Who Do I Sue in a Ridesharing Accident?
Understanding Ridesharing Accidents Personal Injury Cases in Kentucky
The Concept of Ridesharing and Associated Risks
In the last decade, ridesharing services like Uber and Lyft have dramatically transformed the transportation landscape. While these services offer convenience and flexibility, they also pose certain risks, including the risk of being involved in an accident.
Ridesharing services are unique because drivers use their personal vehicles, making the legalities surrounding accidents complex. This article aims to provide an overview of personal injury cases related to ridesharing accidents in Kentucky, including the most common cases, and information about Kentucky’s laws in this regard.
Common Ridesharing Accident Personal Injury Cases
- Passenger Injuries: The most common ridesharing accident cases involve passengers injured during the ride. This can occur due to the rideshare driver’s negligence or the actions of another driver.
- Driver Injuries: Rideshare drivers themselves can also be victims of accidents caused by other motorists’ negligent behavior.
- Pedestrian and Cyclist Injuries: Pedestrians and cyclists can be injured in accidents involving rideshare vehicles.
- Other Motorists’ Injuries: Other motorists can also be injured in collisions with rideshare drivers.
Kentucky Laws on Ridesharing Accidents
Kentucky laws mandate rideshare companies to maintain $1 million in liability coverage for their drivers. This coverage is in effect from the moment a driver accepts a ride request until the passenger exits the vehicle. When the rideshare driver is not engaged in a ride but has the rideshare app open, a lower level of insurance coverage applies.
Kentucky is also a ‘no-fault’ auto insurance state, meaning that in the event of an accident, a driver turns first to their own insurance coverage for medical bills and lost income, regardless of who was at fault for the accident. However, if the injuries are severe, it’s possible to step outside the no-fault system and bring a claim against the at-fault driver.
Proving Fault in Ridesharing Accidents
To successfully claim damages in a ridesharing accident, it is necessary to prove that the accident was due to the negligence of another party. This could be the rideshare driver, another motorist, or even the rideshare company if there is evidence of negligent hiring practices. A skilled attorney can help navigate these complex legal issues.
Resources for More Information:
- Kentucky Department of Insurance – Auto Insurance Guide: Link
- Kentucky Revised Statutes – Motor Vehicle Reparations: Link
- National Highway Traffic Safety Administration – Ridesharing Safety: Link
- Uber – Insurance: Link
- Lyft – Insurance Policy: Link
If you’ve been involved in a rideshare accident in Kentucky, it is recommended to consult with a knowledgeable personal injury attorney to understand your rights and options.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice.