Rideshare Car Accidents

Cape Cod Attorneys for People Injured in Vehicle Collisions

Ridesharing applications, like Uber and Lyft, have made it easier for people throughout the Cape Cod area to travel without worrying about driving or parking. Like all other motorists, the people who work as drivers for ridesharing companies have a duty to drive safely at all times. Unfortunately, however, rideshare drivers sometimes depart from their duties and drive in a careless manner, which leads to an accident. If you were involved in an accident with a driver for a ridesharing company, you may have options for pursuing compensation for your damages. The diligent Cape Cod car accident lawyers of the Law Offices of John C. Manoog, III have over fifteen decades of collective experience helping injured parties seek remedies for their harm, and we will work tirelessly to help you pursue a just result. Our skillful representation has allowed us to obtain multiple multimillion-dollar verdicts and settlements on behalf of our clients.

How Rideshare Car Accidents Differ from Other Accidents

People who drive for ridesharing companies differ from typical drivers, in that they drive for a living, rather than for personal reasons. Generally, they do not have to undergo any special training, however, or obtain any license other than a standard driver’s license. Rather, they typically are permitted to drive for ridesharing companies if they have a valid driver’s license and can pass criminal and driving record background checks and meet other requirements such as a minimum age and vehicle status. Therefore, they are held to the same standard as other drivers. Additionally, ridesharing drivers are generally not employees of the companies they drive for but are independent contractors. As such, in most cases, it is unlikely that a ridesharing company will be held liable for an accident caused by a driver that works for the company.

Although ridesharing companies are generally not typically directly liable for accidents caused by their drivers, they provide liability insurance for the drivers. The amount of insurance coverage available largely depends on whether an accident occurs before, during, or after a trip. If a ridesharing driver is operating his or her vehicle for personal use at the time of the accident, the ridesharing company’s insurance will not apply, but the driver’s individual insurance should provide coverage for the accident.

Establishing Liability Following a Rideshare Car Accident

Although the source of compensation for damages caused by rideshare car accidents varies depending on the circumstances surrounding the accident, the manner in which liability is established is generally the same. In other words, in cases arising out of ridesharing collisions, the plaintiff will typically assert a negligence claim against the defendant driver. In order to prove a negligence claim, a plaintiff must show a duty and a breach. The duty is usually the defendant’s duty to act with reasonable care under the circumstances, and the breach is an act or omission that departs from the standard of care. The plaintiff must then prove that the accident would not have occurred absent the breach and that the accident caused him or her to suffer measurable harm. A dedicated car accident attorney can evaluate the facts of your case to determine whether you may be able to fulfill the elements of a negligence claim.

If a plaintiff is able to establish liability, he or she may be awarded compensation for any economic harm caused by the accident, such as medical expenses and lost wages. The plaintiff may also be awarded damages for noneconomic harm, which largely refers to any pain or suffering caused by the accident. If the plaintiff was married when the accident occurred, his or her spouse may also be able to seek damages from the defendant.

Speak with a Skilled Car Accident Lawyer in Cape Cod

Ridesharing drivers provide people with prompt and convenient transportation, but they are not immune to accidents and should be held liable for any damages they cause. If you sustained injuries in a ridesharing accident, it is prudent to speak with an attorney regarding your potential recourse for your harm. At the Law Offices of John C. Manoog, III, we have the skills and knowledge needed to help you assert your rights, and we will fight zealously on your behalf. Our diligent advocacy has allowed us to establish a strong record, including numerous verdicts in excess of one million dollars. We represent injured people in cases in Cape Cod, and we are also available to meet for consultations in Plymouth and Hyannis. You can reach us at 888-262-6664 or through our online contact form to set up a free consultation. Nós Falamos Português.