If you get into a car accident, the path forward – though difficult and traumatic – can seem clear-cut. You might expect that the person responsible pays for the incident. After that, insurance should step in to cover the majority of the costs.
However, when the accident occurred during the use of a ride-sharing service, those clear-cut lines may blur. Have you or a loved one suffered an accident while using Uber or Lyft – or been in an accident with a rideshare vehicle? If so, there exist unique avenues for you to recoup your costs and protect your assets.
Rideshare Services and Special Protections: Preserved Data
When an Uber or Lyft car is involved in an accident, the preserved electronic, GPS, and cellular data from the company can help determine fault. This data should contain several pieces of information, including:
• Who the driver was
• Who was in the car
• Precisely where the driver was
• Certain aspects of the driver’s activity (for example, whether they were texting, potentially distracted, speeding, or driving erratically)
Additionally, Uber and Lyft have access to lots of information about the driver’s history, the car’s condition, and other data that might typically be difficult to obtain. Depending on the specifics of the incident, this wealth of evidence could make a massive difference in determining what happened – and who is responsible.
Rideshare Services and Special Protections: Comprehensive Insurance Policies
If a person is injured in an accident involving a rideshare service, special auto insurance policies cover them. Both Uber and Lyft provide these policies to earn your trust and business.
• Uber Insurance Policies: If the Uber driver is not responsible for the accident, the guilty party’s insurance will cover the costs of the incident. After that insurance ends, Uber’s coverage may assist with any outlying expenses. If the Uber driver is responsible for the collision, and the accident occurred while the Uber driver was en route to or driving with a passenger, Uber’s insurance will kick in. Uber also has uninsured motorist coverage in the event that the guilty party does not have insurance. There may also be additional Uber coverage available if the Uber vehicle involved in an incident was an UberBLACK, UberSUV, or UberTAXI.
• Lyft Insurance Policies: Lyft’s policies are similar. If the Lyft driver was not at fault, the guilty party’s insurance (or Lyft’s uninsured motorist coverage) should cover costs. Lyft has additional insurance policies to protect their passengers if the Lyft driver caused an accident while on duty.
The specific amount of coverage available with either rideshare platform depends on the insurance companies providing the coverage. While this changes regularly, these rideshare services typically carry $1 million policies for personal injury liability and uninsured motorist coverage. (The amount is less if the driver was off-duty during any incidents – typically, around $100,000.)
What to Do if You’re in an Accident Involving an Uber or Lyft Driver
Following an accident, there are several steps you should immediately take. For the most part, these actions resemble those you would take after any accident – with one notable exception.
1. If you believe you have sustained injuries, call for medical attention.
2. Call the police. They can assist with initiating the process of determining guilt.
3. Save all evidence. Take screenshots of your Uber or Lyft order, note the driver’s name, take pictures of all involved vehicles, and get contact information for all witnesses.
4. Reach out to an experienced Lyft and Uber accident or personal injury lawyer. Lawyers with experience in this arena will know which specific actions to take next – for example, contacting Uber or Lyft immediately to make sure that the company preserves all data regarding the incidents.
What an Experienced Legal Team Can Offer You
After you or a loved one experiences the trauma of an Uber or Lyft car crash, you need personal injury attorneys who are well-versed in insurance claims, vehicular crash analyses, and medical reports to prepare your case. The Illinois offices of Cullotta Bravo Law Group will work tirelessly to get you the compensation you deserve on a contingent fee basis – you will only pay when you win your case.
Contact us today at 630-898-7800 to schedule your free initial consultation.
