What To Do After an Uber or Lyft Accident

By Grace Hancock

Uber and Lyft are among the most recognizable rideshare services that have grown in popularity in the past decade. The government designates these services as Transportation Network Companies (TNCs). The saying “get an Uber” may have already become a part of our common vernacular. But, despite how much these TNCs may already feel ingrained into our social lives, they are still a new phenomenon.

You may be able to order an Uber in your sleep, but do you know what to do if you’re in an Uber accident? Who is liable in an auto accident involving a rideshare driver is a gray area, which is why we’re here to break it down for you.

What To Do Immediately After a Rideshare Car Accident

The problem with the rise in popularity of rideshare services is simple. The more rideshare drivers on the road, the more likely there will be accidents.

If you find yourself the victim of a car accident while using Uber or another rideshare service, you should treat it as you would if it was your personal car involved. Report the incident to the police, take photos of or notes on the crash scene, and seek medical attention. Focus on your personal safety first before considering legal matters.

Who is Liable For Damages?

Realistically, a passenger will never be liable for damages in a car accident involving Uber or another rideshare service. Even if their driver was the one at fault, the liability would be put on the driver and not the passenger. Liability will typically fall on either the rideshare company, the driver, or the other driver involved in the crash.

Uber and Lyft have the same rules for their rideshare drivers when it comes to auto insurance. Certain rules only apply in specific situations, each of which we explain below:

1) A driver gets into a car accident and they are either offline or have their driver app off. In this case, the driver’s personal auto insurance company and policies apply.

2) A driver is involved in a car accident and they were available or waiting for a ride request with their driver app on. In this situation, Uber and Lyft will maintain the following auto insurance on their driver’s behalf:

• Third-party liability if the driver’s personal auto insurance doesn’t apply.
• $50,000 in bodily injury per person
• $100,000 in bodily injury per accident
• $25,000 in property damage per accident

3) A driver is en route to pick up passengers or is in the middle of a trip and gets into a car accident. In a situation like this one, Uber and Lyft will maintain the following auto insurance on behalf of their drivers:

• $1,000,000 third-party liability
• Uninsured/ underinsured motorist coverage
• Contingent comprehension and collision
• Up to actual cash value of the car with a $2,500 deductible

A comprehensive breakdown of Uber’s company insurance policies and Lyft’s company insurance policies are available on their respective websites.

Your Tampa Bay Car Accident Lawyers: Hancock Injury Attorneys

The next time you use a rideshare app, you can feel safe knowing that you’re prepared in the event of an auto accident.

When you’re injured in a car crash caused by someone else’s negligence, you need the help of a lawyer to ensure that person is held liable. Call us at (813) 901-1110 or contact us online to schedule your free case consultation with one of our experienced lawyers today.