Rideshare Accident Lawyer in North Providence

Being involved in a rideshare accident in North Providence can turn an ordinary trip into a confusing and stressful experience. Your rideshare accident lawyer in North Providence with Gemma Law understands what you have been through all too well and will work to protect your interests every step of the way.

Your North Providence car accident lawyer brings 100+ years of combined experience to your case, giving you the benefit of a seasoned team that knows how to stand up for injured clients. Reach out today so we can start helping you move forward after your rideshare accident.

Rideshare Accidents Are More Nuanced Than Other Vehicle Collisions

Rideshare accidents often bring challenges you will not find in a typical car crash. Instead of dealing with only two drivers, these cases may involve complex insurance structures and questions about who is legally responsible.

Working with a North Providence personal injury lawyer at Gemma Law means having someone who knows how the policies of the rideshare company may impact your claim.

Why Rideshare Companies Use Tiered Insurance Coverage

Most rideshare companies divide their insurance coverage into stages that depend on what the driver is doing at the time of the crash. The first stage is when the driver has the app on but has not yet accepted a ride. The second stage is when the driver is on the way to pick up a passenger. The third stage begins when the passenger is in the vehicle and ends when the ride is complete.

The amount of coverage available can change significantly from one stage to the next. This makes it important to know exactly what the driver was doing at the moment of the crash so your claim is directed to the correct policy.

How State Rideshare Regulations Influence Your Claim

Rhode Island has rules that rideshare companies and their drivers must follow. These cover areas such as insurance requirements, driver background checks, and vehicle safety.

If a company or driver fails to follow these rules, it can make your case stronger by showing that safety obligations were ignored. Applying these rules to the facts of your case can also help determine whether the rideshare company itself may be held responsible.

Corporate Liability vs. Driver Liability in Rideshare Accidents

In some situations, the rideshare company may share responsibility for the crash. This can happen if the driver was actively working in the app and carrying out a ride-related task when the collision occurred.

Other times, only the driver may be held liable, especially if they were off the clock or acting outside of their work for the rideshare platform. Most rideshare drivers are independent contractors, so identifying exactly who is responsible is an important step in deciding how to pursue compensation.

What Leads to Rideshare Accidents in North Providence

Rideshare accidents can happen in many ways that go far beyond the typical fender-bender. The circumstances often involve both the rideshare driver’s conduct and the environment in which the trip takes place. Under R.I. Gen. Laws § 39-14.2-7, drivers must follow specific requirements. Some situations that can lead to a rideshare accident include:

• Distracted driving
• Improper pickups
• Unsafe drop-offs
• Speeding to meet ride quotas
• Impaired driving
• Mechanical failures
• Poor weather response
• Failure to yield
• Sudden stops
• Passenger altercations

Each of these situations can trigger a different insurance response depending on what was happening when the crash occurred. Under R.I. Gen. Laws § 31-14.2-15, transportation network companies must maintain certain levels of insurance coverage, but when and how that coverage applies can vary.

Factors That Can Complicate a Rideshare Accident Claim

Rideshare accidents can become complicated when there are questions about who is responsible and which insurance policy should apply.

Disagreements over fault, conflicting statements from drivers or witnesses, and incomplete accident reports can all slow the process. When these issues come up, your rideshare accident attorney in North Providence with our firm knows how to address them.

Multiple Insurance Companies Disputing Liability

A rideshare crash can involve several insurance companies at the same time. The rideshare company’s coverage, the driver’s personal auto policy, and other drivers’ policies may all come into play. When the companies disagree over who should pay and how much, the process can drag on.

While they argue, the payments you need for medical care, lost income, and other expenses can be delayed. We step in to keep the pressure on and push the insurers to resolve their disputes so your claim keeps moving forward.

Proving Negligence in Cases Involving Drunk Driving

When a rideshare driver or another motorist drives after drinking, the risk to everyone on the road increases. Police reports, breath tests, and field sobriety results can show whether alcohol played a role in the crash. Under R.I. Gen. Laws § 31-27-2, driving under the influence is against the law, and proving a violation can establish fault in a civil claim for damages.

Your North Providence drunk driving accident lawyer uses this evidence to show exactly how impairment caused the collision. Establishing fault in this way can also determine which insurance policy applies and the type of compensation available.

Passenger Injury Claims vs. Driver Injury Claims

After a rideshare crash, passengers often have a direct path to file with the rideshare company’s insurance. Injured drivers may need to start with their personal auto policy before seeking coverage from the rideshare company or another driver’s policy.

Fault and the stage of the ride, including whether the app was on, the driver was en route, or a passenger was on board, as both affect how insurance applies. These details can influence the claim process, the benefits available, and the timeline for payment.

Consult With Your North Providence Rideshare Accident Attorney Today

Your North Providence rideshare accident lawyer from Gemma Law will focus on the details of your situation and address the challenges you are facing. We know a rideshare crash can create sudden changes, from managing medical care to dealing with insurance questions.

Contact us today so we can handle the details of your claim while you focus on your recovery.