The Difference Between Rideshare Driver Negligence and Company Negligence
Rideshare services like Uber and Lyft have become part of everyday life, offering convenience at the tap of a button. But with more rideshare vehicles on the road, accidents involving these companies are on the rise. If you’re injured in a rideshare crash, one of the most important questions is: who is responsible—the driver or the rideshare company?
Understanding the difference between driver negligence and company negligence can have a major impact on how you pursue compensation.
What Is Driver Negligence in a Rideshare Accident?
Driver negligence occurs when the rideshare driver fails to operate their vehicle safely, just like any other motorist.
Common examples include:
- Distracted driving (texting or checking the app while driving),
- Speeding or reckless driving,
- Failing to yield or obey traffic laws,
- Driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol, and
- Fatigue from driving long hours.
If a rideshare driver’s negligence causes an accident, they may be personally responsible. However, whether their insurance—or the rideshare company’s insurance—applies depends on when the accident occurred (before, during, or after a ride).
What Is Company Negligence in a Rideshare Accident?
Company negligence focuses on the actions (or inactions) of Uber, Lyft, or another rideshare platform.
While these companies argue that drivers are independent contractors, not employees, they can still be held accountable in certain situations, such as:
- Improper driver screening (for example, failing to run adequate background checks or allowing drivers with unsafe records onto the platform),
- Inadequate training (for example, not providing drivers with sufficient safety guidance),
- Poor safety policies (for example, encouraging long hours without breaks, which may contribute to drowsy driving), and
- Negligent app design.
Company negligence claims are often more complex, but they may give injured victims access to the larger corporate insurance policies of the rideshare company.
Why the Distinction Matters
The difference between driver and company negligence helps determine:
- Who you can sue (the driver, the company, or both),
- Which insurance policies apply (the driver’s personal insurance vs. the company’s $1 million liability coverage), and
- The potential compensation available (company negligence often opens the door to higher recovery amounts).
Without experienced legal guidance, accident victims may find themselves caught between multiple insurance carriers, with each trying to deny or minimize responsibility.
Speak With a Rideshare Accident Attorney
Rideshare accident claims can be complicated because of the overlapping roles of the driver and the rideshare company. Determining whether the accident stems from driver negligence, company negligence, or both is critical to getting the compensation you deserve.
If you were injured in an Uber, Lyft, or other rideshare accident, our team can help investigate your case and hold all responsible parties accountable. Contact us today for a free consultation.
Contact Justice Through Compensation for Help
If you or a loved one was injured in an accident, please know that the law firm of Justice Through Compensation is here to help. Our legal team is skilled, experienced, and passionate in their representation. Let us shoulder the burden of an injury claim or lawsuit while you focus on healing from your injuries. Contact us today for the quality legal help you deserve.