What if I Was Hit by an Uber or Lyft Driver?
What happens if you were hit by an Uber, Lyft, or other rideshare company driver depends on where in the rideshare process the accident happened.
Uber and Lyft drivers are not company employees, but independent contractors. If the driver was not logged into the company app when the crash occurred, their personal auto insurance policy applies. If they are working at the time of the collision, their companies provide liability coverage.
When you are hit by an Uber or Lyft driver, there are additional layers of complication. Do not try to handle a complex situation like this on your own. The Los Angeles car accident lawyers at Ellis Injury Law know rideshare insurance laws and will help you receive the compensation you deserve.
Rideshare companies and liability Insurance
As noted, if the Uber or Lyft driver is not logged into the app, it is similar to getting hit by any personal vehicle. However, once the driver logs in, the rideshare company’s insurance coverage starts.
If the accident occurs when the driver has not accepted a ride request, the rideshare companies provide liability coverage for a driver who is at fault for up to $50,000 per person, with a $100,000 maximum in liability per accident. A maximum of $25,000 in property damage liability is available.
If the crash takes place after the driver agrees to a ride and is on the way to pick up the customer, liability coverage climbs to $1 million. A rider is covered for up to $1 million while they are in the vehicle until they are dropped off.
Sometimes, a third party is responsible for the crash. If that entity is underinsured or underinsured, Uber or Lyft’s insurance coverage will usually cover the damages up to $1 million.
What to do after an Uber or Lyft accident
What you should do after an accident with a rideshare vehicle is similar to that of any other collision. You will not know the vehicle is rideshare until you collect the name, contact information, driver’s license, plate number, and insurance information of the other driver. The rideshare company will have a record of where the driver is if he is on duty, as all rides are tracked by GPS.
Always call 911 to report the crash. If you are physically able, take photos of the accident scene, including the vehicles involved and their damage. Also, photograph or video any injuries caused by the accident. Document road conditions and any evidence of how the accident occurred, such as skid marks. Get the names and contact information of any eyewitnesses.
Even if you think you are unharmed, go to the emergency room or an urgent care center right away. It is crucial that you receive a medical examination after a car accident promptly. After an accident, adrenaline, a stress hormone, courses through the body, hiding pain.
A car accident lawyer knows that failure to receive immediate medical attention can harm their client’s claim. The insurance company will allege the injuries are not that serious or may not even have resulted from the accident.
Suing Uber or Lyft
While it is possible to sue Uber or Lyft, it is difficult to prove your case unless there is evidence that the company itself was negligent. If the accident resulted from driving under the influence, texting while driving, speeding, or other reckless behavior, you may sue the companies directly for negligence in hiring that particular driver.
Contact a Los Angeles car accident lawyer
If you or a loved one were hit by an Uber or Lyft driver, you need the services of an experienced car accident attorneys at Ellis Injury Law. Schedule a complimentary consultation by calling or texting 24/7 or completing our online form.
After evaluating your case, we will let you know your options. Since we work on a contingency basis, you pay no fee unless you receive compensation.
Over the past quarter-century, our dedicated lawyers have recovered more than $350 million in verdicts and settlements for clients.