If you or a loved one was involved in a collision and the vehicle that caused your accident injuries was an Uber or Lyft, you are entitled to recover the same financial damages you would recover from any other accident. The biggest difference in a rideshare versus private vehicle accident is knowing who is responsible for compensating you for your injuries.
The circumstances of the accident and the “active” or “inactive” status of the driver will determine whether the company’s driver bears financial responsibility for your recoverable damages. Your case will otherwise need to fit the legal parameters of other car accident cases, including proving the at-fault party’s negligence and ensuring your case is filed on time.
Determine Who to Pursue for Financial Compensation in Uber or Lyft Accident
According to a recent study on the impact of rideshare companies like Uber and Lyft, The University of Chicago noted a rise in accidents by nearly three percent since the introduction of rideshare services. As part of your fight for compensation, you have to prove the rideshare driver’s negligence caused your accident.
Establishing negligence means proving:
- Duty of care
- Breach of duty
- Cause of injuries
- Cause of damages
A personal injury lawyer will collect evidence that establishes liability which can include your car accident report, witness statements, and photos and videos. Once our attorney establishes negligence, we will determine which insurance company to pursue. We will also use the weight of the evidence to resolve your case with a settlement or to represent you at trial if a fair settlement is not forthcoming.
Uber’s Insurance Coverage
Uber requires its drivers to carry the minimum auto insurance required by their state. It also provides additional coverage depending on the circumstances of an accident involving their driver.
Accordingly:
- A driver awaiting a ride request might be covered by Uber’s third-party liability coverage, which provides $50,000 in bodily injury coverage per person, $100,000 per accident, and $25,000 in property damage coverage per accident
- A driver who is picking up or actively transporting passengers is covered by $1,000,000 in third-party liability insurance
The driver will be required to tap into his own insurance coverage if he is offline or off-app at the time of the accident. Your lawyer will help you identify and pursue the appropriate insurer.
Lyft’s Insurance Coverage
Lyft also requires its drivers to carry personal vehicle insurance that meets their state’s minimum requirements. The driver’s status determines whether their insurance company or Lyft’s provides coverage in the event of an accident.
Accordingly:
- If a driver is signed into the app and is waiting for a ride request, Lyft offers third-party liability coverage if the driver’s personal insurer denies coverage. This includes $50,000 per person and $100,000 per accident for bodily injury compensation. It also includes $25,000 per accident for property damage
- If a driver is on the way to a passenger pickup or is actively transporting a passenger, Lyft provides $1,000,000 for third-party auto liability
If the driver was not signed into the app and working when the accident occurred, they will rely on their personal insurance policy in the aftermath of an accident where they were the negligent party.
For a free legal consultation, call (614) 538-1116
Recover Compensation After an Uber or Lyft Accident
Whether via the rideshare driver’s private insurance or the rideshare company’s insurance, your lawyer can help you recover the following damages:
- Medical bills throughout your recovery
- Income loss caused by your injuries
- Vehicle damage or total destruction
- Ongoing physical pain and suffering
- Ongoing mental and emotional trauma
The lawyer who handles your case will also collect medical bills, vehicle repair or replacement estimates, and other receipts and invoices that prove the monetary value of your recoverable damages.
How a Personal Injury Lawyer Seeks Compensation for You
While you recover from injuries you sustained in an accident, the law firm that represents you can go to work preparing your case. Your legal team will:
- Collect evidence that proves the accident’s cause
- Identify the at-fault party and their insurance provider
- Assign a fair and appropriate value to your case
- Negotiate an out-of-court settlement, where possible
You are entitled to recover compensation if someone else’s negligence caused your accident. If the other side refuses to offer a fair settlement in your case, your lawyer will also represent you in court.
Review Your Uber of Lyft Car Accident Case Today
Were you or someone you love injured in a collision with a rideshare driver? If the vehicle that caused your car accident and resulting injuries was an Uber or Lyft, our personal injury law firm will help you seek compensation from the appropriate at-fault party.
Contact our consultation team at Bressman Law for a free review of your car accident case and find out how hard we will fight for your monetary recovery.
Call or text (614) 538-1116 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form
