What Happens When You’re in a Rideshare Accident
Rideshare companies and apps have transformed how people travel daily, especially in more populated areas like the city. Although Uber and Lyft rides are sometimes more convenient and cheaper than other transportation options, accidents still occur, and receiving fair coverage and compensation for your injuries is more challenging. Before you book your next ride, make sure you’re prepared and know how to protect yourself if you happen to get into an Uber or Lyft accident.
What should I do after I’ve been in an accident in an Uber or Lyft?
Like any other accident, you should first call the authorities and see if you or anyone else involved must seek immediate medical treatment. If you have suffered no injuries or your injuries appear to be minor, it is still a good idea to seek medical attention. Symptoms may appear or worsen days after the accident, so starting treatment as soon as possible is imperative. If you are going to file a claim and want to be compensated for any damages or medical bills, you’ll need to collect certain information.
Follow these steps if you’re in an accident while riding in an Uber or Lyft:
- Stay onsite until the authorities have arrived.
- Collect insurance information for all the parties involved.
- Take photos of the accident.
- Collect contact information from any witnesses of the accident.
- Take a screenshot of your ride receipt.
- Ask for copies of the police reports and any other documents relating to your accident.
- If you seek medical treatment after the accident, keep records of your doctor’s diagnosis and treatment.
- Contact an experienced accident lawyer.
Should I notify Uber or Lyft that my driver was in an accident?
If your Uber or Lyft driver gets in an accident, you should immediately notify the rideshare company. Regardless of if it was your driver’s fault or not, reporting the accident as soon as possible can help you and your attorney get on top of fighting your case and receiving proper compensation. Let Flager & Associates preserve your rights.
Can I make a claim against Uber or Lyft after an accident?
You can file a claim against Uber or Lyft for an accident where the rideshare driver was at fault. However, because rideshare drivers are independent contractors and not employees, the liability and financial responsibility vary depending on the situation.
Of course, if the accident wasn’t your rideshare driver’s fault and the other driver involved was at fault, you can sue their insurance company. An attorney that fully understands auto insurance policies can determine the liability and financial responsibility of the accident you’re in. Call us today to speak with an experienced personal injury attorney.
Am I insured in an Uber or Lyft?
Major rideshare companies offer varying insurance coverage for their passengers and others injured in accidents with their drivers. Although holding the rideshare company accountable for an accident is difficult, some offer up to $1 million in damages per person per accident under their commercial liability insurance. You may be able to receive compensation from your rideshare driver if they have a commercial insurance policy or if their standard policy provides rideshare coverage.
For Uber and Lyft, insurance coverage only applies when an accident or injury occurs during one of these three driving periods:
- The driver has the app turned on and is searching for a ride but has yet to accept a ride request.
- The driver has the app turned on and accepted a ride request, but the passenger is not in the vehicle yet.
- The driver has the app turned on, the ride request is accepted, and the passenger is in the vehicle.
Another factor determining how much insurance coverage you’ll receive is whether you have limited or full tort. You may only be compensated for out-of-pocket costs like your medical bills if you have limited tort, whereas full tort might allow you to receive compensation for all damages. In any case, call Flager & Associates—a law firm that specializes in personal injury cases.
Should I accept a settlement from Uber or Lyft after I’ve been in an accident?
Before accepting a settlement from an Uber or Lyft insurance representative, you should speak to an attorney. Having an experienced rideshare accident lawyer review the settlement’s terms and conditions can help you determine whether or not it’s fair.
It’s not uncommon for insurance companies to offer less than what is needed for a claim. Having an attorney on your side can help ensure the settlement you receive from the rideshare insurance representative fully compensates you for damages, medical bills, pain and suffering, lost wages, and more.
Hire Lawyers Experienced in Rideshare Accidents
It can be difficult to establish liability against rideshare companies when you are in an accident with one of their drivers. Unethical tactics and getting users to agree to “terms and conditions,” which mention the limited liability between the independent contractor drivers and rideshare companies, makes it hard for victims and families to recover. Experienced rideshare accident lawyers will help fight your case and get you the compensation you deserve.
If you or a loved one was injured in a car accident as a rideshare passenger, contact the car accident lawyers at Flager & Associates today by calling (215) 953-5200. We provide free case evaluations.
Written by Adam D. Flager, Esq., Associate at Flager & Associates, PC
With his practice focused on litigation, Adam primarily represents clients in personal injury cases, such as motor vehicle, slip and fall, defective products, and construction and worksite accidents. He is licensed to practice in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, the State of New Jersey, the Eastern District of Pennsylvania, the District of New Jersey, and the United States Court of Appeals, 3rd Circuit. Adam received his J.D. from Widener University School of Law in 2009, where he graduated with pro-Bono Distinction.
