Ride-hailing, or rideshare services, are incredibly popular in Vancouver. Users appreciate the ability to obtain affordable, on-demand transportation with the tap of a button on a smartphone.
Ride-hailing services can be safe alternatives when people may not be capable of driving themselves, such as after a night on the town. But rideshare vehicles are operated by people who can make the same mistakes and judgment errors as any other driver on the road. And because ridesharing is so common in British Columbia, there is an increased risk of rideshare accidents throughout the province.
Pursuing compensation after being injured in a rideshare car accident can quickly prove to be a complex endeavor. Because rideshare drivers are contractors rather than employees of the rideshare company, seeking compensation is not a simple process. A knowledgeable lawyer can explain the complicated issues regarding liability after a serious rideshare wreck.
At Warnett Hallen LLP, our Vancouver ride-hailing accident lawyers have more than a decade of experience seeking financial compensation for clients who have been injured through no fault of their own. Our law firm focuses exclusively on personal injury law, so we have the experience needed to handle even the most complicated rideshare accident claims.
Our law firm offers a one-on-one approach for every client. You and your case will always receive our full attention. Our legal team is committed to providing comprehensive services beyond your legal needs. For example, we can connect you with medical professionals so you get the high-quality treatment you need for your ride-hailing accident injuries.
You have a limited time to seek compensation for your losses, so get a free consultation with one of our Vancouver rideshare accident lawyers today. Call or contact us now.
Common Causes of Rideshare Car Accidents
Rideshare car accidents often happen for the same reasons as any other crash. However, the work required of rideshare drivers — such as navigating to new locations, interacting with riders, and managing the rideshare app — are unique contributing factors.
Common causes of ride-hailing accidents include:
- Distracted driving, including using the mobile rideshare application, using navigation systems, texting, or making calls while driving. Rideshare drivers may also be distracted trying to look for their passenger, their passenger’s destination, or talking with their fares.
Speeding, which a rideshare driver may be tempted to do to increase the number of fares they pick up. - Drowsy or fatigued driving, as many rideshare drivers work long shifts or into the early morning hours, which affects their ability to drive safely.
- Aggressive or reckless driving, such as tailgating, cutting off other vehicles, or weaving through traffic.
- Unsafe turns and lane changes, caused by failing to use turn signals or check blind spots.
- Drunk or drugged driving, which can affect a driver’s judgment, vision, and reaction times.
- Inexperience, which may lead a driver to make critical errors behind the wheel.
Other potential causes of ride-hailing accidents include improper vehicle maintenance, design or manufacturing defects in vehicle parts, bad weather, and poor road conditions.
Who’s Liable If You’re Involved in a Ride-Hailing Accident in Vancouver?
When you’ve been injured in a rideshare car accident in Vancouver, your options to pursue compensation will first come through ICBC’s no-fault insurance program. On May 1, 2021, British Columbia switched from a fault-based system for auto accidents to a no-fault model. This means that compensation for any ride-hailing accident injuries will first come through your own insurance benefits, not the other driver’s.
The good news is that no-fault benefits mean you can obtain at least some amount of compensation for your injuries. But unfortunately, no-fault benefits do not include payment for other losses, such as pain and suffering, that you could have received previously through a third-party personal injury claim or lawsuit.
Liability still matters in some sense. You might be eligible to file a personal injury lawsuit against the rideshare driver or another motorist involved in the wreck if they committed a criminal offense, such as drunk driving.
Other potentially liable parties for a ride-hailing accident include:
- The rideshare company: In British Columbia, rideshare companies must purchase basic insurance coverage from ICBC. This coverage provides enhanced accident benefits, basic vehicle damage coverage, and $1 million of liability coverage, which is made available to the rideshare driver and their passengers in the event of an accident. This insurance only applies during a set period. It is triggered from the time a rideshare driver accepts a trip request on the app until the passenger exits the vehicle at their destination. Rideshare companies may also purchase additional optional blanket coverage from ICBC.
- Vehicle manufacturer: If the rideshare vehicle experienced a mechanical failure and crashed, the automaker or parts manufacturer could be held responsible if the component was faulty.
- Road construction companies or local/provincial governments: A potential claim could arise if negligent road or intersection design causes a rideshare accident.
Crashes that occurred before May 1 will still follow the former model. If your ride-hailing accident happened before that date, it’s essential to immediately contact a B.C. car accident lawyer.
What Should I Do After an Accident in a Ride-Hailing Vehicle?
After you’ve been involved in an accident while riding in a rideshare vehicle, you should take the following steps to protect your rights to compensation:
- Seek medical attention as soon as possible.
- Follow all treatment instructions and recommendations you receive from your health care providers.
- Keep copies of any bills, invoices, or receipts for expenses you incur due to the accident.
- Avoid posting about your accident claim on social media since they may be used to contradict your allegations or claims of injury.
- Talk to a rideshare accident lawyer about your rights and options for seeking compensation beyond your no-fault benefits.
Protecting Your Rights after a Ridesharing Accident
When you have been injured in a ride-hailing accident in Vancouver, don’t try to settle the case alone until you’ve spoken with a lawyer. Navigating the new ICBC no-fault model and understanding your options is not simple and does not generally work to your advantage.
At Warnett Hallen LLP, our skilled ride-hailing accident lawyers have extensive experience handling auto accident claims throughout B.C. We can guide you through every step of your rideshare car accident claim, ensuring that your rights are protected and that you are being treated fairly. Even under the no-fault system, there’s no guarantee that an ICBC adjuster will appropriately compensate you. Let us do the hard work so that you can focus on your recovery and getting back to daily life again.
Contact a Ride-Hailing Accident Lawyer at Warnett Hallen LLP
If you’ve been injured in a car accident involving a rideshare vehicle in British Columbia, contact the car accident lawyers of Warnett Hallen LLP today for a free, no-obligation consultation. Don’t wait to learn about your legal rights and options for seeking financial compensation for the injuries, expenses, and losses that you’ve incurred due to the accident.
*Since May 1, 2021, British Columbia operates under a no-fault insurance system for motor vehicle accidents. Under this system, compensation for injuries and losses is handled through your own insurance provider (typically ICBC) regardless of who is at fault for the accident. Please note that the information on this page may not apply to your accident if it occurred after May 1, 2021. This disclaimer does not constitute legal advice.
