Understanding Ghost Rides In Rideshare Services

Sometimes convenience comes with risk, and a growing concern among rideshare riders and drivers alike is the rise of ghost rides. These situations can lead to confusion, danger, and even serious injury. Understanding what a ghost ride is, why it’s risky, and what your legal options are if you’re hurt during one can help protect your rights.

When ghost ride accidents happen, the legal path forward can be anything but simple. An experienced Miami personal injury lawyer can help you uncover the truth, establish liability, and fight for the recovery you deserve.

Why Ghost Rides Are Dangerous

A ghost ride occurs when someone takes a rideshare trip that isn’t properly recorded or authorized by the rideshare company’s platform. In many cases, it happens when a driver and passenger agree to bypass the app. For example, after completing one ride legitimately, the driver offers to give the passenger another lift for a discounted price or in cash.

While that might seem like a harmless way to save money, ghost rides are not protected by Uber or Lyft’s insurance policies. These trips fall outside the official rideshare system, meaning that if an accident occurs, neither the passenger nor the driver may be covered by the company’s liability or uninsured motorist coverage.

When a ghost ride takes place, the safety features built into the rideshare platform no longer apply. There’s no GPS tracking of the trip, no record of who accepted or completed it, and no formal insurance coverage if something goes wrong.

If you’re a passenger in a ghost ride and the driver causes an accident, or if you’re injured as a pedestrian or another driver involved in a crash with a rideshare vehicle operating outside the app, your situation becomes far more complicated. Without the official ride record, proving who was responsible and securing compensation can be challenging.

What to Do If You’re Hurt in a Ghost Ride

Following an injury during what turns out to be a ghost ride, it’s important to take immediate steps to protect yourself and preserve evidence:

• Call 911 and seek medical attention. Your health comes first, and official documentation of your injuries will be critical later.
• Report the crash to the police. Even if the ride wasn’t booked through the app, an official report helps establish key facts about the accident.
• Gather evidence. Take photos of the vehicles, your injuries, and any identifying information (license plates, driver details, location).
• Avoid negotiating directly with the driver or their insurer. These situations can get complex quickly, and you may inadvertently weaken your claim.

Recovering compensation after a ghost ride injury often involves navigating a web of potential insurance claims. This includes the driver’s personal auto policy, third-party liability coverage, or your own uninsured motorist protection. A skilled Miami personal injury lawyer can help determine what coverage applies and pursue a fair full settlement.

Could a maximum compensation amount be in reach for you? Share the specifics of your medical bills, lost income, and pain and suffering with the talented attorneys at Spencer Morgan Law. Call 305-423-3800 to book a confidential consultation.