Rideshare services are convenient, but getting in someone else’s car comes with the risk of getting in an accident. If you’ve been in a rideshare-connected accident, it’s not always easy to know the next steps. Who should cover costs for car repairs or medical bills? The answer may hinge on your Lyft or Uber driver’s actions.
Read on to find out how responsibility is assigned following an Uber or Lyft accident.
Looking at Driving Periods
When determining insurance coverage for an accident, a driver’s rideshare period will be a critical factor. Think of a period as a given phase when the driver is using the app. The driver could be actively driving to pick someone up, for example, and therefore logged into the app. Or they may be in a different phase where the passenger is in their vehicle.
In scenarios where the driver is not logged into their rideshare app, their insurance could pay if they’re involved in an accident. If a driver is logged into the app and awaiting a ride request, Uber or Lyft could offer limited liability coverage, but the driver’s insurance may pay, as well. The rideshare driver’s personal insurance or rideshare app insurance would only pay if the driver was at fault for the crash. In this scenario, a driver would not have a passenger in their car. But if the driver accepts a ride and is en route to pick up the passenger, Uber or Lyft would be more involved with higher liability coverage.
Lastly, the highest protection kicks in when there is a passenger in the car. If there’s an accident, most rideshares will offer up to $1 million in coverage, and it doesn’t matter who causes the accident. The best Uber and Lyft accident lawyer can help you unpack the details so you get the coverage and help you deserve.
Understanding Coverage Responsibilities
After an accident, you might not be able to work. And you could have mounting medical bills or car repairs. Who is responsible for these costs? Without swift financial help, your budget might not be able to sustain the hit.
You could receive compensation for lost wages from the at-fault insurance. Similarly, if you’re facing car repairs due to another driver’s negligence, the rideshare company and the driver’s policy could both come into play. Your personal medical insurance may cover some or all costs connected to injury recovery, as well.
Reviewing Claims
Ultimately, insurance companies will review a few key pieces of information before deciding what to do. They’ll look at the rideshare driver’s period. In other words, were they on the clock and heading toward a passenger? Was the passenger in the vehicle?
Insurance companies also want to determine which party was at fault to determine which policies will apply first. That’s where evidence can help paint a clearer picture of events. If you were involved in an accident, it’s wise to photograph the scene and vehicles. And hang onto any medical records or police reports connected to the accident.
Handling a Rideshare Accident
No one wants to endure a rideshare accident, but they can happen despite the best driving efforts. Make sure you understand what coverage periods are with rideshare apps, as they can impact insurance coverage. Gather information from the scene and collect all documentation you receive for injuries. When you can provide critical details and evidence, you’ll help the claims process move forward carefully and accurately.
