Did you know that both Uber and Lyft passengers are covered by death and bodily injury policies? Each service’s insurance policy covers their passengers and coverage is also available for drivers in certain circumstances. The amount of coverage available in a motor vehicle accident involving Lyft and Uber varies, and, therefore, you should contact the attorneys at Ginnis and Krathen, P.A., so that they can answer your questions.
Protecting Passengers
If you are a passenger of a logged ride in Uber or Lyft and your driver is at fault in an accident, the ride-sharing company will provide coverage for the passengers. If the motor vehicle crash was the fault of another driver, both Lyft and Uber provide uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage. This ensures that the responsible parties are held accountable for their actions.
If you are in an accident as a passenger of one of these rideshare companies, it’s important to understand your rights and what kind of coverage is available to you. Because this industry is continuing to change and evolve, reaching out to an attorney with experience in these kinds of cases for a free case evaluation is critical.
Protecting Drivers
If you are a driver for Uber or Lyft and you are involved in an accident that is not your fault, there are protections that would assist you. If, for example, you are a driver for one of these rideshare companies and you were hit by a drunk driver after you accepted a rideshare request in the app, coverage could be available to you.
Things Can Get Complicated
What happens if the Uber or Lyft driver has his or her own ride-sharing or commercial insurance coverage? The insurance company of the driver who hits the Uber or Lyft vehicle and injures the passenger could be held responsible for the passenger’s medical bills. This kind of accident could lead to time-consuming litigation as insurance companies fight it out. The right legal help can make all the difference for an injured passenger or driver.
Steps You Should Take
A passenger involved in an Uber or Lyft accident should take the same precautions they would after an accident in a private car. Even if it seems that there are no serious personal injuries, it is a good idea to seek immediate medical attention and get a doctor’s report.
Experts advise using a smartphone to take photos and videos of the scene of the accident and damaged cars. Writing down as much information as possible will be of great assistance if the passenger must file a separate claim. The information includes:
- the Lyft or Uber driver’s name and contact information
- the names of other involved parties, including their contact and insurance information
- names and contact information of bystanders or other witnesses
Note: After the accident, it is never a good idea to discuss the case with the other party’s insurer. Anything said to the other driver’s insurance company will likely be recorded and used to the detriment of the claimant. For more information on what to do after being involved in an Uber or Lyft accident, download our free Ride-Sharing Accident Victim’s Guide.
When to Seek Legal Help
Dealing with Uber and Lyft representatives and insurance company professionals can be intimidating, especially if there are injuries and medical bills involved. An experienced auto accident attorney will relieve the accident victim of that burden and fight for the client’s rights and financial interests.
If you think you have a case in the South Florida area, contact Ginnis & Krathen, P.A. to speak with a personal injury attorney today. We have experience in representing both drivers and passengers of Uber and Lyft in these kinds of accidents. Call our office at (954) 905-4600, or request your free case evaluation.