It’s a staggering fact that over 23 million people use Uber daily, with the expectation of a safe journey to their destination. However, the reality is that rideshare accidents, like any other car accident, are not uncommon.
Dealing with the legal aftermath of a rideshare accident is a unique challenge, distinct from a typical car crash. With over 25 years of experience, Jeff GOULD Law is the Attorney in YOUR Corner, ready to guide you through this complex process. Our deep understanding of personal injury law ensures that you make informed decisions about your legal rights after a rideshare accident. Whether you’ve been injured while using Uber, Lyft, or another rideshare service, we’re here to provide the support and guidance you need to protect your rights and seek the compensation you deserve for your injuries, medical bills, lost income, pain, and suffering.
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What Is a Ridesharing Accident?
A ridesharing accident is any accident that involves a rideshare vehicle like Uber or Lyft. These accidents may be caused by the driver, passengers, bad weather conditions, poor road conditions, or another at-fault negligent driver.
How Rideshare Accidents Differ From Other Car Accidents
Several factors differentiate rideshare accidents from other car accidents. Here are two of the key differences that separate a rideshare collision from a typical car crash:
Independent Contractors
Companies like Uber and Lyft don’t actually employ drivers; they’re considered independent contractors. Rideshare companies do this to insulate-distance themselves from their drivers, and then to deny liability if the drivers cause injuries during an accident.
Untrained Drivers
Most rideshare companies’ drivers are essentially untrained commercial drivers. In addition, Lyft and Uber do not offer any training, nor do they screen their drivers accurately.
What Role Does Insurance Play in Rideshare Accidents?
Understanding the role of insurance in rideshare accidents is crucial. For instance, Uber automatically provides its drivers with a $1 million liability policy, but only for verified trips (meaning the driver is logged in to the system / ride tracking computer, and “on the clock”). If your trip isn’t verified, the driver’s personal auto insurance comes into play.
Uber Crash Statistics
Determining the exact number of rideshare accidents is difficult since these collisions are included in the total number of general car accidents. However, below are some general statistics.
- 90% of Uber crashes happen in urban areas
- Between 2017 and 2020, there were 208 fatalities in Uber-related accidents in the US.
- Between 2021 and 2022, there were 153 motor vehicle fatalities involving Uber.
- In 2018, there were 801 fatal crashes involving Uber drivers and riders.
- One-third of ride-share drivers have had an accident on the job.
Why Do Rideshare Accidents Happen
The reasons for rideshare accidents are often the same as those of any other accident: poor road conditions, bad weather, and other negligent drivers. However, there is one additional factor: Uber and Lyft drivers are often distracted. Drivers are required to use their phones while completing rides, which can quickly cause them to become distracted. Furthermore, rideshare drivers are frequently in a rush to complete one ride after the next.
Can I File an Insurance Claim Against Uber or Lyft?
Bringing a car accident claim against Uber or Lyft is possible, but only under the right circumstances. Both companies provide insurance for drivers and passengers, but the coverage amount varies depending on the driver’s status, specifically, and when an accident happens.
You can only make a claim against a negligent rideshare driver if they were on the clock. This means they must be active on the Uber app to be considered. Furthermore, the amount of coverage provided by Uber or Lyft depends on where the driver is, whether they are waiting for fares, or whether they are on the way to pick up a passenger. Uber’s extensive insurance typically serves as the primary coverage, but the driver’s personal insurance may also come into play under certain circumstances.
These policies can be complex, and understanding your rights may require guidance. Below is a breakdown of how Uber and Lyft insurance coverage works:
1. Period 0: App Off
When the rideshare app is turned off, the vehicle is considered to be used for personal purposes. In this scenario, the driver’s personal insurance policy applies. Neither Uber or Lyft provides any coverage during this period.
2. Period 1: App On, No Ride Accepted
When the driver turns on the app and is open to accept ride requests, Uber and Lyft offer only limited liability coverage. This includes:
- $50,000 for bodily injury (per person)
- $25,000 for property damage (per accident)
- $100,000 for bodily injury (per accident)
It’s important to note that this coverage can only apply if the driver’s personal auto insurance denies the claim.
3. Period 2: Ride Accepted, on the Way
After drivers accept a ride and are going to pick up a passenger, the coverage limit increases. Both Uber and Lyft provide:
- $1 million in liability coverage
- Contingent collision and comprehensive coverage (only applicable if the driver has these coverages on their personal policy)
4. Period 3: Passenger in Vehicle
Once a passenger enters the vehicle, the highest level of coverage applies. This includes:
- $1 million in liability coverage
- Uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage (to protect against at-fault drivers with insufficient insurance)
- Contingent collision and comprehensive coverage
What Should I Do If I’m in an Accident Involving a Rideshare Driver?
Being involved in an accident with an Uber or Lyft driver can be disorienting, but knowing what steps to take is important. Here’s what you should do if you were involved in a rideshare accident:
1. Inform the Authorities
The first thing you should do after an accident is call the police. Law enforcement will create a police report, which will be crucial to document your case in the future.
2. Notify the Rideshare Company
Notify Lyft or Uber about the accident. Gather information such as the driver’s name, contact details, license plate number, and insurance. Don’t forget to take photos of the accident scene.
3. Seek Medical Attention
Even if you don’t feel injured, seeking medical attention is crucial. Some injuries, such as brain injuries and internal damage, may not be immediately apparent but could worsen over time.
Should You Hire an Attorney After a Rideshare Accident?
Rideshare accidents can be devastating and may lead to lifelong hardships for injury victims. If you’ve been involved in a rideshare accident, you have options. Don’t go through the complex rideshare legal process alone or get taken advantage of by their insurance companies. You need an experienced attorney like Jeff GOULD Law, the Attorney in YOUR Corner, to fight for the maximum compensation you deserve.
Don’t DELAY: Call Jeff GOULD Law, the Attorney In YOUR Corner – TODAY!
DISCLAIMER: The information on this blog/site is not intended to be legal advice. It is for general informational use only. You should consult an attorney for advice regarding your situation. Further, this information does not create an attorney-client relationship.