An Iowa rideshare accident attorney can help individuals who have been injured or harmed as a result of an accident involving a rideshare driver or their vehicle. Ridesharing has become a popular form of transportation for people who are looking for a low cost way to get around town. Despite the popularity of many rideshare services, some have been criticized for the way they have handled accidents involving their drivers. People who have been injured in accidents involving a rideshare automobile could be eligible to recover compensation with the help of an Iowa rideshare accident lawyer.
For more information, contact Attorney Group for Iowa today. Our consultations are free, confidential and without any obligation on your part. We can help answer your questions, and if you choose to pursue a claim we can connect you with an affiliated Iowa rideshare accident attorney who can assist you throughout the legal process.
How Do Rideshare Applications Work?
Ridesharing has become a popular form of transportation, particularly in major U.S. cities and locations with limited public transportation options. Also known as transportation networking services, rideshare companies utilize smartphone technology as well as GPS navigation systems and social media networks. To use a rideshare service such as Lyft or Uber, a passenger must first download the company’s app for their smartphone. When a passenger would like a ride, they simply make a request and a nearby driver picks them up. Payments are generally made automatically once the passenger is taken to their destination. Lyft and Uber offer a variety of services, including basic, luxury and carpooling service options.
Who is Responsible Should a Rideshare Accident Occur?
Both Lyft and Uber require their drivers to carry car insurance in addition to supplemental liability, comprehensive, collision and uninsured motorist insurance carried by the companies. In 2015, the Iowa House of Representatives advanced legislation that would have created regulatory framework for Uber and other rideshare services across the state. Although the original legislation failed to gain support, another bill was signed into law in May 2016 and is set to take effect in January 2017. According to an article published by R Street, the bill standardizes the definition of transportation networking services, requires the companies to perform background checks on potential drivers, and sets minimum insurance requirements, including liability coverage of at least $1 million.
Rideshare Lawsuit Claims
An Iowa rideshare accident attorney notes that lawsuits have been filed alleging negligence on the part of rideshare drivers. In two lawsuits filed in the state of California, families of people who were killed as a result of a rideshare accident are seeking damages due to alleged negligence. In the case of a little girl who was killed while crossing a sidewalk in San Francisco on New Year’s Eve, Uber originally denied liability. The family later filed a lawsuit, and in 2016, settled with Uber for an undisclosed amount.
How an Iowa Rideshare Accident Attorney Can Help
Rideshare companies and their drivers have a duty to provide a safe environment for its passengers, drivers, other commuters, and pedestrians. If there are risks of harm associated with rideshare company drivers, the company must also provide adequate warnings and safeguards. If a driver fails to fulfill this duty, they, as well as the company, could be held liable in lawsuits for injuries that may result.
People injured as a result of a car accident involving a rideshare car through no fault of their own may be eligible to recover money for:
- Medical Expenses
- Lost Wages
- Pain and Suffering
The families of those who have died in car accidents may be eligible to recover money for funeral expenses and the pain that comes with losing a loved one.
The Time You Have to Pursue a Claim is Limited. Contact Us Today.
For more information, contact Attorney Group for Iowa. You can fill out the form on this page or contact us by phone or email.
After you contact us, an attorney will follow up to answer questions that you might have. There is no cost or obligation to speak with us, and any information you provide will be kept confidential.
Please note that the law limits the time you have to pursue a claim or file a lawsuit for an injury. If you think you have a case, you should not delay taking action.
