Rideshare services like Uber and Lyft offer a convenient way to get around without the hassle of driving yourself. However, that convenience may come at a cost. Rideshare drivers are often under pressure to complete trips quickly and may be distracted by navigation apps or the demands of the platform. These and other risk factors can contribute to a higher likelihood of crashes involving Uber and Lyft vehicles. If you’ve been injured in a rideshare accident, you may be entitled to compensation. However, the legal process is complex and depends on several factors.
What Should I Do After an Uber or Lyft Accident?
Your health should be your top priority. If you’ve been hurt in a rideshare crash, seek medical attention immediately—even if you feel fine at first. Some injuries may not show symptoms right away, and a prompt medical evaluation creates documentation that may support your claim for compensation.
From a legal standpoint, it’s critical to contact an experienced rideshare accident attorney as soon as possible. Your lawyer can guide you through the process, investigate the accident, identify who is responsible, and deal with the insurance companies on your behalf. Trying to handle a rideshare accident claim without legal support can result in delays, missed deadlines, or reduced compensation.
How Is Liability Determined in an Uber or Lyft Accident?
Determining who was at fault for a rideshare accident can be complicated. If you were a passenger, your claim will likely depend on which driver caused the crash—your Uber or Lyft driver, another motorist, or both. If both drivers share responsibility, you may need to file claims with multiple insurance companies.
If you were a driver or occupant in another vehicle hit by a rideshare driver, you’ll need to prove that the Uber or Lyft driver was at fault before you can recover damages.
Even the rideshare drivers themselves may have grounds for a claim if another driver caused the crash. In that case, the rideshare driver would proceed like any injured motorist in a standard car accident case.
Who Pays for My Injuries After an Uber or Lyft Crash?
You typically cannot sue Uber or Lyft directly for accident injuries. These companies classify their drivers as independent contractors, not employees, which helps shield the companies from direct liability.
However, both Uber and Lyft are required by law to carry third-party liability insurance on behalf of their drivers. The level of coverage depends on what the driver was doing at the time of the crash:
- App Off: If the driver wasn’t logged into the app, their personal auto insurance applies.
- App On, No Ride Accepted: Uber and Lyft provide limited liability coverage (e.g., $50,000 per person/$100,000 per accident for bodily injury and $25,000 for property damage).
- En Route or Transporting a Passenger: The companies provide up to $1 million in liability coverage.
If you’re injured by a rideshare driver, you may need to file a claim against this insurance policy. A settlement may be possible, but if the insurer disputes your claim or refuses to pay full compensation, you may need to file a lawsuit against the at-fault driver. The insurance company would then provide legal defense for the driver.
Contact the Cherry Hill Uber and Lyft Accident Lawyers at Pressman, Doyle, Bloom, & York
If you’ve been injured in an Uber or Lyft accident, don’t navigate the legal process alone. The Cherry Hill Uber and Lyft accident lawyers at Pressman, Doyle, Bloom, & York are here to help you understand your rights. Call 856-843-8990 or contact us online to schedule a free consultation. Located in Cherry Hill, New Jersey and Milmont Park, Pennsylvania, we represent injured victims throughout New Jersey and Pennsylvania.