Rideshare services are now more popular than ever. However, the rise of rideshare has also led to an increase in accidents, especially at intersections. When an accident involves a rideshare vehicle, determining who is at fault can be complicated, particularly when it occurs at an intersection controlled by traffic lights. This article examines fault determination in intersection accidents involving rideshare vehicles in Ohio.
Traffic Light Right-of-Way Rules in Ohio
In Ohio, traffic lights dictate the right-of-way at intersections. Drivers facing a green light have the right-of-way and may proceed through the intersection. Those with a red light must stop and wait until the light turns green before entering the intersection. Drivers making a left turn on a green light must yield to oncoming traffic before turning. A flashing red light is treated like a stop sign, while a flashing yellow light means proceed with caution. Violating traffic signal rules is likely to result in fault being assigned to that driver in an accident.
Driver Negligence in Intersection Accidents
Even if a rideshare driver has a green light at an intersection, they can still be deemed at fault if they act negligently. For example, a rideshare driver may be speeding into the intersection when they have a green light. If they crash into a car that is lawfully turning left on a green arrow, the rideshare driver’s unlawful speeding may result in them being assigned majority fault. Failing to brake in time or distracted driving could also constitute negligence on the rideshare driver’s part.
Comparative Negligence in Ohio
Ohio uses a comparative negligence rule in accident claims. Under this rule, a plaintiff’s damages are reduced by their own percentage of fault. So, if the plaintiff is 30% at fault for an accident, their total damages will be reduced by 30%. This rule applies to rideshare accident claims as well. So, even if the rideshare driver is primarily at fault, the other driver may bear some responsibility too. Their fault percentage will reduce the rideshare driver’s ultimate compensation.
Passenger Liability in Rideshare Accidents
Rideshare passengers who are injured in an intersection accident typically file injury claims against the rideshare company and the driver. But they may also bear some fault for the crash, such as if they distracted the rideshare driver. Ohio uses comparative negligence against plaintiffs, so a passenger’s fault percentage would reduce their damage recovery. However, rideshare company insurance often precludes collecting from injured passengers even if they were partially at fault.
With rideshare vehicles proliferating on Ohio roads, intersection accidents involving them are a growing concern. Determining fault rests heavily on traffic light right-of-way rules and driver negligence principles. Ohio’s comparative negligence rule allows damages to be apportioned based on fault percentages of all involved parties. Understanding liability rules is crucial for injured rideshare users and drivers alike when pursuing injury compensation.
Have you been involved in an intersection accident with a rideshare driver? Call now for a free consultation on (888) 477-0597. We have offices in 32 locations and 19 states, including Ohio, Nebraska, and Washington.