Car Accidents in Uber and Lyft
Uber and Lyft have become the #1 rideshare apps and more convenient than the old-school form of designated driving- the taxi cab. Uber and Lyft drivers may be independent contractors, which means they are not directly employed by the rideshare company they drive for, however, some may carry their own rideshare insurance with companies like Progressive. This complexity goes deeper as the gray area evolves in terms of accident cases. So, what do you do if you’ve been involved in an accident while riding in an Uber or Lyft? Keep reading to find out.
If you’re in an accident while riding in an Uber or Lyft, you may feel frightened, extremely confused, and anxious. As with any accident, it is crucial to stay calm and to not overwork yourself. Your mind may overflow with questions such as who is going to pay for your damages, if your driver works directly with Uber/Lyft or if they’re just a contractor, etc. Here are a few points to keep in mind while riding in an Uber or Lyft if you are ever to be in an accident:
Uber and Lyft may carry up to $1 million insurance policy as soon as a passenger enters a driver’s car. If your driver gets into an accident during your trip and you suffer any damages, you may be able to file a claim against the Uber or Lyft car insurance policy. In addition, if you or a loved one is involved in an accident as a pedestrian, bicyclist, or motorcyclist and a ridesharing driver hits you while logged into the app, you may be able to file a claim against the company insurance policy. Additionally, Lyft may allow up to $100,000 in insurance for their drivers if they are underinsured or completely uninsured.
However, the unpredictability in a rideshare service can leave you hopeless and confused in the event of an accident. If your driver is to log off of the rideshare app and then gets into an accident, you cannot file a claim against the rideshare company’s insurance policy. If the driver only had insurance from Uber/Lyft and logs off of the app while you are in their car, you are now riding with a completely uninsured driver. If your driver gets into an accident while logged out of the app and you sustain injuries as a result, you are not covered by the rideshare company policy. Florida’s “no-fault state” makes the policy of a driver insured by Uber or Lyft a bit blurred. If you’re in an accident while in an Uber or Lyft, instead of fruitlessly speaking with the rideshare representatives, call our law office.
The question of liability becomes extremely hazy when dealing with independent contractors such as Uber or Lyft drivers. This complexity is best applied to the lawyers at Scher and Scher Law Group, P.A. due to our extensive experience in representing clients who have been in an accident while ride-sharing.
If you are ever injured in or by an Uber or Lyft, make sure to contact Scher and Scher Law Group, P.A. and we will explain your rights and determine the best options for your case.
