How to Protect Your Rights After a Rideshare Accident in Rhode Island

Determining Liability After a RI Rideshare Accident

Rhode Island is an “at-fault” state, which means in most automobile accidents, the at-fault motorist and their insurance company are liable for any damages resulting from the collision. Usually, accident victims also have the option of pursuing a claim against the other driver’s employer, if the crash happened when the at-fault motorist was working.

However, Uber and Lyft have spent years arguing that they are technology companies that simply offer platforms to connect independent rideshare contractors with prospective passengers. Under Rhode Island law, rideshare operators are considered “transportation network companies” rather than “transportation companies.” So, while Uber and Lyft are required to perform background checks on their drivers and ensure that contractors have adequate insurance coverage, they are not necessarily liable for most accidents involving driver misconduct or negligence.

Rideshare Insurance Requirements

In general, rideshare drivers have the same insurance requirements as private motorists. They are required to have:

Personal liability insurance with a minimum coverage of $25,000 for personal injury per person

Personal liability insurance with a minimum coverage of $50,000 for personal injury per accident

Personal liability insurance with a minimum coverage of $25,000 for property damage

Additional Coverages Required by Rideshare Operators

If the driver is logged into a rideshare application but not actively transporting a passenger, they must have liability insurance that covers $50,000 per person, $100,000 per accident, and $25,000 per accident.

If the driver is logged into a rideshare application and actively transporting a passenger, the vehicle must be covered by a liability policy that covers a total of $1,500,000, payable for bodily injury, wrongful death, and property damage.

What Eight Decades Has Taught Us About Caring for Our Clients

Maintaining a distinguished and strong reputation can be difficult for any attorney. After all, lawyers as a whole aren’t exactly seen as saints. This is why we follow a deep-rooted sense of morality and compassion that has been handed down over the generations. Our values and hard work have allowed us to create and maintain an astounding legacy of success. In addition to securing a well-founded reputation for success, we strive to ensure that our clients are 100% satisfied with our representation.

We have spent decades honing our skills in order to assure our clients’ satisfaction. As a result, we have been able to strengthen our bond with our clients. A few of the strengths and values we bring to all our interactions include:

Taking the time to ensure you completely understand the complexities of your case and understand what to expect throughout the process.

Providing respect and compassion for your situation, while remaining frank about the prospects ahead.

Working with you to plan the best course of action for you and your family.

Pursuing each case as if it were our family. We are noted for our willingness to push for a trial to get everything our clients deserve, in contrast with many other attorneys who look for the quick settlement.

Fighting for the goals you choose. We’re not afraid to take your case to court and fight respectfully for your financial security.

We are a family at Kirshenbaum & Kirshenbaum we’ve had employees that have been with for over 44 years.

What to Do After a Rhode Island Rideshare Crash

If you have been injured in a Rhode Island rideshare accident, you could bolster your chances of making a successful legal recovery by taking some important steps:

Calling 911

Rhode Island law requires motorists to notify law enforcement of any accident resulting in bodily injury, death, or significant vehicular damage. Although rideshare drivers might be reluctant to call the police after a car crash—especially if they were responsible for the collision—a law enforcement investigation could provide evidence for a personal injury claim. Even if the responding officers cannot determine who caused the crash, their report could still be referenced or used as evidence in insurance negotiations.

Seeking Immediate Medical Attention

You should always seek immediate medical attention after any serious car accident, even if you do not believe that your injuries warrant a medical response. Seeing a doctor generates a paper trail, which helps show the insurance company that you have legitimate concerns about your physical well-being and are not simply trying to profit from the accident.

Collecting Evidence

If you do not need to go to the emergency room, try to collect evidence from the crash site. You could take pictures of the damage to your vehicle, document any visible injuries, and photograph nearby road markers, traffic signals, and signs.

Speaking to Eyewitnesses

If you believe that somebody else may have witnessed your rideshare accident, ask them for their full name, phone number, and other contact information—their testimony could prove critical in court.

Contacting an Experienced Rideshare Accident Attorney

You likely stand your best chance at making a full legal recovery when you have an experienced Rhode Island rideshare accident attorney advocating your case. A Rhode Island car accident attorney can help you investigate the causes of your accident, identify potential defendants, and construct a compelling, evidence-based claim for compensation.

Since Rhode Island does not currently cap the damages available in most personal injury claims, you could receive as much compensation as you need to begin the difficult task of moving past a serious accident.

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