For many rideshare users, their biggest challenge associated with the experience of using a rideshare service is timing their pickup request appropriately to avoid high-demand search pricing. However, a tiny fraction of rideshare users encounter far bigger challenges when they don’t reach their destination safely. They end up involved in a crash while traveling in a rideshare vehicle.
Rideshare passengers often don’t know what they need to do after a crash and may worry about what kinds of financial protection are available to them. There are a few specific challenges that can make it difficult for people to get appropriate compensation after a rideshare collision, which can make their entire situation feel like frustration on top of frustration.
Questions about fault
Motorists generally do not like to admit that they were at fault for a crash, and that is absolutely true of anyone who drives for a living. Passengers in a rideshare vehicle may not have watched carefully prior to the wreck, so they may not understand who is at fault. Both drivers involved in the collision will likely seek to avoid responsibility, possibly by lying about the situation. Establishing who is at fault will directly influence what forms of compensation and insurance coverage someone has available to them.
Uncertainty about insurance coverage
The big rideshare companies have special insurance policies that cover passengers injured during a ride. However, there are transitional times during every rideshare trip where that policy may not apply. Before the rideshare driver begins the trip and after they complete it, a crash could still potentially occur. At that point, the company’s policy would not apply. Instead, it would be the rideshare driver’s coverage. They typically need to invest in special insurance that covers those who use personal vehicles for business purposes.
Difficulty complying with company requirements
Rideshare companies don’t simply hand a blank check to anyone involved in a crash. Instead, there will be evidence required from the passenger and also communication with the rideshare company to settle the claim. Navigating that process can be very challenging, especially if someone has injuries from the crash.
People seeking appropriate compensation after a rideshare collision may need help navigating the process and overcoming any significant challenges that they may encounter when seeking rightful compensation. As a result, seeking legal guidance and learning more about what happens after a rideshare wreck may benefit those injured while paying to ride in someone else’s vehicle.
