Uber and Lyft have transformed transportation by offering convenience at the tap of a screen. However, these vehicles share the same risks as any other on the road, including the potential for multi-vehicle accidents. When several drivers are involved, determining who is legally responsible can be challenging.
What Does It Mean for Multiple Drivers to Share Liability?
When several drivers contribute to an accident, the law may assign a percentage of fault to each one. For instance, if two drivers act negligently and their combined actions cause a crash, both can be held financially responsible. Courts and insurance adjusters rely on police reports, witness statements, and evidence from the scene to divide liability among the involved parties. This process helps determine how compensation is distributed.
How Is Fault Determined in a Rideshare Accident in Edison?
Fault in a rideshare collision is typically determined through investigation and evidence review. Law enforcement, insurance investigators, and attorneys may analyze driving behavior, road conditions, and electronic data. Rideshare vehicles often contain digital records, such as GPS and trip logs, which can reveal whether a driver was distracted or violating traffic laws.
Can Both the Rideshare Driver and Another Motorist Be Liable?
Yes, both the rideshare driver and another motorist may share responsibility for a collision. For instance, if a rideshare driver was speeding while another motorist failed to yield, each may bear part of the blame. Comparative negligence laws in New Jersey allow fault to be divided between multiple parties: A person may still recover compensation if their share of fault is less than 50 percent, but the total recovery will be reduced according to their degree of responsibility.
Does Uber or Lyft Ever Share Liability?
Uber and Lyft might share liability depending on the driver’s activity at the time of the crash. If the driver was logged into the app and actively transporting a passenger or on the way to pick one up, the company’s insurance policy may apply. However, if the driver was off duty or not connected to the platform, their personal auto insurance generally applies. That is why determining the driver’s status at the time of the crash is critical.
What Happens If More Than Two Drivers Are Involved?
When multiple vehicles collide, each driver’s conduct is examined. Investigators review whether anyone was distracted, following too closely, or failed to obey traffic laws. Even a minor mistake by one participant can affect the chain of events leading to the crash. Assigning liability among several drivers can take time, especially when their accounts differ or evidence conflicts.
Can Passengers Pursue Claims Against More Than One Party?
Passengers in rideshare vehicles can often file claims against multiple drivers if several parties contributed to their injuries. A passenger typically bears no fault, so their claim may involve both the rideshare driver and other motorists involved in the crash. The amount recovered depends on how liability is distributed and the available insurance coverage.
Why Is Legal Representation Important After a Rideshare Collision?
Dealing with multiple, potentially liable drivers and rideshare companies gets complicated, particularly when several insurance companies are involved. Each party may attempt to minimize its share of fault, which can delay settlements or reduce potential compensation. Experienced rideshare accident lawyers fully evaluate these cases, can preserve evidence before it is lost or disputed, present it effectively, and negotiate with the other parties. If a fair settlement cannot be reached, they can represent you in court.
Our Skilled Edison Uber and Lyft Car Accident Lawyers at Lombardi & Lombardi, P.A. Offer Free Consultations
Need legal representation after a rideshare crash? Contact our Edison Uber and Lyft car accident lawyers at Lombardi & Lombardi, P.A. Call 732-906-1500 or complete our online form today for a free consultation. We have offices in Brick, Freehold, Edison, and Toms River, NJ.
