When people are injured in car accidents with rideshare companies like Uber and Lyft, whether they are passengers, pedestrians, or riding ...
When people are injured in car accidents with rideshare companies like Uber and Lyft, whether they are passengers, pedestrians, or riding in another vehicle, understanding what steps to take after the crash, who may be liable for injuries, and how rideshare companies’ insurance works can make all the difference.
Steps to Take After a Rideshare Accident
Following these steps after a rideshare accident can help protect victims’ health, safety, and ability to recover compensation for losses.
- Like with any motor vehicle crash, victims injured in rideshare accidents should assess the crash scene, check for severe injuries, and call for emergency medical help and police assistance. Even if injuries don’t appear to be serious, getting evaluated by a medical professional as soon as possible is essential. First, many types of internal injuries may not be apparent right away. Second, seeing a medical professional after a crash serves as documentation that the injuries existed and were likely caused by the accident. Medical records and physician testimony are vital parts of a personal injury claim - especially if a lawsuit must be filed to recover compensation.
- If possible, victims should take photos or a video of the crash scene, obtain information about the driver and his or her insurance, and get contact information for bystanders whose statements may serve as evidence to support car accident claims or lawsuits.
- Calling a rideshare accident attorney is a victim’s best offense when dealing with large companies like Uber or Lyft. While these companies and their insurance representatives are often reluctant to deal directly with accident victims, they will almost always respond to car accident lawyers. Additionally, insurance adjusters often attempt to minimize payouts by making lowball settlement offers to victims. Accepting an offer or making certain statements to the insurance company or Uber can jeopardize a person’s ability to recover fair compensation.
Understanding Who Can Be Held Liable for Injuries Caused by a Rideshare Accident
The drivers who work for rideshare companies like Uber or Lyft are not employees. Rather they are independent contractors. While there are exceptions to the rule, these companies can generally not be held liable for the negligence of their drivers. Therefore, filing a lawsuit against Uber or Lyft directly is usually a last resort. In most cases, victims can, however, recover compensation for injuries and losses suffered in rideshare accidents by filing a claim against the at-fault driver’s insurance or against the rideshare company’s insurance. Which company may be liable, however, depends on the type of coverage carried by the individual driver and where in the app’s transaction the crash occurred.
How Rideshare Company’s Insurance Works
If the accident occurred when the at-fault rideshare driver was not using the app, the driver and his or her insurance company will likely be held liable. If, however, the crash occurred after the driver had activated the app and was waiting for a request, Uber or Lyft’s insurance will most likely apply. During this phase of the transaction, their insurance policy includes up to $50,000 per person or $100,000 per accident for bodily injury and up to $25,000 for property damage.
If the Lyft or Uber accident occurred after the driver accepted a request, Uber and Lyft’s insurance policy includes up to $1 million in liability and uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage until the passenger is dropped off. This coverage usually only applies, however, if the driver’s private insurance denies the injury claim or the driver’s coverage is inadequate.
If another driver was negligent in causing the crash with the rideshare vehicle, that person’s motor vehicle insurance policy would be liable for the victim’s losses instead.
