With so many people traveling to Las Vegas for the Super Bowl, there will be a frenzy of rideshare drivers running fans from the airport to the hotel, restaurants, and the big game.
Rideshare programs are great, allowing people to reach their destinations economically, without the hassle and cost of committing to a rental car. But what happens if you’re in an accident while you’re a passenger?
Or, what if you’re another driver and get hit by a rideshare vehicle? Is the driver responsible since they were operating a private car? Or is Uber or Lyft responsible since the driver was working on the company’s behalf?
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Who Is Responsible?
The driver is indeed operating their own vehicle. However, the minute they activate the rideshare app, they drive on company time. The rideshare company’s insurance covers the car if they are actively driving for the company.
It can benefit you if the driver that hit you (or your at-fault driver if you’re a ride-sharing vehicle passenger) is on company time. Their liability limits are usually higher, which can secure you proper medical treatment should you have injuries.
On the other hand, if the driver forgets to start the rideshare app, where do you turn? That’s where things get murky.
What Do You Do In The Event Of An Accident?
The first step is to collect information from all vehicles involved. If you cannot gather evidence due to a severe injury, a police report should have much of what you need. Make sure to request a copy of it.
Otherwise, try to get as much of the following information as possible. Relay on your phone camera to capture this data quickly.
- Insurance information: Take a picture of insurance cards for all vehicles involved, including Lyft or Uber insurance information. Make sure to capture the name and phone number of the insurance company. You should also get the driver’s insurance policy number and vehicle identification number (VIN).
- Driver’s licenses: Get identification for all drivers involved. If they do not have a valid driver’s license (bicyclist, pedestrian, or unlicensed driver), get their name, date of birth, and contact information, including telephone number and address.
- Pictures of all involved vehicles: Get photos of each car or truck from all four sides so the claims adjuster can clearly identify any damage.
- Pictures of the accident scene: Be sure to capture anything that might have contributed to the accident, like obscured traffic signs, malfunctioning traffic lights, blind corners, gravel on the road, skid marks, and anything else that seems relevant.
- Contact information of witnesses: Get names, addresses, and phone numbers for any witnesses.
Additional Steps
- When things calm down, and you get a moment, document what happened. Write a detailed account of the accident. Automobile claims can last for months if there are injuries, and it is better to have an accurate account written down if you need to testify in court. Time can blur memories, but if you lock them down in writing, all you need to do is review your notes before the hearing.
- Contact a lawyer. If you are from out of town, search terms like auto “accident attorney Las Vegas” or “traffic accident attorney near me” to find a local law firm to handle your case. You may have an attorney in your home state, but they may not be licensed to practice law in Nevada. Even if you must return to your home state, your Las Vegas law firm can continue gathering evidence and acting on your behalf in your absence.
- Don’t talk to the other party, their insurance company, or their lawyer without having your lawyer present, whether in person or through technology (like a video call). The other side will record your statement and may use something you say out of context to minimize your claim or cheat you out of fair compensation. Your Las Vegas car accident attorney will protect your rights.
- Let the lawyer handle all communication. Not only does the law office act as a buffer between you and any unpleasantness or underhanded tactics, but they can also make sure all documents are completed before important deadlines.
- Save everything: doctor reports, medical bills, receipts for adaptive equipment like a cane or wheelchair, and documentation from work showing how many days you missed due to your injuries. The lawyer needs it all to document your case and support a fair settlement demand.
Final Thoughts
While we hope your trip to the Super Bowl is fun and the only excitement happens on the field, the increased number of drivers makes accidents more likely. Should you use a rideshare company or get hit by an Uber or Lyft vehicle, You don’t want to deal with a claim where either the driver or the rideshare company can wiggle their way out of paying for your medical bills. Find a local attorney to hold them both accountable and guide you through what could otherwise be a complicated and uncertain claim.
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