Rideshare services such as Uber and Lyft arrived in Texas about a decade ago. The services have been especially popular in metropolitan areas and big cities. During the Covid-19 pandemic, ride-sharing slowed to a near standstill. However, as Arlington rideshare accident lawyers, we have seen a dramatic uptick in Uber and Lyft accidents as people have begun traveling for business and pleasure again. If you were a ride-sharing customer and were involved in an accident, it is essential to understand your rights and options.
The types of injuries you might sustain in an Uber accident are similar to those you would suffer in any car accident. However, rideshare passengers often sustain more severe injuries simply because backseat passengers often choose not to wear their seatbelts. Common rideshare accident injuries include but are not limited to:
- Head injuries,
- Whiplash,
- Bumps and bruises,
- Lacerations,
- Neck and back injuries,
- Fractures, and
- Spinal cord injuries.
If you or someone you love was a passenger in an Uber or Lyft and suffered an injury due to a collision, contact Hartley Law Firm to discuss your options for recovery.
Who Is Liable for an Uber or Lyft Accident?
If you are injured in a car accident, you can pursue damages from the at-fault party. However, seeking damages for rideshare accidents can be more complicated.
Rideshare accidents differ from regular passenger car accidents or traditional commercial vehicle accidents. Uber and Lyft drivers usually use their personal vehicles to transport rideshare passengers. Drivers typically do not hold a commercial driver’s license or commercial insurance. Generally, the driver only has personal auto insurance coverage, which will often not cover damages or injuries from an accident when the car was being used for work. Because of those policy limits, it can be difficult to receive compensation from the driver’s insurance.
However, Uber and Lyft maintain insurance coverage for a driver’s liability to third parties. Both companies have similar policies, and liability will depend on whether the driver was logged into an app and traveling to or completing a fare.
If a rideshare driver is signed into a rideshare app and gets into an accident on their way to pick up a passenger, Uber and Lyft will provide coverage for the following:
- Third-party liability,
- Injuries from uninsured/underinsured motorists, and
- Contingent comprehensive and collision coverage for drivers.
Uber provides $1 million in third-party liability coverage for a car accident if the driver was engaged in a fare at the time of the accident. Lyft provides at least $1 million of third-party auto liability coverage during the same period. In other words, Uber and Lyft can cover the costs of passenger injuries if the driver had a ride-sharing customer in the vehicle when the accident occurred or the driver was on their way to pick up a customer.
Another Driver Is At-Fault
If another driver is at fault, the coverage provided by Uber or Lyft will not cover third-party damages unless the other party does not have insurance. In that case, Uber or Lyft may provide uninsured or underinsured bodily injury coverage.
When a driver operates a vehicle for personal use, Uber and Lyft will not provide any insurance coverage, and the driver’s personal auto insurance coverage will apply.
The steps you should take immediately following a rideshare accident will be the same as those you would take after any car accident.
Get Medical Attention
The very first thing to do is seek medical treatment. You may receive emergency medical attention at the scene of the accident or opt to visit an emergency room or your primary care physician.
Reporting the accident to the rideshare company is a crucial step you need to take following an Uber or Lyft accident. Even if you do not sustain any injuries or your injuries are minor, you must notify the company about the accident.
Regardless of the severity of the crash, you should always seek the advice of an Uber accident lawyer. Symptoms and injuries often worsen over time. It may not be immediately apparent that you are injured, but before you know it, medical bills are piling up. Navigating the process of filing a claim or lawsuit against a rideshare company is often more complex than a run-of-the-mill auto accident claim. A knowledgeable Uber or Lyft accident lawyer can assist you and help ease your burden so that you can focus on your recovery.
Seek Legal Advice from an Uber Accident Attorney
Being involved in an Uber or Lyft accident can be scary and leave you shaken up and feeling uncertain about what to do next. At Hartley Law Firm, our experienced attorneys are well-versed in handling Uber and Lyft accident claims. Austin Hartley is an award-winning lawyer who can advocate for your best interests at the negotiating table and at trial. If you’ve suffered injuries in a rideshare car accident, contact Hartley Law Firm today to learn more about how we can help you.
