Ridesharing services have become a new way for people to save on driving expenses where public transportation is unavailable. Programs such as Lyft and Uber act much in the same way as a paid taxi. However, there is a fundamental difference that is causing widespread concern. Drivers in ride-sharing programs do not carry the same permits as those who operate limousines or taxis. Technically they are driving illegally as they are not qualified to transport paying customers. In Kansas City alone, more than 15 Lyft drivers have been issued citations for driving without proper transportation permits. Ridesharing also causes many confusing problems that pertain to gaps in insurance coverage.
The Brave Law Firm attorneys of Wichita, KS recognize the problems involving ridesharing services, and the measures that need to be taken to assure your safety.
By using their personal cars instead of official “company cars,” ridesharing drivers put everyone at risk in the event of an accident. This is because insurance policies refuse to cover drivers who use their personal cars to transport paying customers. While Lyft and other programs offer liability coverage for up to $1 million in case of an accident, many legal experts throughout the country have described the details of this insurance as “murky” and “confusing.” Unprotected ridesharing drivers are one accident away from a complete financial disaster.
The untrustworthy insurance provided by ridesharing programs such as Uber has even more serious consequences for innocent accident victims. There was a case in California which involved a ridesharing driver hitting a group of pedestrians. It killed a little girl and severely injured her mother and brother. Uber’s liability insurance exploited a loophole and unfairly refused to cover the accident. The ridesharing driver wasn’t carrying a passenger at the time, so Uber claimed no responsibility. Each ridesharing program offers their own unique insurance options; however, this ineffective coverage is failing to provide protection for the injured. If you’re being ignored after a ride-sharing accident, please contact the Brave Law Firm attorneys of Wichita. We want to inform you of your legal rights, and help you win fair compensation. For more information on ridesharing practices, please call the Brave Law Firms Attorneys of Wichita immediately!
