It is very common for people to rely on ride-sharing services such as Uber and Lyft, especially in big cities. But sometimes, being a passenger can be risky—especially when the driver is negligent. Being hit by an Uber or Lyft driver can cause significant damage to your vehicle, physical harm to you, and financial losses.
So, what can you do if you or your car has been hit by an Uber or Lyft driver? This guide will provide you with a step-by-step guide on how to handle such an unfortunate situation and how an Uber accident lawyer in Denver can help you with your claim. For any further questions, you can call our firm at (720) 770-5454.
Uber or Lyft Driver and Car Accidents
As a rideshare company with over three million independent contractors as drivers, Uber and Lyft have insurance policies to cover medical bills, damages caused by the rideshare vehicle, and other expenses. However, there are certain limitations to the amount of coverage available.
It is important to note that when filing a car accident claim for bodily injury or property damage, the faulty driver’s personal insurance is primary. The rideshare company's insurance policy will only be the secondary source of coverage if the damages exceed the personal policy's limits.
You should cover all your medical expenses and any other costs associated with the accident. Additionally, you should inform your insurance company about the accident and file an insurance claim.
If the Uber or Lyft driver is at fault, they may be liable for any bodily injury that has been caused by their negligence, along with any damage to the rideshare vehicle. In this circumstance, the company’s or the driver’s personal insurance coverage may be held responsible for covering any medical expenses, damage to property, and other associated costs.
What to Do at the Scene of an Uber or Lyft Accident
Let's consider this scenario: you were a passenger in an Uber or Lyft vehicle when it was involved in a motor vehicle accident. These are the following things you should try and do after a car accident.
Call the Police
The first thing that should be done at the scene is to call 911 and get a police report of what happened. This is an important document for any insurance claim and essential for building a viable personal injury lawsuit.
Usually, the Police will document the accident's fault and provide an official report that can be used as evidence. Also, be sure to take a picture of the accident or crash scene and note down the license plate numbers of the vehicles involved.
Gather Evidence
If you are physically able, take photos of the accident scene and document any injuries or damages that you or your property sustained. You should also get the driver’s information and contact details. Additionally, you should collect the insurance information of both parties involved in the accident.
You should also talk with witnesses to the accident and get their contact information if they are willing to provide it. These witnesses could be valuable evidence if you decide to pursue a car accident lawsuit.
Seek Medical Attention
It is imperative to get medical care if you have sustained any injuries. Even if your injuries are minor, it is still essential to seek medical help to ensure you are ok and any damages caused by the car accident are addressed. In the same vein, if you feel any discomfort or pain in the days following the accident, be sure to visit your doctor and inform them of the accident.
Consult a Personal Injury Lawyer
It is advisable to consult a personal injury lawyer if you have been involved in an Uber accident or any other type of auto accident. The attorney can help you understand your legal options and help you get the financial compensation you deserve.
Furthermore, they will be able to help you negotiate with the insurance companies and ensure that your rights are protected.
Follow Up with Your Insurance Company
You should inform your insurance company about the accident, including any medical costs or damages that you sustained. Depending on your personal insurance policy and the type of accident, you may be covered for some of the costs.
Usually, if the other party is at fault, their insurance company should cover the costs. Once the automobile crash results in significant property damage and physical harm, it could necessitate a settlement with Uber & Lyft's contingent policies. The accident settlement amounts can be high, so it is essential to consult a personal injury lawyer and follow up with your insurance company.
Insurance Accident Coverage for Rideshare Drivers
Insurance coverage is essential for any rideshare driver. This coverage for drivers is designed to protect the driver financially in case of an accident and should cover both personal injury and property damage. This insurance coverage usually comes in two forms—contingent liability coverage and commercial insurance.
Contingent liability coverage is a type of insurance that provides coverage to Uber and Lyft drivers when they are logged into the rideshare app. This coverage usually provides up to $50,000 for bodily injury per person, $25,000 for property damage per accident, and a maximum of $100,000 for all injuries or damages caused by the accident.
Commercial insurance is a type of coverage that provides additional protection for Uber and Lyft drivers. It can provide up to $1 million in coverage for injuries and damages caused by the driver. This type of coverage is required by law but comes with higher premiums. Some states require rideshare drivers to have commercial insurance coverage.
Note, however, that the coverage limit will depend on the insurance policy of the rideshare service.
Who Can Seek Coverage After a Rideshare Accident?
In the event of a rideshare accident, all parties involved can seek financial compensation. This includes the Lyft or Uber passenger, the rideshare driver, and the driver of any other vehicle involved in the accident. In some cases, pedestrians who were injured by an Uber or Lyft driver may also be entitled to compensation.
In cases where the innocent person has sustained severe injuries, a personal injury attorney can help the victim get fair compensation for their damages. An attorney can also help the victim get maximum compensation for pain and suffering, medical bills, lost wages, future claim, and other costs associated with the accident.
In wrongful death cases or accident fatalities, an attorney can help the victim's family seek legal assistance to determine their best legal action. The attorney can also help the family recover financial losses due to the loss of companionship and other damages. Indeed, a personal injury attorney can help families seek justice for their loved ones and ensure the negligent driver is held accountable for their actions.
Contact Our Experienced DCAL Team Today!
The experience and knowledge of an accident attorney are highly beneficial for accident victims as they have an in-depth understanding of the law and can provide advice on how to proceed with a personal injury claim.
At Denver Car Accident Lawyers, we understand the terrible pains and shock accident victims must endure. With compassion and dedication, we offer our legal assistance and professional guidance to help accident victims recover financial compensation for their damages.
Our experienced attorneys are here to help you through this difficult time. Our law firm will provide the necessary legal assistance and ensure you get the fair compensation you deserve. Contact our team of personal injury lawyers today at (720) 770-5454 to discuss your legal options and get started with your case.