Rideshare services such as Uber and Lyft have become a convenient mode of transportation. However, when an Uber, Lyft, or other rideshare vehicle is involved in a crash, determining liability and securing compensation can be complicated.
Unlike traditional car wrecks, where liability typically falls on one of the drivers, rideshare crashes involve additional complexities due to the involvement of major corporations such as Uber and Lyft. Determining liability can be a challenge, and rideshare companies and their insurers may try their best to avoid paying damages. Fortunately, the attorneys at Doroshow, Pasquale, Krawitz, & Bhaya are here to help you after Uber/Lyft/rideshare accidents in Elsmere.
Who Is Liable in Rideshare Crashes?
Liability in a rideshare wreck depends on several factors. One of the most important is the rideshare driver’s status at the time of the crash. Whether the driver was transporting a passenger, waiting for a ride request, or off-duty impacts liability. The driver may always be liable, but the rideshare companies are only liable if the driver is actively working for them. Sometimes, the Uber driver might not be responsible for the wreck. If another motorist was responsible for the crash, their insurance may be the primary source of compensation. However, with minimum liability insurance rates often being insufficient to cover damages fully, the rideshare company’s insurance may still be responsible for some portion of the damages.
In addition, the particular rideshare company can make a difference in coverage. Uber and Lyft provide varying levels of coverage depending on the driver’s activity at the time of the Elsmere rideshare crash.
Rideshare Insurance Coverage
Uber, Lyft, and other rideshare companies provide different levels of insurance coverage for their drivers, depending on their status. When the driver is not logged into the rideshare app, the rideshare companies have no liability for their action. Instead, the driver’s auto insurance will cover any accidents.
When the app is on, but there is no passenger matched to the driver, the driver is in waiting status. Uber and Lyft both provide contingent liability coverages in these circumstances. Those amounts are generally higher than individual liability coverage with minimal limits—$50,000 per person or $100,000 per crash for bodily injury.
The highest level of rideshare insurance coverage in Uber, Lyft, and other rideshare accidents in Elsmere occurs once a driver accepts a ride. From that moment until the passenger exits the vehicle, Uber and Lyft provide up to $1 million in liability coverage. This includes uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage, which provides coverage even if another motorist was at fault for the crash.
Steps To Take After a Rideshare Crash
If someone is injured in a rideshare crash, they can take several steps to help protect their legal rights. The most important step is seeking medical attention. Taking care of health and safety and ensuring no one has injuries or that people get treatment for injuries should be their primary concern. The adrenaline from a car crash can mask the pain of some people’s injuries. Plus, some injuries can worsen over time, and what seems like a minor injury could actually be substantial.
It is vital to report all crashes. Calling law enforcement is a good idea after every wreck. It is even more critical in rideshare crashes because determining liability can be more difficult. An injured motorist should notify law enforcement and ensure they file an official report, not rely on the driver to do so.
If physically able, the motorist should take photos and gather other evidence. When taking photos, in addition to the crash scene, victims should document vehicle damage—capturing all sides of the vehicles—and document any injuries. Collecting contact information from all involved parties and witnesses can also be helpful.
Drivers should report crashes to the rideshare company, but passengers should do so as well. The apps provide ways to report wrecks. Use this function to ensure the company is notified of any wreck in Elsmere, whether it involves Uber, Lyft, or another rideshare service.
Talk to a Lawyer About Uber, Lyft, and Rideshare Accidents in Elsmere
You should speak with an attorney after Uber/Lyft/rideshare accidents in Elsmere. You may be entitled to compensation after a crash. The attorneys at Doroshow, Pasquale, Krawitz, & Bhaya will work to ensure you understand all of your legal rights and responsibilities. Schedule a free case evaluation to learn more.