October 13, 2024

How Insurance Works in Uber/Lyft Accidents?

You may be entitled to financial compensation if you have been injured in an Uber or Lyft accident. Before you can reach that point, you may need to go through one or more insurance companies that are standing in your way. The rideshare companies have set up a complex legal framework that can make your life more difficult. The best way to navigate this difficult landscape is to hire a car accident lawyer to represent you in the legal process.

You Must File a Claim Against Uber or Lyft’s Insurance

Because an Uber or Lyft driver is an independent contractor, you cannot sue the company for your injuries like you would have if a taxi operator had injured you. However, you are not without recourse when you have been injured in a rideshare accident. By law, Uber and Lyft are required to provide a commercial insurance policy that covers the driver. In addition, the driver may opt for their own supplemental coverage because they could be personally liable to you if Uber or Lyft’s insurance is not enough.

Generally, the rideshare driver’s personal car insurance policy will not pay claims when they are using their car for business purposes. There would need to be other insurance coverage for you to file a claim and get the money you deserve.

What Are the Levels of Coverage for Uber and Lyft Accidents?

There are three different periods in the rideshare process, and each has its type and level of coverage. The potential options are:

• If the app is not turned on, then the driver’s personal car insurance policy covers the damages that they cause.
• If the driver has the app turned on but has not accepted a ride request or had a passenger in the car, up to $100,000 in coverage for the accident is available.
• If the driver has either accepted a ride request or has a passenger in the car, up to $1 million in coverage is available on a per-accident basis.

There May Be Other Insurance Companies Involved in Your Cas

In addition, the driver may have also taken advantage of the opportunity to purchase supplemental coverage. This coverage would kick in once the initial level of coverage is exhausted. It does not take much for your damages to exceed the maximum amount of coverage, especially if it is at a lower level. Uber or Lyft drivers do not want to be personally responsible for paying you, so they may purchase additional coverage to protect themselves.

A third option is to file a claim against your car insurance coverage when the prior levels of insurance are exhausted. You can even file a claim against your car insurance if you were not driving at the time of the accident. Your own insurance company can be as difficult to deal with as any other, so you need to approach them with the help of an attorney.

Of course, if the Uber or Lyft driver was not to blame for the accident, you would need to file a claim against the other driver’s car insurance. Everything depends on which driver was at fault for the accident.

As you can see, numerous complexities are involved in an Uber or Lyft accident that requires the help of an experienced rideshare accident attorney. Your lawyer could help determine which insurance you would file a claim against and all available coverage. You may be dealing with as many as three different insurance companies as part of your claim.

Reach Out to a Norristown Uber and Lyft Accident Lawyer at Anthony C. Gagliano III, P.C. for Help

A Norristown Uber and Lyft accident lawyer at Anthony C. Gagliano III, P.C. will help you navigate the complexities of a rideshare accident case. Call 267-861-7100 or contact us online to schedule a free initial consultation. We have offices in Philadelphia and King of Prussia, Pennsylvania, and we serve clients in Philadelphia, Montgomery County, Delaware County, Bucks County, Chester County, and Norristown.