The police should always be called to the scene after an auto accident, no matter how big or small the accident may be. It is important to stay at the scene of the accident until the police arrive, and to let law enforcement know what you personally witnessed and experienced.
What Is An “Off App Ride” And Why Should Passengers Avoid Taking One?
An “off app ride” is when you take a rideshare ride from a driver outside of that company’s app. The fare may be a little cheaper and you might get a driver that you personally know when you take a rideshare ride this way, but there is a major downfall. The fact that the driver is getting paid for the ride paired with the fact that he or she is working while “clocked out” of the app typically means that the driver will not be insured by either his private insurance or the rideshare company’s insurance in the event of an accident. That means you might not be able to receive any compensation for the injuries you may sustain in the accident.
Is It Illegal For A Rideshare Driver To Take An Off App Fare?
While it may not be illegal for a driver to receive fare for an off-app ride, it is not recommended that a driver or a passenger partake in this. If the driver is driving for a wage and they are not “logged in” to the rideshare company’s app, the result is usually no insurance coverage whatsoever if an accident should occur during the off-app ride.
What Uniquely Qualifies Us To Handle Your Rideshare Accident?
At Fenstersheib Law Group, P.A., you will find advocates for you and your personal situation. We are willing and ready to help people who otherwise would have no hope or not know where to start. We feel your pain and, along with our legal expertise, offer compassion, understanding, and knowledge. We believe that every case we represent is unique and important, and that your justice is ultimately our justice. With the right team behind you, we can get the justice you deserve for the injuries and suffering you have incurred during your rideshare accident.
Why Is A Rideshare Accident Different From Other Types Of Car Accidents?
If you find yourself involved in an accident while riding in a rideshare vehicle, you should understand that it is different from a normal car accident. A lot of the rideshare companies, such as Uber and Lyft, do not consider their drivers employees – rather, they call them “independent contractors.” Because of this, they are historically quick to deny liability or responsibility for injury claims. Additionally, major rideshare companies use mobile applications that can demand a driver’s attention, taking their full focus off the road. As a result, this often means that accidents occurring during a rideshare ride can be the fault of the rideshare driver’s. Since almost anyone can become a rideshare driver if they have auto insurance and a license, and because many of these drivers do not have any special training or experience with driving clients for a wage all day, the chance an accident may occur is thereby increased. It is vital to keep all of this in mind when deciding to ride with a rideshare company.
What Are The Dangers Of Using Rideshare Taxis?
There are several points that riders should be aware of before deciding to purchase a ride from a rideshare company:
- Rideshare drivers typically do not undergo any special training for driving clientele.
- Essentially, you are getting in the car with a stranger who may or may not have ever driven as a living before.
- Rideshare drivers are often using their mobile devices while driving, whether it be due to planning their next rideshare ride, navigating the GPS, answering commands from the ride share app that they are logged into, etc. This can lead to distracted driving, which increases the risk of a car accident.
- While they do conduct a soft background check, Uber, Lyft, and the other major rideshare companies do not meet their drivers before they “hire” them to transport their passengers.
If a driver happens to be logged out of the rideshare app, even by accident, it is very likely that he or she will not be insured in the event of an auto accident during the ride.
For more information on Calling Police After A Rideshare Accident, a free initial consultation is your next best step. Get the information and legal answers you are seeking by calling today.
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