Although Uber and Lyft are more popular now than ever, their growth has not been without consequences. Car accidents raise important questions of whether and to what extent the two rideshare companies are liable to not only drivers but to passengers.
The good news is that if you were a passenger in an Uber or Lyft vehicle, you do have options for seeking compensation. It starts with retaining a knowledgeable rideshare accident lawyer. Find out why Houston, TX victims trust Sherman Law Firm.
How Do Uber’s and Lyft’s Insurance Policies Cover Accidents?
When a person drives their vehicle, not for commercial use, their personal insurance policy will cover damages stemming from an accident. The situation is more complicated when the person is driving for Uber or Lyft. In this situation, they are considered an independent contractor.
That means the private insurance policy may not cover the victim’s damages. Instead, policies that Uber and Lyft maintain will step in – provided certain conditions are met. Here’s how the insurance coverage breaks down, depending on the circumstances of the accident:
- If the app was off at the time of the crash: The driver’s personal insurance policy will cover the damages.
- If the app was on, no ride has been accepted, and the driver is waiting for a ride request: Uber and Lyft both provide limited liability coverage of $50,000 injury per person/$100,000 injury per accident/$25,000 property damage.
- If the app was on and the driver was on the way to pick up or was transporting a passenger: Both companies offer up to $1 million in liability coverage for injury and property damage.
There are some important caveats and conditions for these various coverage tiers, so be sure you ask a knowledgeable Houston car accident lawyer for assistance.
Are Passengers Also Protected?
Passengers and drivers alike are protected under the rideshare companies’ insurance policies. Depending on the unique circumstances of the accident, passenger victims may have other coverage options as well, including:
- Another driver’s insurance policy
- Their own insurance policy, for example if it includes Personal Injury Protection
- The manufacturer of a defective vehicle part
- A government contractor that performed negligent road work
Your Houston personal injury lawyer will explore all potential avenues of compensation for your losses. If Uber or Lyft insurance coverage is an option, our firm can help you file a claim under the rideshare company’s policy.
Filing an Uber or Lyft Accident Claim
If you were a passenger in a Houston Uber or Lyft vehicle that was involved in an accident, we recommend that you do the following:
- Get immediate medical attention: Never assume that you only suffered minor injuries. Let a doctor examine you and check for any problems.
- Report the accident to police: Call 911 or speak to law enforcement if someone else calls them. Relay the basic details, such as your name and address, to the officer.
- Get a copy of the police report: The police accident report will prove to be vital evidence later in your claim. Ask the reporting officer how to obtain a copy.
- Document the accident scene: Take pictures and record videos of the accident scene, including of your injuries. Get the names and contact information of any witnesses.
- File your claim with Uber or Lyft: You can do so online or through the Uber or Lyft app. You will need to relay some basic details about what happened.
- Limit what you say: Uber’s or Lyft’s insurer may contact you, and you need to be careful with what you say. Never speculate about fault or the nature of your injuries, and do not agree to give a recorded statement.
- Retain an experienced Houston rideshare accident lawyer: Talk to an attorney at your earliest convenience. Your lawyer can help with your accident claim and handle communications with the insurer. If it becomes necessary to file a lawsuit, your lawyer can assist with that too.
Serving Your Legal Needs After an Uber or Lyft Accident
We know that being in an accident is stressful and dealing with insurance can be overwhelming. That’s why our dedicated car crash attorneys are ready to serve you today. Connect with Sherman Law Firm now to get started.