Who’s to Blame When a Rideshare Driver Causes a Multi-Car Pileup?
Rideshare services like Uber and Lyft have become everyday transportation options throughout South Florida. But what happens when a rideshare driver causes a multi-car pileup? These accidents are not only terrifying, they are also legally complex. Determining fault in such a crash can be tricky, especially when multiple vehicles and injuries are involved. A Port St. Lucie Personal Injury Lawyer can guide you through the recovery process.
What Is a Multi-Car Pileup?
A multi-car pileup, also known as a chain-reaction crash, involves three or more vehicles. These collisions often occur on highways or busy roads when a single incident triggers a cascade of accidents. For example, if a rideshare driver rear-ends a vehicle on I-95, that car might be pushed into another vehicle, which then crashes into the one in front of it, and so on.
Rideshare drivers are on the road more often than the average motorist and may be distracted by the app or rushed to complete rides. Common causes of pile ups involving Uber or Lyft drivers include:
- Distracted driving while using navigation or messaging features
- Sudden stops or lane changes
- Speeding to reach a destination more quickly
- Fatigue, especially if the driver is working multiple jobs or long shifts
Any of these behaviors can lead to a serious crash involving multiple vehicles, and assigning blame in a pileup isn’t as simple as pointing to the first driver who hit someone. Florida uses a comparative fault system, meaning multiple drivers can be held partially responsible for a crash.
An investigation will determine who triggered the initial collision, whether other drivers contributed to the severity of the pileup, and if road conditions or vehicle defects played a role. Should evidence suggest the rideshare driver caused or significantly contributed to the crash, they or the company’s insurance may be held liable.
Who Pays for Damages?
Uber and Lyft carry third-party liability coverage that applies when their drivers are at fault during an active ride. This coverage can be up to $1 million, but whether it applies depends on what the driver was doing at the time of the incident.
So, if a rideshare driver is not logged into the app, the driver’s personal insurance applies. Or if they are logged in but not carrying a passenger, limited coverage may apply. Should the accident occur during a ride or en route to pick up a passenger, the full rideshare insurance policy is likely in effect.
Given the number of vehicles and people involved, insurance claims in multi-car accidents can become a legal tangle. If you were injured in a pileup involving a rideshare vehicle, don’t try to unknot the mess alone. A skilled Port St. Lucie Personal Injury Lawyer can investigate the crash, identify liable parties, and deal with complex insurance negotiations. Get the legal guidance you need to move forward confidently.
What questions do you have after a multi-car collision in Port St. Lucie, Fort Pierce, Stuart, or Vero Beach? The attorneys at Leifer & Ramirez are available to answer all of your inquiries. Call 561-660-9421 to schedule a confidential consultation.
