In recent years, with the rise of ride-sharing services such as Uber and Lyft, car accidents involving these companies have become quite common. Wyoming, like most U.S. States, has specific laws that apply to personal injury cases involving ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft. In this article, we will discuss Wyoming personal injury laws for car accidents involving Uber or Lyft.
Table of Contents
Background: Uber and Lyft in Wyoming
Both Uber and Lyft operate in Wyoming, providing convenient transportation services for Wyoming residents and tourists. In Wyoming, these companies are regulated by the Wyoming Department of Transportation, which ensures that ride-sharing companies and their drivers follow state transportation laws and regulations. However, accidents involving Uber or Lyft can still occur, and it is necessary to know the laws that apply in these situations.
Liability for Car Accidents Involving Ride-Sharing Services
In Wyoming, liability for car accidents involving ride-sharing services like Uber or Lyft depends on certain factors:
Factor 1: Period of Service
The period of service is the period when the ride-sharing service is active, but the driver has not yet accepted a ride. During this time, the driver’s personal auto insurance policy covers liability for any accidents. The ride-sharing company’s insurance policy does not apply during this period.
Factor 2: En Route to Pickup Location
The second period is when the driver has accepted a ride and is en route to the pickup location. During this period, the ride-sharing company’s insurance policy covers up to $50,000 per person, $100,000 per accident, and $25,000 for property damage.
Factor 3: Ride in Progress
The third period is when the passenger is in the vehicle, and the ride is in progress. During this period, the ride-sharing company’s insurance policy covers up to $1,000,000 per accident.
Proving Liability
If you are involved in a car accident involving a ride-sharing service like Uber or Lyft, you can file a personal injury lawsuit. To prove liability, you must show that the Uber or Lyft driver was negligent and that their negligence was the cause of the accident.
Proving Negligence
To prove that the Uber or Lyft driver was negligent, you must show that they breached their duty of care while driving. This can include actions such as distracted driving, speeding, or failing to obey traffic laws.
Causation
To establish causation, you must show that the Uber or Lyft driver’s negligence caused the accident. This can be proved with medical records, witness statements, and expert testimony.
Conclusion
In conclusion, car accidents involving ride-sharing services such as Uber or Lyft are common in Wyoming. If you are involved in an accident, it is essential to understand the laws and regulations that apply to these cases. Liability for accidents involving ride-sharing services depends on the period of service, and proving liability requires demonstrating negligence and causation. Consultation with a personal injury attorney can help you determine how to proceed if you are involved in a car accident with an Uber or Lyft driver.