Who Pays For Injuries In Uber And Lyft Accidents?

Rideshare services have become increasingly popular over the past few years. According to data released by Forbes, annual rideshare service use increased from 140 million rides in 2014 to 6.9 billion in 2019. These services have made travel easier for people who don’t have their own vehicles, people who don’t want to use public transport and to make sure that people who’ve had a fun night out can get home safely. However, while the number of Uber and Lyft rides have increased, so have the number of rideshare accidents.

Which Driver Is at Fault?

Usually the at-fault driver is required to cover any damages. If the accident occurred as a result of the other driver’s negligence, their insurance would be required to compensate you for any injuries and for vehicular damage. But what happens when the at-fault driver doesn’t have insurance or is underinsured? Uber, Lyft and other rideshare companies are required by law to carry Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist Coverage. This means that if the at-fault driver doesn’t have insurance or is underinsured, the rideshare company will cover the cost of damages, specific to the policy’s limits.

Rideshare Companies Stand Liability

As of July 1, 2017, it is mandatory for all Uber, Lyft or any other rideshare drivers, to carry $100,000 of insurance for bodily injury or death, and $25,000 for property damage, while they’re logged into their app but haven't secured a passenger. However, once a passenger enters the vehicle, the coverage is increased to $1 million dollars for death, bodily injury and property damage. If an accident occurs as a result of the Uber/Lyft driver’s negligence, then the company is required to stand liability.

What You Should Do 

Determining which party is at-fault for the accident is a big part of ensuring liability so you can get compensated. Here are some things you can do in the aftermath of an accident to help the process along:

• Call the police and make sure that  you ask for a copy of the police report.
• Seek medical attention within 14 days.
• Take pictures with your smartphone at the scene.

• Make sure you have evidence of your rideshare confirmation. Let the rideshare driver finish the ride in the app and provide you with the email confirmation/receipt showing that they were en route when the accident occurred.

• Keep the phone you used to request the ride, even if it’s damaged.

Car accidents are a reality. Considering the high percentage of Uber and Lyft drivers on the road these days, it only makes sense that these will be a certain percentage of road accidents. If you or a loved one was involved in an Uber/Lyft accident and wondering about how you will get compensated, contact us. You can rely on us to get the best results and get your life back on track. Contact us for a FREE case evaluation.