Rideshare companies like Uber and Lyft are dominating the roads with an estimated 16 million rides per day. With so many rideshare vehicles on the road, car accidents involving Lyft or UBer drivers are inevitable- and quite common. Most people who step inside a rideshare vehicle aren’t considering the steps to take if the car you’re in gets into an accident. Legally speaking, car accident cases involving Uber or Lyft drivers can get very complicated, so you should have a basic understanding of existing laws and insurance coverage to get the compensation you deserve if an accident occurs. Read on to learn more about what you should do if you are in a car accident involving an Uber or Lyft driver.

Determining Fault For An Uber or Lyft Accident In California

Like with all car accidents, the person found at fault for a crash is liable for covering the medical expenses, property damage, etc. of the injured party. If the Uber or Lyft driver is NOT at fault, then their personal liability insurance covers the injured person’s damages. If the rideshare driver is at fault, the applicable insurance coverage will vary depending on the status of their app when the crash happened:

• If the Uber/Lyft Driver’s app is switched off: The driver is assumed to be on personal business and the driver’s personal insurance coverage applies
• If the Uber/Lyft app is on, but no rides were accepted: Both the driver’s personal and rideshare company's insurance covers an injured third party, with the driver’s personal coverage applying first. In California, Uber and Lyft provide additional coverage up to:
• $100,000 bodily injury per accident
• $50,000 bodily injury per person
• $25,000 property damage per accident
• If the Uber/Lyft driver has a passenger or accepted a ride: Passengers and third parties are protected by the rideshare company’s full insurance coverage. Uber’s insurance offers up to $1,000,000 liability coverage and a minimum of $1,000,000 uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage. If the driver has collision coverage on their personal policy, there is collision and comprehensive coverage with a $1,000 deductible. Lyft offers $1,000,000 in liability coverage, $1,000,000 uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage, and if the driver has personal collision coverage then collision and comprehensive coverage with a $1,500 deductible.

Insurance coverage in each of these scenarios apply to the Uber or Lyft driver rather than the companies themselves, and passengers and third parties only receive compensation under these policies if they take legal action against the driver rather than the company.

What To Do After An Uber/Lyft Accident

You should treat the accident like you would any car accident and call 911 so you get a formal accident report and ensure that everyone receives necessary medical attention. Document the scene with photos and videos, and get the information of the drivers involved and any witnesses to the scene. Immediately seek medical attention for any potential injuries (and so you have a medical report) and contact your insurance company, who will work with the rideshare company and the at-fault driver’s insurance to determine liability.

Contact Us Today

Car accidents involving rideshare companies can get very legally complex. If you were involved in a rideshare accident, call the Law Office of Ball & Yorke to consult with a top rideshare accident attorney today.