Using a ridesharing service, such as Uber or Lyft, has become a common form of transportation over the past few years. Whether you want to avoid drunk driving or dealing with traffic, you can request a ride within minutes with a few taps on your cellphone screen.
But when it comes to car accidents, however, crashes involving Uber or Lyft drivers can be quite complicated. While you can handle a collision with an Uber or Lyft driver the same way you handle an accident with a car or truck, there are specific legal obstacles you must understand and overcome.
Injured as a Passenger
As soon as you are picked up and enter the Uber or Lyft vehicle, you are automatically covered by their $1 million dollar policy. Even if you ridesharing car is struck by an uninsured motorist, you are still protected.
However, you are not able to sue a ridesharing company’s insurance for more than the $1 million dollar policy amount—even if the driver caused the accident. Instead, you can only go after the driver’s personal insurance policy. Keep in mind, Uber and Lyft driver are only required to carry standard liability insurance.
Injured as a Driver
The status of the service driver at the time of the collision will determine the insurance policy you will be covered under. If, for example, the driver was on duty with a fare, then you will be covered by the $1 million dollar policy. On the other hand, if the driver was in between fares, or off-duty, then you will only be covered by the driver’s insurance policy. So unless the driver is carrying a passenger, getting involved in a crash with one is just a regular insurance claim.
For more information, contact Mathias Raphael PLLC Accident & Injury Lawyers and request a free consultation with our Dallas personal injury attorneys today.