Ridesharing services like Uber and Lyft have become increasingly popular in recent years, offering a convenient and affordable alternative to traditional taxis. However, just like any other car on the road, rideshare vehicles can get into accidents. If you’re a passenger in an Uber or Lyft when it gets rear-ended by another driver, you may be wondering who’s responsible for covering your medical bills and other damages.
The good news is, if you’ve been injured in a rideshare accident that wasn’t your fault, you have the right to seek compensation for your losses. The process of recovering damages can be difficult, however, and may involve dealing with multiple insurance companies and legal issues.
Liability in a Rideshare Accident
Determining liability in a rideshare accident can be more complicated than in a typical car crash because there are multiple parties involved. In addition to the rideshare driver and the other driver who caused the accident, the ridesharing company (Uber or Lyft) and their insurance carrier may also play a role.
In most cases, if your Uber/Lyft driver gets rear-ended by another car, the other driver will be considered at fault, and their auto insurance will be primarily responsible for covering your damages. This is because rear-end collisions are almost always caused by the trailing driver following too closely or failing to stop in time.
However, there may be some situations where your rideshare driver shares some blame for the accident, such as if their brake lights weren’t working properly or they stopped short unnecessarily. In these cases, the rideshare company’s insurance may kick in to cover some of your losses.
Insurance Coverage for Rideshare Accidents
Both Uber and Lyft provide insurance coverage for accidents that occur while a driver is on the clock and has a passenger in the car. However, the amount and type of coverage available may depend on the specific circumstances of the accident and the driver’s own personal auto insurance.
In general, if you’re injured in an Uber or Lyft accident, you may have several potential sources of insurance coverage, including:
- The at-fault driver’s personal auto insurance policy
- The rideshare driver’s personal auto insurance policy
- The rideshare company’s commercial liability insurance
- The rideshare company’s uninsured/underinsured motorist (UM/UIM) coverage
Uber and Lyft both provide up to $1 million in third-party liability coverage per accident, which can help pay for your medical bills, lost wages, and other damages if the other driver doesn’t have enough insurance. They also provide UM/UIM coverage in case you’re hit by a driver who doesn’t have insurance or doesn’t have enough to fully compensate you.
However, accessing this insurance coverage can be difficult on your own, as the rideshare companies and their insurers may try to deny or minimize your claim. That’s where having an experienced rideshare accident lawyer can make a big difference.
What to Do After a Rideshare Accident
If you’ve been injured in an Uber or Lyft accident, the first and most important thing to do is seek medical attention for your injuries. Even if you don’t think you’re seriously hurt, some injuries like whiplash may not show symptoms right away. Getting prompt medical care can help ensure that your injuries are properly diagnosed and treated and also provides documentation of the accident’s impact on your health.
You should also try to gather as much information as possible at the scene of the accident, including:
- The name and contact information of your rideshare driver and the other driver involved
- The insurance information for both drivers
- The make, model, and license plate number of both vehicles
- Photos of the damage to the vehicles and the accident scene
- Contact information for any eyewitnesses to the crash
Be sure to report the accident to Uber or Lyft as soon as possible, as well as to the police if the crash was serious. However, be cautious about giving any recorded statements to the rideshare company or their insurance adjuster without first consulting with a lawyer, as they may try to use your words against you later.
How a Rideshare Accident Lawyer Can Help
Facing legal and insurance issues after a rideshare accident can be incredibly challenging, especially when you’re trying to recover from painful injuries at the same time. An experienced rideshare accident lawyer can handle every aspect of your claim and fight for the full compensation you deserve.
Some of the ways a rideshare accident lawyer can help include:
- Investigating the accident and gathering evidence to prove liability
- Identifying all potential sources of insurance coverage
- Calculating the full value of your damages, including future medical needs
- Negotiating with the insurance companies on your behalf
- Filing a lawsuit and representing you in court if a fair settlement can’t be reached
Contact a Rideshare Accident Lawyer Today
Being injured as a passenger in a rideshare accident can be a scary and stressful experience. When your Uber or Lyft driver gets rear-ended by another car, you may be feeling anxious and uncertain about what to do next or how you’ll afford your medical bills.
The most important thing to remember is that if the accident wasn’t your fault, you have the right to seek compensation for your injuries and other losses. While dealing with the insurance companies and legal process can be complicated, you don’t have to go through it alone.
At Consumer Law Attorneys, we help injured rideshare passengers get the compensation they need to move forward with their lives. We know how to stand up to the big rideshare companies and their insurers, and we’re committed to fighting for your rights every step of the way.
Call us today at 877-241-2200 for a free, no-obligation consultation with one of our skilled rideshare accident lawyers. We’ll listen to your story, answer your questions, and explain your legal options so you can make the best decision for your future.
Remember, you only have one chance to recover compensation for your rideshare accident injuries. Let us put our experience and resources to work for you so you can focus on what’s most important – healing and getting your life back on track.
