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Lyft, Uber, and other rideshare companies are here to stay. What was once a novelty has now become a necessity, as people across the globe are hailing digital taxis via their smartphones at a gargantuan rate. In fact, in 2017 Lyft reported they are giving over a million rides a day, and Uber dwarfed that number with over 5.5 million rides a day, and that number has only grown with time. As rideshares become more ubiquitous, it becomes more likely an individual will get injured in a Lyft or Uber accident. If that occurs, what do you do next?
The legal team at Elliott Kanter Criminal Defense and Personal Injury Law Firm in San Diego explains how we can help, but if you have any further questions give us a call.
Does the Driver’s Car Insurance Cover My Damages?
If you are in an accident that causes an injury or other damages, you will want to get an insurance company to pay for any treatment you need. However, whose car insurance is used? If the driver has commercial car insurance or a special provision for ride sharing, then the driver’s insurance will cover damages. However, most Lyft and Uber drivers will not have this kind of insurance.
Does Lyft or Uber Have Insurance to Cover My Damages?
If the ride sharing driver is at fault and doesn’t have the correct type of insurance, the insurance company used by Lyft or Uber will pay for damages up to $1 million. If the Lyft driver is not at fault, then the other at fault driver’s insurance will be required to pay for damages. If they do not have adequate coverage, then things might get complicated. If another driver is at fault and they do not have insurance, you can request coverage from the ride sharing companies uninsured or underinsured coverage policy. If these methods do not fully compensate you, you may consider suing them directly for damages.
Can I Sue Uber or Lyft for Damages?
Suing Uber or Lyft can get very complicated because of a loophole in how ride sharing companies classify their drivers. Drivers are not technically employees of Uber or Lyft, but instead are independent contractors. Since they are independent contractors, the companies are technically not legally responsible for negligence on the part of the drivers. This is an ironclad legal agreement without a whole lot of wiggle room. While an experienced attorney can argue that the ride sharing company should be to blame for the crash and the resulting damages, in all likelihood you will not find success suing Uber or Lyft for damages.
Contact a Personal Injury Lawyer for Ride Sharing Injury Help
If you get in an accident while riding in an Uber or Lyft, things can quickly get complicated. Keep things simple for yourself by delegating to a personal injury attorney. The lawyers at Elliott Kanter Law Firm in San Diego are experts in car accident insurance policies and law, and we will do whatever it takes to get you the compensation you deserve. If you are interested in scheduling a free consultation, give us a call.
