How Do You Establish Fault in a Rideshare Accident? 

A rideshare accident can turn your life upside down in an instant. One moment you’re a passenger on your way to a destination, and the next you’re dealing with injuries, confusion, and mounting medical bills. The path to compensation isn’t always clear, especially when multiple parties and insurance companies are involved. Understanding who is at fault is the first and most critical step, and it can be a complex process.

If you’ve been injured in an Uber or Lyft accident, you are likely feeling unsure of what to do next. At the Law Office of Beth Sibley, PLLC, our attorney helps rideshare accident victims seek the damages they’re entitled to. Let us help you confidently navigate the next steps of establishing fault:

• Document the Scene: Photograph vehicle damage, injuries, and gather contact information from any witnesses and all parties involved.
• Obtain a Police Report: Secure an official police report; it provides critical details regarding fault and circumstances.
• Preserve Rideshare App Data: Save driver information, trip details, and any in-app communications to support your claim.
• Prioritize Medical Attention: Your medical records establish the direct link between the accident and your injuries, strengthening your case.
• Consult Legal Counsel: An experienced attorney can analyze accident details, gather evidence, and build a strategic case to establish fault.

Who Can Be Found Liable for a Rideshare Accident?

Determining fault in a rideshare accident is more complicated than in a standard two-car collision. Several parties could potentially be held responsible, including:

• The Rideshare Driver: If your driver was speeding, distracted, or otherwise driving negligently, they may be found at fault.
• Another Driver: Often, the driver of another vehicle is the one who causes the crash. In this case, their personal auto insurance would be the primary source of compensation.
• The Rideshare Company: While companies like Uber and Lyft classify their drivers as independent contractors to limit their liability, they can sometimes be held responsible. This might occur if they failed to conduct a proper background check or allowed a driver with a known poor safety record on their platform.

Insurance companies are well aware of the law and often use it to deny claims or pressure victims into accepting low settlements. They may try to shift a small portion of the blame onto you, the injured party, to avoid paying altogether. This makes it absolutely essential to build a strong case that clearly establishes the other party’s complete fault.

How Do You Prove Fault?

To successfully establish fault, you must prove that another party breached their “duty of care.” All drivers have a legal obligation to operate their vehicle safely and avoid harming others. To demonstrate that this duty was breached, you will need compelling evidence, such as:

• The official police report
• Photos and videos of the accident scene, your injuries, and vehicle damage
• Witness statements from other passengers or bystanders
• Data from the rideshare app, which shows the driver’s status at the time of the crash
• Traffic camera or surveillance footage

Gathering and preserving this evidence is crucial, especially when facing an aggressive defense from an insurance company.

How An Attorney Can Make a Difference

Navigating the aftermath of a rideshare accident on your own is a daunting task, especially when you should be focused on your recovery. An experienced attorney can serve as your strongest advocate.

At the Law Office of Beth Sibley, PLLC, we handle every aspect of your claim, from the investigation of the accident to gathering evidence to negotiating with insurance companies. We’re familiar with the tactics insurers use to minimize payouts and fight to ensure you are not unfairly blamed under the harsh contributory negligence standard. Our goal is to build a strong case that secures the full possible compensation you need for your medical bills, pain, and emotional suffering.

Take the First Step Toward Justice

If you’ve been injured as a rideshare passenger, you don’t have to face this difficult journey alone. At the Law Office of Beth Sibley, PLLC, our attorney is here to provide the personalized legal support you need to move forward. Contact us now to set up a consultation where you can discuss your options.