Paid transportation has become increasingly more popular over the past decade. The companies, Uber and Lyft have almost taken over the taxi service industry. Uber and Lyft drivers are regular people driving their own cars while picking up and dropping off people for money. Just like anyone, they can get in car accidents too. There is a lot of misunderstanding regarding compensation if you are in a car accident with an Uber or Lyft driver’s car. Generally, according to nolo.com, the financial responsibility would come from the at-fault driver. This could be from the company’s driver, another driver involved in the accident who caused the crash, or Uber or Lyft’s car insurance.
Steps to Take After the Accident
Uber’s website (help.uber.com) provides steps to take if you are involved in an accident:
- Check that all parties involved are safe
- Notify police and paramedics if necessary
- Contact the Uber company
Insurance Information
Uber also explains how insurance works for ride share drivers:
- Once the accident is reported, Uber will send an Incident Report Form to your email. Insurers must complete the form.
- After the form is received, they will notify the appropriate insurance carriers of the incident.
- They will investigate and determine if coverage should be provided, contacting you within 2-3 business days.
- Locate your personal insurance declarations page before an insurance carrier contacts you because the page lists the specific coverages for your vehicle, such as collision.
- If physical damage coverage is available, you are responsible for a $1,000 deductible.
If you want to file a lawsuit against Uber or Lyft Directly follow this nolo.com:
- If the ride sharer is responsible for the accident then you can try to argue that the ride sharing company shares some level of blame (although this does not always work).
- Uber and Lyft have worked hard to have their drivers seen as independent contractors, not employees. They do not want to be held legally responsible for the negligence of its “employees.”
According to legalreader.com, ride share companies say that they carry an insurance policy that offers $1 million in coverage per incident from when the driver begins the trip to when they drop off the passenger. They will not tell you if the coverage will help you if you are in an accident with an Uber or Lyft driver.
Seek Compensation
Although if you are in any car accident, you should look to seek compensation for your injuries. If you are looking for a team of attorneys to help fight your case, call us at 502-290-2397 and we will review your case for a 100% free consultation.
