When you use the smartphone app to hail an Uber or Lyft, you probably feel like you are making an economical and safe decision. Unfortunately, rideshare drivers have no special training and are just as prone to making mistakes as anyone else on the road. This means that you could easily be hurt in an accident while riding in an Uber or Lyft if your driver or another driver on the road is careless, reckless, or otherwise negligent.
If you or a loved one have been injured in a rideshare accident, you may be eligible for financial compensation from the company or a driver’s insurance, but determining liability can often be challenging. Read more to find out which parties could potentially be responsible for the crash, and what types of insurance coverage might be available to you.
Who Could Be Liable for a Rideshare Accident?
Like any accident, who is responsible will depend on the specific circumstances of the crash. For example, the rideshare driver could be liable. In that situation, either the driver’s personal insurance or the rideshare company’s commercial insurance could be responsible for paying damages.
Lyft or Uber insurance will cover your accident only when certain conditions are met. If the accident is another driver’s fault, then that individual and their insurance would be responsible.
An accident in an Uber car or Lyft should be investigated thoroughly. That’s why it’s important to contact an experienced injury lawyer and have them find our exactly what happened. They can establish the at-fault party’s negligence and seek compensation for your medical bills, pain and suffering, and lost wages from missed work, among other damages.
What Types of Insurance Coverage May Be Available?
If you are injured in an accident while using a rideshare service, Lyft or Uber accident liability may apply. Rideshare drivers are required to have insurance policies for their cars that meet minimum requirements set by the state. The rideshare companies also maintain insurance that only applies in certain situations.
Your Lyft or Uber driver accident insurance will likely fall into one of three categories.
- If the app is off. Lyft or Uber’s liability insurance won’t apply. The driver’s personal policy will be used instead.
- If the app is on, but the driver is waiting for a fare. The rideshare companies may cover liability at set maximum amounts. They will pay up to $50,000 per injured person, with a maximum of $100,000 per accident. They may also cover up to $25,000 in property damage.
- If the app is on, and the driver is on their way to pick up or already has passengers. Uber and Lyft both carry $1 million liability coverage. Lyft and Uber accident liability policies also offer $1 million in coverage if another driver is at fault and they are uninsured or underinsured.
How Can Ruloff, Swain, Haddad, Morecock, Talbert & Woodward, P.C. Help?
You may need a lawyer to help ensure that you get the Uber or Lyft accident settlement you deserve. Our experienced attorneys at Ruloff, Swain, Haddad, Morecock, Talbert & Woodward, P.C. can help you initiate an Uber or Lyft accident claim to seek the maximum financial compensation possible.
Contact us today to learn more about your rights and how we can help. Our consultations are always free.