With more than 5 million rideshare drivers for companies like Uber and Lyft, as a rider, you’re going to want to know what to do in case of a rideshare accident. Uber drivers and other rideshare companies tend to hire contracted workers, not necessarily driving professionals. With this in mind, it’s no surprise there has been an increased number of car accidents as a result of these "taxi-esque" services.
Ridesharing services do not come without risks. Whether you are a driver or a passenger in an Uber or Lyft, getting into an accident can be a scary, confusing process.
As a passenger, you will not be considered ‘at fault’ even if your driver is the at-fault party. Keep this in mind when contacting a commercial vehicle or car accident lawyer, if need be.
What you need to know about rideshare accidents:
- Rideshare Passengers
- What to do After an Accident
- Liability & Insurance
Rideshare Passengers
As we mentioned above, if you are a passenger in a rideshare accident and your driver is the at-fault party, you will not be held responsible for any damages, injuries or other charges. The majority of rideshare companies do have accident policies in place, and if another driver is at fault, you would be going after their insurance anyhow.
When dealing with injuries sustained from a rideshare accident, you may be entitled to some form of compensation. Whiplash is the most common injury that takes place in car accidents, and rideshare accidents are no exception here.
If your situation calls for more thorough medical assistance, a car accident attorney can help ensure you do not pay for those expenses.
Having to deal with multiple insurance companies can make it difficult to get the compensation you need for treating your injuries. During your process of healing and getting better, your car accident attorney can speak to all of the insurance companies on your behalf.
What to do After an Accident
The circumstances of rideshare accidents are often complex and will likely require the expertise of an experienced personal injury lawyer. In addition to handling all communication with insurance companies on your behalf, a personal injury lawyer can help you negotiate a settlement on your behalf to cover the damages you have suffered. With the help of a legal advocate, you can focus on your healing and recovery.
However, before contacting a legal professional, if you are injured in an Uber or Lyft car accident, it is important that you take these following immediate steps:
- Call the police and report your accident.
- Ask the police to respond to your collision.
- If you or other passengers need an ambulance, request one.
- Seek external medical treatment as soon as possible.
- At the crash site, collect the rideshare driver’s name, insurance information and company contact info.
- Take pictures of the crash site.
- Avoid discussing the incident with the at fault party as everything you say could be used against you if the claim is denied.
- Connect with witnesses who saw the accident.
- Call your insurance company and tell them you have been in a crash caused by a rideshare accident.
Liability & Insurance
When it comes to car accidents, insurance policies are usually involved. Depending on where an accident occurred in the app's transaction, drivers may be covered differently within their driveshare companies policies. However, ridesharing companies such as Uber and Lyft do require drivers to carry their own auto insurance cover.
The case will proceed much like a regular accident with two vehicles if the driver does not have the app on at the time of the crash. In the event the rideshare driver of the car you are in was at fault for the accident, you will need to contact their insurance company for further compensation. A claim would be filed against the other driver if they were at fault.
Rideshare companies usually offer their first layer of coverage once a rideshare driver has installed the app, activated it, and is currently driving and waiting for a request.
After an accident, Lyft’s and Uber’s insurance policy for the transaction include:
- Up to $50,000 per person in bodily injury liability
- Up to $100,000 per accident in bodily injury liability
- Up to $25,000 per accident for property damage
With the help of an auto accident attorney specializing in commercial vehicle accidents, you can have someone deal with the hard tasks at hand on your behalf, while you heal, getting you the compensation you deserve.
