Rideshare Accident Attorneys in Columbus, Ohio

When you’ve been involved in a rideshare accident in Columbus, Ohio, you need experienced legal representation to help you work through the difficulties of these unique cases. At Wolfe & Mote Law Group, LLC, the firm's experienced attorneys are committed to protecting your rights. 

Attorneys Stephen Wolfe, Elizabeth Mote, Hailey Doliveira, and Nicole Good will work tirelessly to provide you with peace of mind. Contact the firm today to schedule a consultation with Columbus rideshare accident attorneys you can rely on.

Ohio's Rideshare Accident Statistics

Ohio has seen a significant increase in the number of rideshare vehicles on its roads in recent years. According to the Ohio Department of Transportation (ODOT), rideshare services in cities like Columbus, Cleveland, and Cincinnati have become integral to urban transportation. 

As of 2023, more than 30% of adults in Ohio reported using rideshare services at least once per month. While ridesharing provides an efficient and affordable transportation option, the frequency of accidents involving rideshare vehicles has also increased.

Accidents involving Uber and Lyft in Ohio can occur in a variety of ways. Rideshare drivers aren't immune to distracted driving, reckless behavior, or driving under the influence, all of which contribute to crashes. 

Additionally, accidents involving rideshare vehicles often present unique challenges, such as determining which insurance policies are responsible for covering damages. 

Working with experienced Ohio auto accident attorneys is crucial for protecting your rights when you've been involved in one of these complicated accidents. They can also help to fight to prove the rideshare company's liability.

When Is the Rideshare Company Liable?

The liability of the rideshare company largely depends on the driver's status at the time of the accident. There are three distinct phases that determine the rideshare driver's relationship with the company:

1. Offline: When the rideshare driver isn't logged into the app and is driving for personal reasons, the company isn't liable for any accidents. In this case, the driver’s personal insurance will be responsible.

2. Available/waiting for a ride: If the driver is logged into the app and waiting for a ride request but hasn't yet picked up a passenger, the rideshare company’s insurance may provide limited coverage. However, this coverage is often secondary and may only cover part of the damages, with the driver’s personal insurance covering the rest.

3. En route to pick up or transporting a passenger: If the driver is actively engaged in transporting a passenger or on their way to pick up a passenger, the rideshare company’s insurance is typically primary and provides more comprehensive coverage, including liability, bodily injury, and property damage.

This classification is crucial when determining liability and identifying the insurance coverage that will apply in a given accident scenario.

Ohio’s Insurance Laws and Rideshare Accidents

Insurance laws play a pivotal role in rideshare accident cases. In Ohio, all drivers are required to carry auto insurance with minimum coverage requirements:

• $25,000 in bodily injury liability per person

• $50,000 in bodily injury liability per accident

• $25,000 in property damage liability

However, the insurance requirements for rideshare drivers are different from those for private individuals. Rideshare companies like Uber and Lyft provide drivers with insurance coverage that may vary based on the driver’s activity status at the time of the accident.

Common Types of Rideshare Accidents in Ohio

Rideshare accidents can occur in many different ways, and understanding the most common types of incidents can help victims better prepare for the aftermath of a crash. 

While all car accidents have the potential to cause serious injuries, some situations may involve additional challenges. Some of the most frequent types of rideshare accidents in Ohio include the following.

Rear-End Collisions

Rear-end accidents are some of the most common types of crashes in the United States and Ohio, and they can happen in rideshare situations as well. These accidents typically occur when one vehicle crashes into the back of another. 

In a rideshare context, this could happen when a rideshare driver is stopped at a red light or stuck in traffic, and the vehicle behind them fails to stop in time.

In rear-end collisions, the driver of the vehicle that strikes the other is generally presumed to be at fault, as they're expected to maintain a safe following distance. 

However, there may be exceptions, such as if the vehicle in front abruptly swerved or made an unexpected move. Determining fault in these cases is critical to securing compensation, and legal guidance can help clarify how insurance policies will cover damages.

T-Bone Accidents

T-bone accidents, also called side-impact collisions, occur when one vehicle crashes into the side of another. These accidents are particularly dangerous because they often involve a significant impact on the driver and passengers sitting on the side of the vehicle that is struck. 

For rideshare vehicles, T-bone accidents often occur at intersections, especially if one vehicle runs a red light or fails to yield the right of way.

In Ohio, fault in T-bone accidents is typically determined by traffic laws governing the right of way. If a rideshare driver fails to yield at an intersection or runs a red light, they could be held liable for the crash. 

However, in some cases, the other driver involved may be at fault, and the rideshare company’s insurance may need to provide coverage depending on the circumstances.

Accidents Involving Pedestrians and Bicyclists

Pedestrian and bicycle accidents are another common type of incident involving rideshare vehicles. Because rideshare drivers are often working through crowded urban streets with high foot traffic or cyclists, they may inadvertently strike pedestrians or cyclists who are crossing streets or riding in bike lanes.

If a rideshare driver is responsible for a pedestrian or bicycle accident, they could face liability for the victim’s injuries. 

Ohio law allows victims of these accidents to pursue compensation for medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering, especially if the accident was caused by the rideshare driver’s negligence (such as distracted driving, speeding, or failure to yield to pedestrians). 

However, if the pedestrian or cyclist was jaywalking or otherwise contributing to the accident, it may affect the liability determination.

Multi-Vehicle Collisions

Rideshare accidents can also involve multiple vehicles, resulting in a chain-reaction crash. In multi-vehicle accidents, the situation becomes more complicated because multiple parties may share responsibility for the crash. 

This could include the rideshare driver, other drivers involved in the crash, or even third parties who contributed to the accident (such as an unsafe road condition).

Determining liability in multi-vehicle accidents requires a thorough investigation to establish how each party’s actions led to the crash. In these cases, having rideshare accident attorneys to gather evidence, speak with witnesses, and assess the roles of each party is essential for building a successful personal injury claim.

Accidents Involving Distracted Driving

Distracted driving is a significant problem nationwide, and rideshare drivers aren't exempt from this behavior. Whether it’s looking at the GPS, responding to ride requests, texting, or engaging with passengers, distractions can easily lead to accidents. 

Distracted driving is especially dangerous in high-traffic areas like downtown Columbus, Cleveland, or Cincinnati, where rideshare drivers are frequently driving through busy streets.

If a rideshare driver causes an accident due to distracted driving, they may be held liable for the damages. The legal process for pursuing compensation will often involve proving that the driver’s distraction was the direct cause of the crash. 

Additionally, rideshare companies may be held partially liable if they failed to implement proper safety measures or provide adequate training to their drivers regarding distracted driving.

Impaired Driving Accidents

Accidents caused by impaired driving—whether from alcohol, drugs, or other substances—aren't uncommon in rideshare cases. Although rideshare companies like Uber and Lyft have policies that prohibit their drivers from operating vehicles under the influence, there may be instances where a driver violates these rules.

If an accident occurs due to a rideshare driver’s impaired driving, the driver can be held personally liable for damages. In some cases, depending on the circumstances, the rideshare company’s insurance policy may also come into play. 

Victims of impaired driving accidents may be entitled to compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering, as well as potentially higher amounts if punitive damages are applicable due to the egregious nature of the driver’s actions.

Driver Fatigue or Drowsy Driving

While not always a common consideration in personal injury cases, drowsy driving is a significant safety concern. Rideshare drivers, especially those who work long hours or drive during late-night hours, are at risk of becoming fatigued. Driver fatigue can impair reaction times, judgment, and overall driving ability, leading to accidents.

If a rideshare driver falls asleep at the wheel or causes an accident due to severe fatigue, they may be held liable for the crash. Additionally, the rideshare company may face some responsibility if it's found that they encouraged long hours or failed to monitor drivers' hours of service in accordance with safety standards.

What to Do After a Rideshare Accident in Ohio

If you're involved in a rideshare accident in Ohio, the steps you take immediately after the incident can significantly impact the outcome of your personal injury case. Here are the critical steps to follow:

Seek Medical Attention

Your health and safety should be the top priority. Even if you don’t think you’re seriously injured, seek medical attention right away. Injuries from car accidents can sometimes be delayed in their onset or masked by adrenaline. Prompt medical attention assures that your injuries are documented, which is crucial for any potential legal claim.

Report the Accident

Report the accident to the police immediately. A police report provides an official account of the accident, which can be essential in proving liability. Make sure to request a copy of the report for your records.

Document the Scene

If you're able, gather as much evidence as possible at the scene of the accident. Take photos of the vehicles involved, the surrounding area, and any visible injuries. Collect the names and contact information of all parties involved in the accident, including the rideshare driver, any other drivers, and witnesses.

Notify the Rideshare Company

Both Uber and Lyft have specific protocols for reporting accidents through their apps. Be sure to notify the company as soon as possible after the accident. This helps to make sure that they're aware of the incident and can provide the necessary insurance coverage.

Reach Out to an Experienced Rideshare Accident Attorney

Given the intricacies of rideshare accident claims, it’s important to consult with experienced rideshare accident attorneys who understand Ohio’s laws and the specific challenges involved in rideshare accidents. 

Your rideshare accident attorneys will help you work through the claims process, communicate with insurance companies, and advocate on your behalf.

What Damages Can You Recover in a Rideshare Accident?

Victims of rideshare accidents in Ohio are entitled to seek compensation for a range of damages, including:

• Medical expenses: This includes current and future medical treatment, surgeries, medications, and rehabilitation.

• Lost wages: If your injuries prevent you from working, you may be entitled to compensation for lost earnings.

• Pain and suffering: This includes compensation for physical pain, emotional distress, and mental anguish caused by the accident.

• Property damage: If your vehicle or other property was damaged in the accident, you can seek compensation for repairs or replacement.

• Punitive damages: In cases of particularly reckless or malicious behavior by the at-fault party, punitive damages may be awarded.

Statute of Limitations in Ohio Rideshare Accidents

In Ohio, personal injury claims have a statute of limitations, which is the time period within which a lawsuit must be filed.

For most personal injury claims, including rideshare accidents, the statute of limitations is two years from the date of the accident. If you fail to file your claim within this time frame, you may lose your right to pursue compensation. That's why it's in your best interest to reach out to experienced rideshare accident attorneys as soon as possible.