Who Is Liable in a Rideshare Accident in Nevada?

September 28, 2023 Nevada Law,Personal Injury

Every day, thousands of people in Nevada use rideshare services like Uber and Lyft to get from one place to another. While these services offer convenience, they also introduce a set of legal complexities when accidents occur. If you have been involved in a rideshare collision, understanding who is liable is a crucial step to recovering the compensation that you deserve.

Nevada Is an At-Fault State for Car Accidents

Nevada follows an at-fault system for car accidents. This means that the party responsible for causing the accident is also responsible for compensating any resulting injuries or damages. If you were involved in a motor vehicle accident, you could file a lawsuit or an insurance claim against the person who was primarily responsible for the collision.

Potential Liable Parties in a Rideshare Accident

In a rideshare accident, multiple parties could be at fault, depending on the factors leading up to the collision:

• The Rideshare Driver: If the rideshare driver’s negligence caused the accident, he or she might be held accountable. Examples include if the driver was speeding, distracted, driving under the influence, or simply failed to yield the right of way.
• Another Driver on the Road: If another driver’s reckless or negligent actions caused the collision, he or she would be liable for damages. For instance, say that another driver failed to obey a traffic signal or was driving aggressively and crashed into a rideshare vehicle that you were riding. You could hold the other driver accountable in this situation.
• A Government Entity: Sometimes, poorly maintained roads, malfunctioning traffic signals, or other infrastructure issues contribute to accidents. In these cases, a government entity responsible for maintaining the infrastructure could be held liable.
• A Product Manufacturer: If a defect in the rideshare vehicle or another car involved in the crash led to the accident, the manufacturer of the faulty equipment or vehicle might be held responsible.

Will the Rideshare Company Pay for My Damages?

If a rideshare driver is at fault for the accident, you may wonder whether the company would be responsible for paying your damages. Uber and Lyft, the most prominent rideshare apps, offer similar insurance policies for these situations. Generally, you would initially file a claim with the driver’s insurance. However, if that claim is denied, you can turn to the rideshare company.

These policies typically follow the same structure, based on the driver’s activity at the time of the collision:

• If the app was off, Lyft or Uber would not provide any coverage. The driver’s auto insurance would be the primary coverage.
• If the app was on and the driver was waiting for a ride request, Uber and Lyft will provide some coverage. This includes up to $50,000 in bodily injury per person, $100,000 in bodily injury per accident, and $25,000 in property damage liability.
• If the app was on and the driver was picking up a rider or carrying out a trip, both companies offer more extensive protection of up to $1 million.

Contact a Las Vegas Rideshare Accident Lawyer to Plan Your Next Steps

If you were involved in a rideshare accident in Nevada, navigating the legal intricacies can feel overwhelming. In these situations, you need an attorney on your side. A rideshare accident lawyer in Las Vegas can help assess your case, determine liable parties, and guide you on the best course of action. Schedule a free legal consultation as soon as possible to plan your path to justice.