Common Questions About Rideshare Accidents
Legislation about ridesharing in California has made headlines due to the various disagreements around the conditions of drivers. Although companies like Uber and Lyft have strict policies regarding insurance for their car drivers and liability policies, this is still a complicated and controversial area of the law.
Following, we share some common questions from our clients after being injured in Lyft and Uber accidents.
Do I need to call my insurance if I have an accident as an Uber/Lyft passenger?
Not exactly. Users of rideshare services are insured. If you or a loved one were involved in an accident, report the accident to the rideshare company after you are safe and have the required medical help. Remember that insurance companies are not concerned about your welfare and might attempt to settle your case as soon as possible, or the insurance limit could be insufficient to cover your medical needs. In that case, a knowledgeable lawyer can assist you and guide you through the required steps to ensure you recover fair compensation.
Am I entitled to compensation from the corporate policy if I am injured while riding in an Uber or Lyft ride?
Yes. As a passenger in an Uber or Lyft vehicle, you are not at fault. Whether the accident is your driver’s fault or another party’s, you are entitled to receive compensation. When you are ridesharing, you have access to the corporate insurance policy, which includes higher coverage. Don’t let Uber, Lyft, or their corporate attorneys try and tell you otherwise. You need an attorney that has handled hundreds of these types of cases and is willing to fight these big corporations head-on.
After an Uber/Lyft accident, is a $1 million insurance limit enough to cover my medical treatment and needs?
It highly depends on the type of injury you suffered in the accident. In some cases, this amount will serve to cover only half of the medical bills. Severe injuries, for example, might require long-term medical treatment that most insurance companies will fail to provide. $1 million is the coverage Uber/Lyft grants to passengers due to third-party liability. If you or a loved one was injured after an Uber /Lyft accident, a knowledgeable lawyer can help you define your options and maximize your compensation.
What are the “time periods” and how does that affect my compensation?
An Uber/Lyft ride is divided into periods that help define liabilities in the event of an accident. There are four periods in total, starting from zero. If the driver has an accident at the zero period, the driver’s insurance company will cover the relevant expenses. However, if the accident occurred during other periods, the Uber/Lyft policy would apply to give substantially more coverage. As practical as this rule seems, there are many exceptions, and it is still a challenge to define explicit liability. Ride-sharing accidents are more complex than car accidents. You do not have to navigate the system alone. Have our compassionate and experienced lawyers in your corner.
Call Today For A Free Consultation
Call our Woodland Hills office at 818-574-5865 to discuss your accident, your needs and your goals. If you hire us, you pay our bills when we recover your compensation, with no upfront costs. You can also fill out our online contact form to schedule an appointment.