Rideshare services such as Lyft and Uber offer a convenient and affordable alternative to driving your own vehicle. Many people find it so convenient not to have to worry about driving or parking that they choose not to purchase their own vehicle.
Getting a ride just by using an app is a great service that can make getting around much easier than it used to be. However, you probably haven’t thought about what happens if you get into an accident while you’re a passenger in a rideshare, but car accidents can happen to anyone at any time, including rideshare drivers.
Insurance Coverage for Uber and Lyft Drivers
Rideshare drivers offer a transportation service that is similar to taxicabs, but unlike taxi companies, rideshare drivers don’t carry commercial insurance. Uber and Lyft require drivers to go through a background check before driving for these rideshare companies, and they are also required to carry their own liability insurance.
Rideshare companies also cover their drivers with excess insurance coverage, which is additional coverage over and above the driver’s own insurance. Both Uber and Lyft provide coverage of up to $1,000,000 of excess insurance along with uninsured and underinsured driver coverage. This insurance is intended to cover injuries to both the driver and the passengers, and to provide coverage even if another driver hit the rideshare vehicle and did not have insurance or didn’t have adequate insurance.
Who May Be Liable After an Accident in a Rideshare?
As a passenger in a rideshare, there’s nothing you can do to prevent an accident so you shouldn’t be responsible for any financial consequences you experience because of it such as medical bills or lost wages.
One or more of the following parties may be responsible for these expenses:
- The rideshare driver
- The rideshare company
- Another driver who caused the accident with the rideshare
What to do After an Accident in a Rideshare
After an accident in a rideshare, check if you, other passengers or the driver have been injured. If the driver hasn’t called for emergency medical assistance or the police, call for help. Once injuries are being taken care of, the next thing to do is document as much as you can about what happened.
You’ll need as much information as possible on the driver, such as his name and insurance company along with any information about the ridesharing company. Write down a description of everything that happened as soon as you’re able to including anything that contributed to the accident such as poor road conditions or a sudden storm. If there are witnesses, try to get their contact information.
Dealing with Insurance Companies
Keep in mind that insurance companies are in business to make a profit, so there’s a good chance they’ll try to do whatever they can to avoid taking responsibility for the accident. Rideshare drivers are independent contractors, not employees. You may find yourself caught between the driver’s personal insurance company and the rideshare company.
If the Uber or Lyft driver wasn’t at fault, the other driver’s insurance company is usually liable. It’s a good idea to get as much information as you can about the other vehicle and driver involved.
Getting Legal Help
If you’ve been injured as a passenger in a rideshare, you didn’t cause the accident and shouldn’t have to pay for it. An expert in the field of personal injury law can answer any questions you may have about your accident and potential compensation. Taos Injury Lawyers want to help. Fill out our contact form and we will get back to you very soon to discuss your rideshare accident.