Ottawa Rideshare Accident Lawyer
Ridesharing services currently cater to around 19 million Canadians, with tens of thousands of Uber and Lyft drivers constantly on the roads. Unfortunately, not all rides safely reach their destinations. Every year, dozens of rideshare collisions are reported in Ottawa and throughout Ontario.
If you or a loved one has been injured in a rideshare accident in Ottawa, SG Injury Law can help. Our experienced Ottawa car accident lawyers will help you understand and protect your rights as an Uber or Lyft crash victim.
Why Choose Us?
- We have a no-fee guarantee. This means we do not charge any fees out-of-pocket. You will only pay us if we win your case, and then only out of the settlement or arbitration award obtained.
- Our personal injury lawyers in Ottawa have proven their capabilities with a long track record of success. We have obtained millions of dollars on behalf of our clients.
- We are dedicated to our clients. We will make sure that you have everything you need after a traumatic accident, from legal advice to top medical care in Ottawa.
Negligence and Rideshare Accidents
The vast majority of rideshare accidents that take place in Ottawa are preventable. They are connected to human error, such as driver negligence. Negligence is the failure to use proper care. When negligence causes an Uber or Lyft accident, this gives the injured victim the right to file an insurance claim or personal injury lawsuit. Common examples of negligence behind ridesharing accidents include:
- Distracted driving
- Texting while driving
- Drowsy driving
- Impaired driving
- Speeding
- Reckless driving
- Tailgating
- Failing to yield the right-of-way
- Running a red light
- Violating other traffic laws
Uber and Lyft drivers do not receive any type of training from the rideshare company before being allowed to accept passengers. Their vehicles are also not subject to inspections. Unfortunately, these lax company protocols can increase the risk of rideshare accidents.
Who Pays for an Uber or Lyft Accident?
Ontario uses a no-fault car insurance system. This means that an injured party seeks compensation (“damages”) from his or her own insurance provider after a car accident, regardless of fault. If you were a passenger in an Uber or Lyft, however, you have the right to seek damages from a third party – typically, either the rideshare driver or the rideshare company.
Both Uber and Lyft require their drivers to maintain minimum amounts of automobile insurance. Your rideshare driver’s personal insurance policy will provide the first source of coverage if he or she caused your accident. If this is not enough coverage, Uber or Lyft will cover your remaining losses. Both rideshare companies offer coverage for bodily injuries, property damage and other losses in the event of an accident, regardless of who caused the crash.
Ride Phases and Rideshare Insurance
The amounts of coverage available depend on the phase of the ride at the time of your accident. When the driver’s app is off and he or she is driving for personal use, no coverage applies.
When the driver has engaged Driver Mode but has not yet accepted a ride, Uber and Lyft offer $1 million in automobile liability and uninsured automobile insurance.
Both companies also provide statutory accident benefits, direct compensation for the actual value of any property damage, and contingent comprehensive and collision insurance. After the driver has picked up a passenger through to the end of the ride, the rideshare company provides up to $2 million in automobile liability and uninsured automobile insurance, as well as all of the other types of insurance offered before a passenger has been picked up.
Contact Our Ottawa Rideshare Lawyers Today | Free Consultation at (613) 704-5543
While Uber and Lyft offer insurance coverage for accidents, they have been known to avoid liability and refute fault for collisions. Do not go up against Uber or Lyft alone. Contact the dedicated rideshare accident lawyers at SG Injury Law for counsel and representation. We will help you hold the at-fault party accountable and recover the financial compensation that you deserve. Request a free consultation in Ottawa today by calling us at (613) 704-5543.