Rideshare services have become increasingly popular over the past decade, providing convenient transportation options for millions of people. However, the rise of ridesharing has also led to questions around insurance coverage and liability when rideshare accidents occur.
Causes of Rideshare Accidents
There are a few key factors that contribute to accidents occurring during rideshare trips.
- Distracted driving is one major cause, as drivers may be focusing on navigating with the app rather than watching the road.
- Fatigued driving is also common, as rideshare drivers often work long hours.
- Aggressive driving to meet demand for rides can lead to speeding, tailgating, and other dangerous behaviors.
- Additionally, rideshare drivers are often less experienced professional drivers compared to taxi drivers.
- Lack of driver training and the pressures of rideshare driving tend to precipitate accidents for rideshare services.
This article will provide an overview of how insurance works for rideshare drivers and passengers, and what to do if you are involved in an accident while using a rideshare service.
Rideshare Driver Insurance
Rideshare companies like Uber and Lyft require all of their drivers to carry personal auto insurance. However, personal auto insurance policies often exclude coverage when drivers are using their personal vehicles for commercial purposes, like ridesharing.
To fill this gap in coverage, rideshare companies provide additional insurance that acts as primary coverage when drivers are on a trip with passengers. This insurance provides liability coverage up to state minimum requirements in case the driver causes an accident. It also provides uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage and basic medical payments.
The rideshare company’s insurance is designed to cover the “insurance gap” between when a driver has accepted a ride request to when the passenger is dropped off. It does not cover the driver outside of a trip. For that, drivers must rely on their personal auto policy.
Rideshare Passenger Insurance
Passengers involved in a rideshare accident are typically covered by the rideshare driver’s insurance, provided by the rideshare company. This insurance functions like liability coverage to protect passengers for injuries or damages.
However, the rideshare company’s insurance usually only provides minimal coverage ($50,000 per person for injury, $100,000 per accident for injury, and $25,000 for property damage). For severe accidents with major injuries or vehicle damage, this basic coverage may not be enough.
That’s why passengers need to have their own auto insurance or health insurance to provide additional coverage. A passenger’s own car insurance policy would cover damages just like they would as a driver. And their health insurance can help with major medical bills for injuries sustained.
Without adequate personal insurance, injured rideshare passengers may face large out-of-pocket costs after an accident, which is why it is vital to discuss your case with a rideshare accident lawyer Burbank CA. Some auto and health insurers may exclude rideshare accidents completely, but a rideshare accident lawyer from Karns & Karns Personal Injury and Accident Attorneys can help.
Determining Liability
Figuring out who is at fault and liable for damages is a key part of any auto accident claim, including rideshare accidents. Liability helps determine which insurance company will pay for injuries and vehicle repairs.
For rideshare accidents, liability depends on whether the driver was on an active trip with a passenger at the time. If so, the rideshare company assumes primary liability through their insurance policy.
However, if the driver did not have a passenger when the accident happened, their own personal auto policy would provide coverage. In these cases, liability works the same as any at-fault accident claim filed against a regular driver’s insurance.
If there is uncertainty around when an accident occurred in relation to a rideshare trip, insurance companies and your personal injury lawyer will investigate using data from the rideshare app and statements from the driver and passenger.
What to Do After a Rideshare Accident
If you are ever in an accident while riding with or driving for a rideshare platform, follow these steps:
For Passengers
- Seek medical attention if you are injured. This creates a record of accident-related healthcare.
- Report the accident to the rideshare company. Provide details of what happened and request they share their insurance information.
- Speak with a Burbank rideshare accident attorney about your options. They can deal with the insurance companies while you focus on recovery.
- Document everything related to the accident – take photos and notes on injuries, property damage, and communications with insurance firms.
- Save all receipts for medical treatment, car repairs, and any other accident-related expenses. These are crucial for submitting claims.
- Don’t settle for less than you deserve.
For Rideshare Drivers
- Make sure you and your passengers are safe first and foremost. Pull over and get to a secure location.
- Contact emergency services if needed. Even minor collisions should be reported to police to get an official report.
- Take photos and document the scene thoroughly – capture damage, skid marks, location, street signs/landmarks, etc.
- Exchange information with other drivers as you would in any accident. Get their insurance details.
- Report the accident to your rideshare provider immediately per their policies. The app should have an accident reporting feature.
- File a claim with the rideshare company’s insurance and provide all documentation. Be clear on when the accident occurred in relation to your current ride.
- Consult an accident injury attorney from Karns & Karns Personal Injury and Accident Attorneys experienced with rideshare insurance claims. They can ensure proper compensation for injuries, lost wages, and vehicle damages. Never speak to an insurance company without consulting your lawyer first.
Rideshare accidents can create confusion around insurance liability and coverage. Being prepared by understanding these insurance nuances, filing official reports, and contacting providers promptly can help ensure fair compensation. With proactive steps, rideshare passengers and drivers can protect themselves financially after an accident.
Have you been involved in an accident while taking a rideshare somewhere? If so, you need to speak to a Lyft accident attorney from Karns & Karns Personal Injury and Accident Attorneys today. Our Uber accident lawyers are here to help.
Pick up the phone and call 800-4THE-WIN (800-484-3946).
