Injured in a Rideshare Accident?
Rideshares have changed everything about our means of transportation. With a smartphone and a few bucks, you can grab a private ride across town in a matter of minutes. But what happens in the case of an accident while taking an Uber or Lyft? These unique companies may pose challenging insurance and liability cases. If you make frequent use of a rideshare service, take note of what to expect in terms of insurance and liability in the instance of an accident.
Who’s insurance would apply?
When you’re involved in a rideshare accident, whose insurance policy would apply? That of the driver or the rideshare company? This may be tricky to determine. The driver’s insurance will apply if they have a commercial insurance policy or a personal policy that includes special coverage while they act as a rideshare driver. However, it is unlikely that your driver will possess either of these types of coverage. Rather, they’ll commonly have a personal car insurance policy that will not cover damages or injury in this case. The rideshare company, however, may carry a third party liability insurance. Lyft and Uber will pay up to $1 million per accident. So, when the driver is at fault in an accident, you, the passenger, will be covered.
What if the accident isn’t my driver’s fault?
As in any traffic accident, the driver who is at fault will be liable for the resulting injuries and damages. Their insurance will cover any injuries that you suffer. And if they do not have insurance or lack sufficient coverage for your injuries, the rideshare company will step in. Again, Lyft and Uber will contribute up to $1 million for your coverage even if the driver is not at fault.
Keep in mind:
The drivers of Uber and Lyft are not employees. They are instead, independent contractors. This makes filing a lawsuit against Uber or Lyft quite tricky as it would be hard to prove their responsibility for an accident.
While rideshare companies are taking the transportation industry by storm, it is valuable to consider the unfortunate chance of an accident. Be aware of the implications that may follow, and of the coverage, you might require. If you or a loved one has suffered in a rideshare accident, contact your trusted legal experts at Peach and Weathers today for clarity and peace of mind.
