Rideshare Dangers
Ridersharing platforms such as UBER and LYFT have become commonplace, especially in big cities such as Chicago. They are being used more frequently than taxis, especially by younger adults. Although the convenience and ease of technology encourages users, it is not without its price. Rideshare drivers are very frequently everyday people who drive as a side job and have little or no formal training as a driver. They are not subject to the training requirements or restrictions of many professional drivers.
What this means is that there are more untrained drivers logging more hours on the road, often distracted by their rideshare app. The prevalence of rideshare drivers, especially in larger cities, was linked to a 3% increase in fatal car accidents according to a study by the University of Chicago Booth School of Business.
To complicate matters, these rideshare platforms change their insurance companies and policies on an annual basis, if not more frequently, Few, if any rideshare drivers and passengers take the time to read the terms of service, but a closer examination will show that insurance coverage for these drivers changes based on whether they are driving a passenger or engaged on the platform. They appear to also be taking the step of reducing the amount of uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage available for its driver and passengers. This is acting to often reduce recovery for individuals injured in accidents with UBER and LYFT drivers. Additionally, many personal policies that cover rideshare drivers when using their vehicle for personal use, will exclude coverage while engaged on the UBER or LYFT apps.
If you are injured in an accident with a rideshare driver, it is very important to immediately speak with an attorney who has experience with UBER and LYFT accidents and can promptly conduct the proper investigation to determine the applicable insurance coverage and assist in maximizing recovery for the injury victim. The attorneys of Adeszko Abate & Green have prosecuted numerous claims against ride share companies and are available to assist in your case.