Uber and Lyft Accident
Ridesharing services like Uber and Lyft have made all of our lives easier at one point or another, giving us access to an on-demand ride for an inexpensive cost. But the entire premise is legally nebulous. Who exactly is responsible for the actions of the driver? And who’s protecting you if you get into an accident?
If you’ve been involved in a car accident with a driver for Uber or Lyft, you may be confused about what to do next. You trusted your safety and health to a driver, probably a stranger, and now you’re struggling with injuries in the aftermath.
The Basics of Uber and Lyft Accident Liability
Liability for car accidents involving Uber or Lyft drivers can get complicated fast.
Generally speaking, drivers for these services can become active or inactive when they please; they can turn on an app to pick up passengers and make money, or turn off the app and go home for the night. You, as a passenger, can hail a ride, observe the ride, and manage payment all within the app as a passive passenger.
If your car is involved in an accident, as a passive passenger, you will almost certainly have no liability for the accident. Instead, your driver or the other driver may be found at fault. If the other driver is found at fault, the car accident will proceed much like any other accident. But if the Uber/Lyft driver is found at fault, things get more complicated.
Uber and Lyft have policies intended to protect drivers and passengers when using the app. Uber, for example, has a $1,000,000 third-party liability policy in place. If the driver is at fault, while the app is turned on and a passenger is on a trip, the company’s coverage may kick in and provide compensation for any damages or injuries you sustained during the trip.
However, if the driver is currently active and you’re not officially on a trip, things get more complicated. You may be dealing with both Uber/Lyft’s commercial insurance and the driver’s personal insurance policy.
And if you’re taking a ride with an Uber/Lyft driver “under the table,” without activating the app, the coverage provided by Uber or Lyft will almost certainly be unavailable.
Alternatively, if you in an accident with an Uber / Lyft driver that has not picked up a passenger yet, the amount of coverage can be considerably less than the $1,000,000.00 amount.
Working With a Lawyer After an Uber and Lyft Accident
If you were involved in an accident as an Uber or Lyft passenger or struck by an Uber of Lyft driver, it’s important for you to talk to a lawyer. Your lawyer will be able to navigate the legal complexities of the case, and work on your behalf to make sure you get the compensation you deserve. They can reduce your stress by providing you with more information and advice, and negotiate on your behalf with any insurance companies offering a settlement for the damages.
If you’re unable to reach an agreement for a settlement, your lawyer can also represent you in a court case. Your lawyer will be able to recommend proceedings from there.
What to Do Immediately After an Uber/Lyft Accident
After the accident, it’s important for you to get to safety and call for medical attention as soon as possible, if warranted. Then:
- Gather evidence - Gather whatever evidence you can. Depending on the situation, that may mean taking photos, shooting video, or even talking to eyewitnesses.
- File a police report - It’s important to file a police report, which will serve as the official version of events. Do this as soon as possible to improve accuracy.
- Get further medical attention - In the days and weeks that follow, get the medical attention you need, and make sure you keep records of your costs.
- Contact a lawyer - Even if you aren’t sure what to do next, or if you don’t know what your needs truly are, it’s important to talk to a lawyer. Your initial consultation should be free, so there’s no risk or cost to starting the process and learning more about your situation.
If you need help navigating the legal complexities of a Lyft or Uber case, contact The Law Offices of Manny Arce today! We’ll be standing by to help you get compensation for your injuries, damages, lost wages, and pain and suffering—regardless of liability complexity standing in the way.