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Insurance Coverage for Uber or Lyft

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Insurance coverage for Uber or Lyft drivers could be complicated, which is one of many reasons it's so important to have legal representation if you were involved in a collision. Drivers are independent contractors with private car insurance, but the rideshare company provides coverage in specific circumstances.

 

All drivers are required by law to carry a liability policy. Liability insurance provides coverage in cases of injury or death of another person and claims of property damage. Uber or Lyft also carry insurance and will cover damages if the rideshare driver is at fault. However, Uber or Lyft only provide full coverage if the driver has accepted a ride or is transporting a passenger. When drivers are online and waiting to receive a ride, Uber or Lyft only provide limited insurance coverage.

 

If another driver is at fault for the collision, the at-fault driver's insurance should cover the damages. A basic liability policy doesn't always cover the entire costs associated with an accident, though. If the at-fault driver's insurance doesn't fully cover the damages for the rideshare driver and passenger, the rideshare company will cover the rest.

 

Injury coverage for a pedestrian hit by an Uber or Lyft is similar to coverage for a passenger. However, the rideshare company only offers maximum coverage when the driver has accepted a ride or when a passenger is in the vehicle. If an Uber or Lyft hit you while they weren’t actively transporting someone the driver might not have enough coverage to pay for all the damages.

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The most common causes of Uber & Lyft accidents include:

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Speeding

When a driver exceeds the acceptable speed limit, they endanger the lives of other motorists and pedestrians. Driver cannot stop on time when driving at high speeds to prevent a possible crash.

 

Reckless Driving

A driver who fails to adhere to traffic laws and the rules on the roads will often cause car accidents. Some of the situations considered reckless driving include failing to stop at stop signs or red lights, failure to use turn signals, making illegal turns, and braking suddenly.

 

Distracted Driving

A driver who is distracted by their smartphone, eating food, dealing with children in the vehicle, and talking, regardless of whether or not they are doing so hands-free, all contribute to driver not paying attention to the road ahead. While distracted, driver can end up hitting other vehicles or even pedestrians.

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Driving Under the Influence (DUI)

Whether from drugs or alcohol, driving while intoxicated is a serious threat to other people on the road.  The law states that it’s illegal for any driver operating a vehicle with a blood alcohol concentration that surpasses 0.08%.

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Distracted driving

Activities such as texting, talking on the phone, eating, or using electronic devices can divert a truck driver’s attention and increase the risk of accidents.

 

How do I Prove the Other Party Was at Fault?

If you want to have a successful Uber or Lyft accident claim, the first thing is to identify the other party responsible for the crash and prove that the accident resulted from their negligence. You’ll need four elements to prove the at-fault party’s negligence in your personal injury claim.

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• Breach of duty: You should prove that the driver neglected or failed to uphold a standard that would ensure that other motorists or pedestrians are safe on the road.

• Duty: Every driver must act responsibly and safely while driving a vehicle to minimize the possibility of an auto accident.

• Causation: You can prove that the car crash resulted from the driver’s actions, and it wouldn’t have happened if they had acted within reasonable standards of care.

• Damages: You should have evidence of the damages directly related to the car crash caused by the other driver’s negligence.

 

Note that even after an investigation by the law enforcement agencies, they must prove without a doubt that all the above elements were present so that the responsible party can be held liable for the Uber & Lyft accident. If you are the victim of Uber/Lyft/taxi accident, you need an experienced Uber & Lyft accident attorney on your side who can aid you in seeking damages, proving fault, and recovering the compensation award you deserve.  If you’re looking for an attorney you can count on, call the Winner Injury Law firm today.