What happens if you get injured in a rideshare accident?
Rideshare services are continuing to become a more popular type of transportation. Whether you are traveling without a rental car, do not have your own vehicle, or you prevent yourself from drinking and driving, a rideshare service comes in handy. Car accidents are inevitable, even for rideshare services, but the rideshare element can turn a collision into a sticky situation. Continue reading to learn what happens if you get injured in a rideshare accident.
The two most prominent rideshare companies are Uber and Lyft. After years of popularity, these are now massive corporations that have stacked legal teams. Due to this, they have set policies for their drivers in case an accident were to happen.
Rideshare drivers are independent contractors for the company who utilize their own personal vehicle for commercial purposes. Drivers are required to carry their own personal car insurance on their vehicle and themselves, as well as some commercial insurance coverage from the company while they are actively driving in the app. However, this does not mean that Uber or Lyft will automatically cover any damages and assume liability when an accident occurs.
If the rideshare driver is waiting on a passenger and at fault in a collision, Uber and Lyft will provide bodily injury coverage of $50,000 per person and $100,000 per accident, plus another $25,000 for property damage if the driver does not have their own rideshare insurance coverage.
If the rideshare driver is on their way to pick up a passenger and gets into an accident where they are at fault, Uber and Lyft offers $1 million in liability coverage with uninsured and underinsured motorist liability coverage.
If the driver is taking a passenger to their destination and cause an accident, Uber and Lyft offers the same $1 million liability coverage with uninsured and underinsured motorist liability coverage.
If you are in an Uber or Lyft when an accident occurs, immediately report it to the company through the app. By doing so, you will have made sure that their insurance policies will kick in if need be. Also call the police to file a police report as a form of evidence in your claim. Beyond that, operate the same you would with any other car accident: gather all of the evidence you can, document the accident, seek medical attention, and hire a personal injury lawyer.
While you cannot prepare for every aspect of a car accident, you can certainly take the time afterward to recover and seek out any compensation you may be entitled to. If you find yourself in a car accident involving a rideshare vehicle, give us a call at J. Stein Law Firm. We assist victims navigate insurance claims so they can focus on their recovery. At J. Stein Law Firm, we are committed to getting justice for our clients. Schedule your free case consultation today to get started.
Sources:
https://www.nolo.com/legal-encyclopedia/i-was-injured-while-riding-in-an-uber-or-lyft-vehicle.html
https://www.straccilaw.com/blog/what-to-do-in-an-uber-car-accident-everything-you-need-to-know
https://www.fool.com/the-ascent/insurance/auto/rideshare-insurance-uber-lyft/
