Standard personal auto policies typically exclude coverage when you are logged into a ride-share app and are available for or transporting a passenger for pay. During this “period of livery,“ you rely on the ride-share company’s commercial policy, which often has significant coverage gaps. Many insurers now offer a specific “ride-share endorsement” or hybrid policy to cover these gaps. Never assume your personal policy covers commercial activities; notify your agent if you drive for a ride-share service to ensure you have proper protection.

Liability typically falls on any company in the product’s chain of distribution. This includes the product manufacturer, the parts manufacturer, the assembler, and sometimes the wholesaler or retailer who sold it. Under strict liability rules, you can often sue these parties even if they were not careless. The goal is to hold the responsible commercial entity accountable for placing a dangerous product into the stream of commerce.

Provide the witness information to your insurance company and your attorney immediately, if you have one. Do not post it on social media or share it broadly. These professionals will handle the formal contact and statement process. Your role is to secure the contact details and pass them along promptly to preserve the integrity of the witness’s account for the official claim or investigation.