companies to carry a minimum level of insurance coverage for their drivers. While the state has made significant strides in addressing the legal framework surrounding rideshare services, there is still some ambiguity around rideshare accident liability. The law continues to evolve as ridesharing becomes more ingrained in daily life. This means that each accident is unique, and an attorney may need to evaluate the specific details of the crash to determine who is liable under Tennessee law.
Garth Best was extremely helpful in my case. He explored and explained everything to me clearly and never stopped checking out every option. I am absolutely grateful I chose him as my attorney. Best and Brock are a great choice for representation. Thanks again.
- Jeremy Forgey
Matt Brock did an outstanding job with my case. Very thorough and knowledgeable attorney, highly recommended. Its very obvious through my interactions with him that he has the experience and knowledge to win in court. I will not go anywhere else. Great job, much appreciated.
- Chris Griffin
Steps to Take After a Rideshare Accident
If you are involved in a rideshare accident, it’s important to take the right steps to protect your legal rights and ensure that you receive fair compensation for any injuries or damages. The following steps can help guide you through the process:Call 911 Immediately
No matter who is at fault for the accident, it’s important to contact emergency services right away. Calling 911 will alert law enforcement to the scene, and officers can file a report, which may be necessary for insurance claims or legal proceedings later. Additionally, emergency medical services may be required if anyone is injured in the crash.Related Videos
Common Mistakes in a Personal Injury Claim
Choosing a Personal Lawyer