With the increase of ride-share services in Australia, ride-share drivers must be aware of the risks they face. In addition to abuse from passengers, you run the risk of car accidents. The more time you spend on the road, the higher the risk, and if you get into a car accident while driving for a ride-share service, you need to know your rights and obligations.
Confirm Safety, Contact Authorities
If you get into a motor vehicle accident, the first thing to do is ensure everyone is safe. Check yourself and your passengers for injuries and check on the other cars as well. If you need to call emergency services for medical attention, do so as quickly as possible.
Once you have done this, you can contact the authorities. If someone is injured and requires medical attention, the police must be called immediately. Otherwise, you can exchange contact information and insurance details with all parties involved in the accident, no matter who is at fault. You still need to call the police (within 28 days of the accident) to receive a Police Event number. Otherwise, you put your insurance claim at risk.
Contact Your Ride Share Company
It’s your responsibility to report the accident to your ride-share company and you should do this as quickly as possible. The ride-share company you work with might be able to assist you with insurance providers if you were actively working, whether you were en route with passengers or to pick them up. They may even be able to help if you are off-duty. Regardless of whether they can help, you do need to report the accident as many companies have special insurance coverage for drivers who have accidents on the clock.
Understand Your Insurance Coverage
Is your insurance coverage adequate for the work you do?
If you have comprehensive car insurance, this will cover any damage to your vehicle and third-party property. Third-party liability insurance is compulsory, and it covers damage to other vehicles and property.
Ride-share insurance is more comprehensive because it covers you while you’re on the job, whether you have passengers on board or not. If you’re driving for a ride-share company without the right insurance, it could impact the success of your motor vehicle accident claims.
You must ensure you have the correct insurance before you start a ride-share job.
Filing a Motor Vehicle Accident Claim
If your ride-share company insurance covers the cost of the accident, you’ll want to pursue a motor vehicle accident compensation claim that way. It may prevent a rise in your insurance premiums and is likely the most straightforward option. If you’re not covered by this, you will have to claim through your own insurance unless another driver was at fault and their insurance will cover you.
The process can be confusing and you may want to enlist the services of motor accident lawyers to figure out how to proceed. Regardless of which insurance company your claim lies with, you will need photos of the accident scene, witness statements, accident reports, the Police Event number, and details from your ride-share company. There can be disputes over insurance if there are questions about which driver was at fault, but this is why it’s so important to have a strong team of motor vehicle lawyers.
Motor Vehicle Accidents and Passengers
If you have a passenger on board when you get in an accident, your first responsibility is to ensure they are safe and uninjured. Even if everyone seems okay at the time, it might be wise to pay the doctor a visit for a checkup.
If you were at fault, the passenger could pursue you personally for their injuries. You must speak to motor vehicle accident lawyers in Sydney early in the process to ensure you take the right steps. The ride-share platform’s insurance may cover passenger personal injury claims.
Compensation and Legal Actions
You have legal rights, even if you were at fault. You can seek compensation for lost income and medical expenses, either through your own insurance, another driver’s insurance, your ride-share company’s insurance, or Australia’s Compulsory Third-Party scheme if the driver at fault was uninsured. The CTP scheme is there to ensure your liabilities are covered following a car accident.
If someone else was at fault and negligent, a lawsuit for damages may be appropriate and that’s something a motorcycle accident injury lawyer in Sydney can advise you on.
Motor Vehicle Accident Lawyers
If you are a ride-share driver and you’ve been in a car accident on the job, it’s a good idea to reach out to a motor accident lawyer for a free consultation, especially if there’s a serious injury involved or there are disputes over insurance claims.
A lawyer will protect your rights, handle negotiations with insurance companies, and ensure you receive the compensation you deserve for the damage to your vehicle or any personal injuries you sustained. A lawyer will also defend you against potential legal action from an injured passenger or other parties who were in the accident.
Do the Right Thing
Whatever the cause, whatever the risk, always follow the proper steps following a car accident – ensure safety, contact authorities, speak to your ride-share company, and deal with the insurance company. Car accidents can be overwhelming no matter who you are, but there is an added layer of stress when it happens while you’re driving professionally.
Don’t wait for other people to contact you, get in touch with AJB Stevens to schedule a free consultation to discuss the accident and determine the next steps to cover your liabilities.
