Insurance Coverage In A Rideshare Accident
When we need a ride from one place to another, many of us use services such as Uber or Lyft. These rideshare companies have been growing in popularity in the past decade, allowing people to get to where they need to go without having to hail a taxi or rely on friends or family members.
While these services can be a lifesaver for those without transportation, accidents can still happen. There are also concerns about how these rideshare companies operate and whether or not they screen their drivers. So what happens if you are a passenger in a rideshare vehicle and the vehicle is involved in an accident? If you are injured, who pays for your damages?
The subject of insurance can be complicated. While Uber and Lyft both offer insurance coverage, it takes effect at certain times. Therefore, coverage depends on the driver’s status. If you use Uber or Lyft on a regular basis, here’s what you should know about rideshare accident coverage.
What Coverage Applies?
Uber and Lyft offer similar insurance coverages:
- App is off. The driver is not currently working as a rideshare driver, so if they get into an accident, they would use their personal auto insurance.
- App is on and driver is waiting for a ride request. At this stage, Uber and Lyft both provide coverage of $25,000 in property damage per accident, $50,000 in bodily injury per person, and $100,000 in bodily injury per accident.
- Driver is picking up passengers or transporting passengers. When there are passengers in the vehicle or the driver is on their way to pick up passengers, Uber and Lyft provide $1 million in coverage for third-party auto liability, as well as uninsured/underinsured motorist bodily injury and contingent comprehensive and collision coverage.
Who is Liable?
Liability in a car accident can depend on various factors. If two vehicles are involved in a crash, then usually one of the drivers will be considered at fault. If the rideshare driver hits a pedestrian, then the driver will generally be at fault, although there are situations in which a pedestrian‘s actions and reckless behavior could cause a crash.
In rare situations, a crash could be caused by a defect in the vehicle. In these cases, the manufacturer could be held liable. Also, there are situations in which a defect in the road could cause an accident. If this is the case, the victims could sue the government entity responsible for the roadway.
Contact a Rideshare Lawyer Today
Dealing with rideshare accidents can be tricky, since there are various forms of insurance coverage to deal with. Get the right help to ensure your legal rights are protected.
Let the Bradenton ride share accident lawyer at The Cahall Law Firm use his skills and knowledge to assess your rideshare accident case. We can determine liability and help you obtain the compensation you deserve for medical bills, lost wages, and other damages. Schedule a free consultation with our office today. Call (941) 281-2019 or fill out the online form.
