Were you involved in a rideshare collision? From Uber to Lyft and other rideshare services in between, this mode of transportation has revolutionized the way people get around more conveniently and affordably.
However, while rideshare services have made transportation a lot more accessible, they have also introduced new challenges in terms of liability. If you were in a collision of this nature, you don’t have to figure out who was at fault. Let a Norwood car accident lawyer help instead.
At Jason Stone Injury Lawyers, we have been in business for 21-plus years. In that time, we have handled more than 15,000 cases and recovered over $250 million in compensation. Don’t hesitate to trust us to represent you as your Norwood rideshare accident lawyer.
The Rise of Rideshare Services and the Importance of Proving Liability in Massachusetts
Rideshare companies like Uber and Lyft have become an integral part of the transportation system in Massachusetts, including in Norwood. With the rise of smartphone apps, passengers have the means to summon a ride from virtually anywhere.
This has made it a lot easier for people to get around without owning a vehicle or relying on public transportation. Rideshare services have also provided a source of income for many drivers who use their personal cars to give rides to passengers.
However, despite the convenience, these services have led to new questions about liability when accidents occur. The good news is that your rideshare accident attorney will have the answers. They’ll know where responsibility lies and will be able to build a strong case on your behalf.
The Legal Framework for Rideshare Accidents in Massachusetts
Massachusetts law dictates how personal injury cases—including rideshare accidents—are handled. More specifically, the state follows a modified comparative negligence system. This means your compensation could be reduced if you are partially responsible for the crash.
This reduction in compensation will be in proportion to your degree of fault. You will also likely be barred from recovering compensation altogether if you are found to be 51% or more responsible for the collision.
When it comes to rideshare accidents, the law treats rideshare companies differently than traditional taxi services. This distinction often makes it more complicated to assign fault and pursue compensation in the event of an accident.
How Does Insurance Coverage Work in Rideshare Accidents?
A significant challenge your Norwood rideshare accident attorneys could face when representing you as a personal injury victim is understanding which insurance coverage applies to the situation. Rideshare collisions differ from regular car crashes in this way.
Unlike a regular car accident, where the at-fault driver’s insurance would cover the extent of your losses, the presence of rideshare companies complicates matters because multiple insurance policies are often involved.
Rideshare drivers are required to maintain their own auto insurance policies, but the coverage offered by rideshare companies depends on the driver’s status at the time of the accident. Let’s take a look at a few possibilities regarding insurance coverage in your case.
Driver Offline or Not Engaged in a Ride
If the rideshare driver is not using the app or has not yet accepted a ride request, their personal auto insurance policy would apply in the event of a collision. However, this is problematic if the driver’s policy does not provide enough coverage.
Some personal auto insurance policies will likely not cover accidents that occur while driving for a rideshare company, so it’s essential to look at the driver’s coverage to understand how to proceed.
Driver Online but No Passenger in the Car
When a rideshare driver has the app turned on and is waiting for a ride request but has not yet accepted a passenger, the rideshare company’s insurance policy will likely provide some coverage.
For example, both Uber and Lyft offer contingent insurance coverage, which applies to this situation. This insurance typically covers injuries up to a certain limit, but it will likely not be sufficient to cover the extent of all the damage that was done.
Driver Has Accepted a Ride Request and Is Transporting a Passenger
When the rideshare driver has accepted a ride request and is transporting a passenger, the rideshare company’s insurance policy is primary. This coverage usually provides higher limits, including liability coverage for injuries to passengers, other drivers, and pedestrians.
If you are a passenger in a rideshare vehicle or if you are involved in an accident with a rideshare driver, it’s crucial to contact Norwood rideshare accident attorneys who will figure out which insurance policies apply and if they will cover your losses.
Types of Rideshare Accident Injuries Your Rideshare Accident Lawyer in Norwood Will Likely Help You Recover
Accidents in rideshare vehicles often result in a wide range of injuries. From minor cuts and bruises to permanent damage and life-altering conditions, here are examples of injuries that collision victims like you often sustain in rideshare-related incidents:
- Whiplash and neck injuries
- Back and spinal cord damage
- Head injuries
- Broken bones
- Internal injuries
- Emotional distress
Contact Our Rideshare Accident Law Firm in Norwood for Legal Advice and Guidance
In rideshare collision cases, speaking with insurance companies and determining liability are two of the many overwhelming aspects, especially for people dealing with the legal system for the first time. That’s where our Norwood rideshare accident lawyers come into play.
At Jason Stone Injury Lawyers, we understand how stressful situations like these are, but we’re here to help. The other side is already working against you, but don’t let the at-fault party’s insurance company take advantage of you. Let us defend you instead.
We offer no-obligation consultations, and we operate on a contingency fee basis, meaning you never need to reach into your pocket to pay us. Call us 24/7, day or night. We take care of our own because Massachusetts is our home. That’s the Stone Cold Guarantee®.
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