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Uber, Lyft & Rideshare Accidents

A ridesharing service allows users to arrange one-way transportation quickly and typically through an app or website.

Currently, the two biggest ridesharing services are Uber and Lyft. While other services and brands exist, these two are the dominant players in the market – specifically within North America.

Yes.

Unfortunately, car accidents occur regularly causing personal injuries to the passengers, driver, and others on the road. When an Uber, Lyft, or other rideshare service is involved, the legal side of things can become confusing and may require the aid of a skilled lawyer to ensure fair compensation is received for any damages sustained.

One thing to keep in mind is that accidents involving Uber and other rideshare services can fall into a few different scenarios, including:

The Uber driver has the app off

If an accident occurs involving an Uber or Lyft driver and their app is turned off – meaning they are not currently working – then the driver’s personal car insurance will cover them for any accident they may cause.

The Uber driver has their app on, but is not actively transporting a passenger

Any Uber driver that is actively using their car for work has the option to add additional liability insurance through Uber. This coverage covers up to $50,000 per injury ($100,000 maximum) and $25,000 property damage.

If an Uber driver is actively working – meaning their app is on, but does not have any passengers and causes an accident their own personal insurance is used first, followed by the additional coverage offered by Uber if their own insurance does not cover all of the damages.

The Uber driver has their app on and is carrying a passenger

In this case, Uber provides coverage for up to $1,000,000 if their driver is at-fault and carrying a passenger.

As in the previous scenario, the Uber driver’s own insurance is used first and if it does not cover all the damages the Uber coverage will begin to cover the rest.

In regards to the drivers of rideshare services like Uber and Lyft, they are seen as “independent contractors.”

This means that in Uber and Lyft can deny liability for any crash that involves their drivers.

This doesn’t mean that you should give up in taking legal action, it means that if you were seriously injured in a car accident involving an Uber or Lyft driver you need an experienced personal injury attorney. The team at Schiffman Firm can help – contact us for a free consultation of your case.

If you were riding in an Uber or Lyft and involved in an accident and the driver of the other vehicle is found to be at fault it would be up to their insurance to cover any damages.

In the event that their insurance cannot completely cover the damages, Uber has an uninsured/underinsured motorist policy of $1,000,000 that could apply to cover the remaining damages.

The cause of an Uber or Lyft accident is no different than other automobile collisions, most occur due to:

• Distract driving
• Dangerous driving like speeding
• Inclement weather or hazards
• Defective automobiles