Why Rideshare Accidents in Ohio Are More Complicated Than You Think

Ridesharing services like Uber and Lyft have revolutionized transportation, providing convenient and affordable alternatives to traditional taxis. However, the rise of rideshare services has also added new complexities to car accidents. If you’ve ever been in a car accident, you know how overwhelming it can be to deal with insurance companies, liability issues, and compensation claims. But if the accident involves a rideshare driver, those complications multiply, and navigating the aftermath becomes even more challenging.

Ohio has its own unique set of rules and regulations that impact rideshare accidents, and the legal landscape surrounding these cases can be difficult to understand. Whether you’re a passenger, another driver, or even the rideshare driver themselves, understanding why these accidents are more complicated can help you protect your rights and ensure you’re compensated fairly.

Here’s why rideshare accidents in Ohio are more complicated than they appear, and what you need to know if you find yourself in one.

The Issue of Insurance Coverage in Ohio Rideshare Accidents

One of the most challenging aspects of rideshare accidents in Ohio is determining which insurance policy is responsible for covering the damages. In a typical car accident, the driver’s personal auto insurance covers injuries and damages. However, with rideshare drivers, their personal insurance often won’t cover accidents that happen while they are “on the clock” for Uber or Lyft.

Rideshare companies provide insurance coverage for their drivers, but the extent of that coverage depends on which phase of the ride the accident occurs in:

1. The driver is offline: If the rideshare driver is not logged into the app at the time of the accident, their personal auto insurance will be responsible for any damages. In this phase, the rideshare company’s insurance policy does not apply.
2. The driver is online, waiting for a ride: If the driver is logged into the app but has not yet accepted a ride, Uber and Lyft provide limited liability coverage—usually up to $50,000 per person injured, $100,000 per accident, and $25,000 for property damage. However, this coverage may not be enough to cover all injuries and property damage, leaving passengers and other victims to navigate complex insurance claims.
3. The driver is en route to pick up a passenger or has a passenger in the vehicle: Once a driver has accepted a ride and is on their way to pick up a passenger or is actively transporting them, the rideshare company provides up to $1 million in liability coverage. This is the highest level of coverage, but even this can have its limitations, especially in severe accidents with multiple victims.

The Complexity of Multiple Parties Involved

One reason rideshare accidents are more complicated than regular car accidents is the number of parties involved. Depending on the circumstances, several different groups may share liability or have competing insurance claims. Here are the main players:

• The rideshare driver: Even though rideshare drivers are using their own vehicles, they are operating as independent contractors for companies like Uber or Lyft. This contractor status often complicates the question of who is ultimately responsible for damages—the driver or the company.
• The rideshare company: Uber and Lyft both carry extensive liability policies that cover drivers while they are working. However, as mentioned earlier, the coverage varies depending on the driver’s status within the app (offline, waiting for a ride, or actively transporting a passenger).
• Other drivers: In many accidents, another driver may be involved, and determining fault between the rideshare driver and the other party can be tricky. Conflicting witness statements, dashcam footage, and even the timing of the accident relative to the driver’s status in the app can all play a role.
• Injured passengers: If you’re a passenger in a rideshare vehicle, you may be able to file a claim against both the rideshare company’s insurance and the personal insurance of any drivers involved. This can create confusion and delay in receiving compensation.

Each of these parties will have their own attorneys and insurance adjusters trying to minimize their liability. This increases the complexity of negotiations and can lead to drawn-out legal battles to determine who is responsible for paying the damages.

Ohio’s Comparative Negligence Law and Its Impact on Rideshare Accidents

Ohio operates under a comparative negligence system, which means that multiple parties can be found partially at fault for an accident. In Ohio, you can still recover damages even if you are found partially at fault for the accident, as long as you are less than 51% responsible. However, your compensation will be reduced by your percentage of fault.

This rule becomes particularly significant in rideshare accidents where fault may not be clear-cut. For example:

• The rideshare driver may be speeding but was also hit by a distracted driver running a red light.
• Both drivers could be found at fault, and if you’re a passenger, it might be more difficult to navigate the legal intricacies of filing claims with multiple insurance companies while trying to prove liability.

Even in cases where the rideshare driver seems clearly at fault, comparative negligence could still affect how much compensation you receive, especially if insurance companies try to assign part of the blame to you.

Rideshare Accident Liability for Passengers

If you’re a passenger in an Uber or Lyft during an accident, your primary concern is ensuring that you are compensated for your injuries and damages. However, the involvement of multiple insurance policies, comparative negligence, and rideshare company protocols can make this process far more complicated than it would be in a regular car accident.

• Uber and Lyft’s insurance policies: As a passenger, you’re covered by Uber or Lyft’s $1 million liability coverage, which applies once the driver has accepted a ride request. This coverage is intended to protect passengers, but there may be disputes over the exact amount of compensation owed, especially if there are multiple passengers or drivers involved in the accident.
• Personal injury claims: If the rideshare company’s insurance doesn’t fully cover your medical expenses, you may need to pursue a personal injury lawsuit against the at-fault driver. Determining who is at fault—and to what extent—can be complex, particularly if multiple parties share responsibility.

Rideshare Accidents Involving Pedestrians and Cyclists

Pedestrians and cyclists are particularly vulnerable to accidents involving rideshare vehicles. Ohio cities like Cleveland and Columbus see heavy rideshare traffic, and accidents involving these groups can add even more layers of complexity to claims.

If a rideshare driver hits a pedestrian or cyclist, the victim may need to file claims against both the driver’s personal insurance and the rideshare company’s insurance. Additionally, determining fault can be more complicated when a pedestrian is involved, as both the driver and pedestrian may share some responsibility for the accident.

What to Do After a Rideshare Accident in Ohio

If you’ve been involved in a rideshare accident in Ohio—whether as a passenger, pedestrian, or another driver—there are several steps you should take to protect your rights and ensure you receive fair compensation:

1. Seek medical attention: Your health and safety should be your first priority. Even if you feel fine after the accident, it’s crucial to get checked by a medical professional, as some injuries may not be immediately apparent.
2. Document the accident: Take photos of the accident scene, gather witness statements, and exchange information with all drivers involved. If you’re a passenger, make sure to get the rideshare driver’s name, contact information, and a screenshot of your ride details from the app.
3. File a report: Report the accident to the police and make sure to get a copy of the accident report, as it will be an important piece of evidence when filing insurance claims.
4. Contact an experienced attorney: Rideshare accidents are complex, and having an experienced Ohio car accident attorney on your side can help you navigate the legal process and ensure that you receive the compensation you deserve.

Conclusion

Rideshare accidents in Ohio are far more complicated than traditional car accidents due to multiple insurance policies, shifting liability, and the involvement of large corporations like Uber and Lyft. If you’ve been involved in such an accident, it’s essential to understand your rights and take the necessary steps to protect yourself. Working with an experienced Ohio car accident attorney can help ensure that you’re compensated fairly, regardless of the complexities involved.