With ride share services becoming increasingly popular, it is important to understand who is liable in Uber and Lyft accidents. If a person gets into an accident with an Uber or Lyft driver, or an individual is a passenger in a ride share vehicle, there will likely not be much success in suing Uber or Lyft directly. This is because drivers for these companies are considered independent contractors, so a person would have to sue the driver personally. However, if the driver was on duty at the time of the accident, Uber or Lyft will assume responsibility and cover injuries, car damage, and potentially other damages depending on the circumstances. Uber and Lyft have comparable insurance policies which will financially cover the driver, passenger, and other parties involved in the accident, but there are a few catches that make this process more difficult to navigate. Read on to discover the intricacies of who is liable in Uber and Lyft accidents.
Drivers Must be Insured
To become a driver for Uber or Lyft, both companies require that their employees have auto insurance. In all cases with both companies, insurance claims will go through the driver’s carrier first. If denied, Uber or Lyft will pick up the remaining cost. Uber publicly reports up to $1,000,000 for bodily injury coverage, and the lesser of the cost of the vehicle or the cost of the repairs in property damages. Lyft has a similar policy.
Phases of coverage
Uber and Lyft have three tiers of coverage. If a driver does not have his or her app on and thus is not looking for rides or driving for the service at the time, then any accident that occurs will be the responsibility of the driver’s insurance only. The coverage applies when the driver is using the app for business. It is important to note that Uber and Lyft will not cover any claims unless they have gone through the driver’s insurance first and are denied or not fully covered.
Phase 1: When the driver has the app on and is looking to pick someone up when the accident occurs.
Phase 2: When the driver is driving to pick up a customer.
Phase 3: When the driver gets into an accident while a passenger is in the car.
Understand Who is Liable in Uber and Lyft Accidents with Help from an Attorney
Sorting through your car accident claim can be very difficult, especially when navigating the driver’s personal insurance plan with ride share coverage. At the Law Office of Elizabeth A. Lawrence, our well-versed attorneys can give you an idea of how much your car accident claim is worth, and we will work to get you what is fair from the insurance plans of any ride share company. Consult with one of our experienced professionals today.