Rideshare & Self-Driving Car Accidents: What You Need to Know if You’ve Been Injured
Rideshare services like Uber and Lyft have made getting around more convenient—but when accidents happen, things can get complicated fast. Add autonomous (self-driving) vehicles into the mix, and it’s no wonder injured passengers, drivers, and pedestrians have questions about who’s responsible and how to recover damages.
At the Law Offices of Albert Zafonte Jr., we’re seeing more cases involving rideshare and self-driving vehicles. If you or a loved one has been injured in one of these types of accidents, here’s what you need to know.
Who’s Liable in a Rideshare Accident?
Liability in rideshare accidents isn’t always clear. Depending on the circumstances, one or more of the following parties could be responsible:
The rideshare driver
The rideshare company (for example Uber and Lyft)
Another driver involved in the accident
The manufacturers of the vehicle or its components
Rideshare companies carry third-party liability insurance, but this coverage only applies under specific conditions:
If the driver is logged into the app and waiting for a ride, coverage may be limited.
If the driver is en route to pick up a passenger or has a passenger in the car, higher coverage limits typically apply.
Navigating these insurance policies and proving liability often requires legal support—especially if the rideshare company tries to avoid responsibility by claiming their drivers are independent contractors.
What About Self-Driving Cars?
Self-driving vehicles—whether operated by individuals or as part of a commercial fleet—introduce new legal questions. If a fully or partially autonomous vehicle is involved in a crash, liability might fall on:
The human operator (if present)
The technology company or automaker that designed the self-driving system
A third-party who caused the crash (if their negligence led to the accident)
Recent court cases show that manufacturers are being held to higher standards of accountability as self-driving technology becomes more common. But proving fault in these cases can be complex, requiring expert analysis of the vehicle’s data and technology logs.
What Should You Do After a Rideshare or AV Accident?
If you’ve been injured in a rideshare or autonomous vehicle (AV) crash, follow these steps to protect your rights:
Get medical care immediately – Even if injuries seem minor, get checked out.
Report the accident to the police and request a copy of the report.
Take photos and document the scene, including license plates and any damage.
Get contact information from the driver and any witnesses.
Avoid talking to insurance companies until you’ve spoken with an attorney.
How a Personal Injury Attorney Can Help
At the Law Offices of Albert Zafonte Jr., we represent clients in a wide range of vehicle accident cases, including those involving rideshares and emerging technologies. These claims can often involve multiple insurance companies, shifting liability, and evolving laws. We’re here to handle those complexities, so you can focus on healing.
Whether you were a rideshare passenger, a driver, or a pedestrian, we’ll work to hold the right party accountable and fight for the compensation you deserve.
Injured in a Rideshare or AV Accident? Let’s Talk.
If you’ve been hurt in a rideshare or autonomous vehicle crash, don’t try to handle the legal aftermath alone. Call the Law Offices of Albert Zafonte Jr. at (516) 505-7001 or schedule your free consultation online. We’ll help you understand your rights, build a strong case, and get the justice you deserve.
Additional Resources
Rideshare and AV Liability flowchart
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