Are Rideshare Companies Liable for Their Drivers’ Negligence?

In the past few years, ridesharing apps like Uber and Lyft have changed how we think about getting around Washington. Inexpensive rides are only a few taps away with the help of these new technologies.

Unfortunately, as with any other motorist in Washington, a rideshare driver is just as prone to crashes and accidents. Whenever these drivers become involved in a negligent collision, knowing how liability and insurance may affect your claim is essential.

Rideshare App Insurance Policies

Apps like Uber provide liability insurance for drivers, but the circumstances behind the crash will largely dictate how these policies go into effect.

Generally, drivers on rideshare apps must be “logged in” and “working” at the time of an accident for a company to become liable for any property damage and personal injury.

Though rideshare drivers must provide their own car insurance, it becomes the company’s responsibility to pay for injuries and property damage whenever these costs aren’t covered.

Rideshare App Liability Coverage

Uber, one of the most well-known rideshare companies, covers accidents whenever a driver is online and engaged in:

• Roaming to find a ride
• Driving passengers to their destination
• Waiting to pick up a passenger

The amounts covered by Uber’s “umbrella” insurance when drivers are searching for rides include values up to:

• $50,000 for bodily injury per person involved
• $100,000 for bodily injury per accident
• $25,000 for property damage per accident

Whenever an Uber driver is carrying a passenger, the amount of liability coverage increases to $1,000,000 in third-party liability.

Although rideshare app drivers are not formally recognized as employees by most service providers, whenever they become involved in an accident due to negligence or distracted driving, the apps make exceptions and bear liability.

Additional Liability for Rideshare Accidents

On top of standard liability for negligence, companies like Uber and Lyft may be liable for additional losses whenever they fail to meet safety standards, such as when:

• A poorly equipped or dangerous vehicle was permitted on their platform
• A driver with a poor driving record was employed
• The app failed to provide safety information
• A background check failed to notify the company of any imminent threats

Whenever any of these factors result in or contribute to an accident, rideshare companies may be held liable for the damages suffered.

Rideshare Crash Attorneys in Vancouver, WA

Consult with Harlan Law today if you were involved in a crash with a rideshare driver.

Our specialized personal injury attorneys team can help you file a claim and recover any losses you suffered from a negligent Uber or Lyft driver.