The main concern of rideshare companies is the medical attention required by anyone involved in an accident. Companies do not want to put their drivers in a position where they could be held responsible if the passengers require medical attention.
Independent drivers must document as much as possible the accident and surrounding conditions. While the responding officer will collect all information, the driver should be able to gather this information for his or her own use. If another driver is responsible, the rideshare driver follows the same steps.
Documentation of the Passenger Instigated Accident
- Rideshare companies monitor independent drivers in real-time to ensure safety for both the driver and passenger. The vehicle’s interior is recorded via video. This is done to settle any dispute between the driver or passenger, if no other witnesses can be present.
- To prevent the passenger or driver from sharing the video on social media, the recordings can’t be saved. This technology uses artificial intelligence to analyze video content and use facial recognition for detection of distracted drivers.
- The rideshare safety team can only access the videos because they are encrypted. Drivers can request a copy, but the faces will be blurred.
- The rideshare company may provide the videos to lawyers and insurance companies at its discretion. These videos can be used in court cases or settlement negotiations in cases in which the company is not responsible. The rideshare company will, however, use the video to support its position.
Steps after a rideshare accident
The rideshare company receives the relevant information from the insurance company that paid the compensatory settlements. The driver is usually not liable or involved in the matter. All settlements and litigation are handled by the company.
The only grey area in rideshare accidents that does not involve the independent driver being at fault or liable is the effect of an accident on the driver’s rating.
Summarized from an article by Rose, Klein & Marias Injury Lawyers.
