As Uber and Lyft continue taking over the world of transportation, one question becomes more and more urgent: who pays in the event of a rideshare accident?
Transportation network companies have made life significantly easier, as we now have our own private chauffeurs at the tap of a phone screen. But with the good comes the bad, and in the case of Uber and Lyft, the bad is trying to figure out what to do after an accident and whom to hold responsible.
The last thing you want to worry about while taking an Uber or Lyft is a car crash. And while many drivers follow road rules, accidents still happen. There’s also the issue of whether rideshare drivers are getting enough sleep. For most drivers, Uber and Lyft are a side hustle, which means they might be driving at non-traditional hours after already having worked a full day. This is an easy recipe for a sleep-deprived driver to nod off behind the wheel and cause a wreck. Both Uber and Lyft have tried to combat this problem. Uber now requires drivers to go offline for six straight hours if they have been driving for 12 hours, and Lyft followed suit with a similar requirement after a 14-hour shift. But as Marielle Mondon points out in her article in Philly Voice, “A great number of rideshare drivers work for both Uber and Lyft, however, which gives drivers a way to skirt the regulations.”
Uber and Lyft accidents tend to be much trickier than a normal car accident, which is why it’s important to have a skilled attorney fighting for you. If you or a loved one was involved in a rideshare accident and sustained serious injuries, call The Case Handler today for a free initial consultation at 800-223-2814. Let us negotiate the best possible settlement on your behalf.
Who Pays For What?
Ridesharing accidents are complicated because there are several insurance policies involved. Services such as UberX are cars being driven by regular people, not licensed chauffeurs. This means some use their own cars and their own insurance policies, instead of commercial liability insurance. This means that if an UberX driver gets into an accident while ridesharing for money, it’s possible that his or her insurance company can deny the claim.
Uber and Lyft do provide insurance, but it is dependent on which period of the ride the driver is in. If the driver’s App is off, he’s only covered by his own insurance. If his App is on, but he hasn’t matched with a customer, he’s in the gray area, meaning that if an accident happens, it will be difficult to pinpoint which insurance will be responsible. If the driver’s App is turned on and he has actively matched with a customer, Uber and Lyft’s commercial insurance will kick in with $1 million liability policy limits.
What to Do If You’re in a Ridesharing Accident
A car accident can be a scary thing. Here are some important steps to take after being involved in one. Remember, these steps should be done in an ideal situation, but we realize a car wreck can leave you shaken up and you might miss some. Even if you did, don’t let it dissuade you from contacting an attorney; you might still have a legitimate case.
If you are injured in a rideshare accident:
- Seek medical assistance: It’s important to get evaluated right away and have a professional assessment of your injuries. If you are unable to go to the emergency room, contact paramedics to come and take you to the nearest ER.
- Call the police: Have them come to the location of the accident. Having a formal police report will be very helpful if you decide to file a claim.
- Get the information of all the parties involved: This includes driver’s license, insurance information, and phone number.
- Contact an attorney: Rideshare claims are complex to navigate on your own, especially if you’re trying to recover from injuries sustained in the accident. An experienced lawyer can help in getting you the maximum compensation you deserve.
- Don’t speak to any insurance adjusters: Let your lawyer handle it. If an adjuster calls you, inform them that you’ve retained the services of a lawyer and that the lawyer will contact them.
Contact a NYC Car Accident Attorney
If you’re recovering from injuries sustained in a car accident, the last thing you want to worry about is complicated paperwork or paying for endless medical and emergency room bills out of pocket. Let us help!
If you or your loved one has been injured in an Uber or Lyft accident and are thinking about filing a claim for damages, contact our office today for a free consultation. You may have grounds to sue the driver and the rideshare company. Our experienced New York car accident attorneys can help you navigate the claims process and ensure that you get the maximum amount of compensation. Speak with The Case Handler team at Pollack, Pollack, Isaac & DeCicco, LLP today at 800-223-2814.
