As services like Uber and Lyft have become more popular, there has also been an increase in accidents involving ridesharing companies and their drivers. If you’ve been involved in a collision with an Uber or Lyft driver, you may be wondering if you can sue their employer for your injuries.


Suing a Ridesharing Company The view from the inside of a car that is stuck in traffic

Accidents involving a ridesharing service tend to be more complex because of the additional parties involved, including the ridesharing company, their insurance provider, and their driver. Each service has its own policy for dealing with accidents, and it’s possible that Uber or Lyft will be found liable. This typically happens when the company employs a driver with a spotty driving record or other legal issues, but it depends on the accident. If the circumstances are right, you can argue that the company is responsible and sue them. You should hire a Lyft and Uber accident lawyer who's familiar with the nuances of these cases.


Determining Liability for Uber and Lyft Accidents

Companies like Lyft and Uber classify their chauffeurs as independent contractors instead of employees. Though they provide drivers with liability insurance, this assertion makes suing them more convoluted. California passed laws in 2020 that forced ridesharing services to classify their drivers as employees, but Louisiana, Mississippi, and Alabama haven't enacted similar laws. However, you still have options if you're in an accident with an Uber or Lyft driver.

If you can demonstrate that the driver was on the job when the collision happened, the ridesharing company can be held liable. The incident will be considered a commercial accident, and the ridesharing company's liability insurance should cover the collision. The pay limit can vary based on what the driver was doing when the accident happened. Speaking to a Lyft or Uber accident lawyer shortly after the incident can help you better understand the situation.

Ridesharing companies have teams of attorneys to prevent them from paying for lawsuits, but they aren’t above the law. If an Uber or Lyft driver caused you to get injured in a collision, you need an experienced rideshare lawyer to protect your rights. Ben Brown Law Group has spent years defending clients in Louisiana and other parts of the Gulf Coast. Ben Brown can help you find a doctor to thoroughly evaluate and treat your injuries, even if you don't have health insurance. Call us today for a free consultation at (504) 564-7677.