If you have been injured in a rideshare accident, you may wonder if suing Uber or Lyft is an option. Letting the insurance companies fight about compensation is usually a more efficient option than filing suit against the rideshare company directly. A rideshare attorney can help you navigate this process. Call today to discuss your case with an experienced auto injury attorney in Miami.
What happens if I am injured in an Uber or Lyft accident?
You can recover damages for accident-related expenses if you are injured in a rideshare accident. In an Uber or Lyft accident, there will likely be at least three insurance companies involved: the rideshare’s insurer, the driver’s private insurer, and the insurer of other involved drivers. A claim will be filed with the insurance companies and settlement negotiations will begin if liability is established.
Keep a record of everything including accident details, license, and insurance information for all drivers involved, and any expenses incurred because of your injury. To recover damages, you need documentation of things like medical bills and lost wages.
Will Uber or Lyft be held responsible for my injuries?
Rideshare drivers are independent contractors. Uber and Lyft limit their liability by not directly employing drivers. While Uber and Lyft may not be responsible for your injuries, you may be entitled to compensation under the rideshare company’s insurance policy.
What can I recover from an Uber or Lyft accident?
The amount you can recover depends on the driver’s status at the time of the accident and the limits of the driver’s insurance policy.
- If the driver is not logged into Uber’s Driver app, Uber’s insurance (generally) does not apply.
- If the driver is logged in, but not actively driving a fare, Uber’s third-party liability policy applies after the driver’s policy.
- Up to $50,000 per person for bodily injury
- Up to $100,000 per accident for bodily injury
- Up to $25,000 per accident for property damage
- Uber’s full liability policy applies from the moment the ride request is accepted through arrival at the ride’s final destination.
- Up to $1,000,000 third-party liability
- Uninsured/underinsured bodily injury
- Contingent comprehensive and collision up to the actual cash value of the car damaged
- If the Lyft driver is not in driver mode in the app, Lyft’s insurance (generally) does not apply.
- If the Lyft driver is in driver mode, but not actively driving a fare, Lyft’s primary liability insurance applies after the driver’s policy.
- Up to $50,000 per person
- Up to $100,000 per accident
- Up to $25,000 per property damage
- Lyft’s primary liability insurance applies after the driver’s policy from the moment the driver accepts a ride request through arrival at the ride’s final destination.
- Up to $1,000,000 per accident
Do I need to hire a rideshare accident attorney?
Because of the complex insurance issues at stake, it is advisable to engage an experienced rideshare accident attorney as soon as possible to advocate for your right to compensation. Give us a call today to see if you have a case.
