The convenience that rideshare services offer is unmatched, especially as its popularity has grown tremendously over the past several years. When you hail a ride through services like Lyft and Uber, you expect that they’ll pick you up and drop you off at your destination without any incidents. Unfortunately, however, rideshare services have their fair share of accidents. A recent University of Chicago study established that rideshare services have contributed to a 3% rise in car accident fatalities since they were rolled out, translating to almost 1,000 fatalities annually.
A rideshare accident can make your life chaotic and challenging. When such an accident occurs, it helps to know the party to hold responsible that will provide coverage for any damages caused. At Younglove Law Group, our knowledgeable attorneys can work with you during a free consultation to evaluate your accident and help file a rideshare claim accordingly.
Parties to Hold Responsible after a Rideshare Accident
If you or your loved one is in a rideshare accident, the first legal step is to determine liability. In many cases, the liable party is the rideshare driver. However, like any other car accident, it’s vital to prove the driver had a duty of care and violated this duty, causing the damages sustained. Additionally, whether the driver was logged onto the rideshare app at the time of the accident, how many other parties were involved, and other considerations will be relevant to proving liability.
Several scenarios apply to rideshare drivers when determining liability and who will cover the damages caused. For example, consider the following:
- The driver was offline and wasn’t logged on: The vehicle isn’t on duty, and the driver’s personal auto insurance policy covers any damages caused by an accident.
- The driver logged on and was waiting to pick up a passenger: While the driver’s insurance policy may apply, the rideshare company will typically cover damages caused by the driver.
- The driver is logged onto the app and transporting you to your destination: While the driver’s insurance policy may still apply, the rideshare company’s insurance policy is generally primary and provides more coverage for your damages.
Apart from the rideshare driver and their insurer, other parties to hold liable include the rideshare company’s insurer, or any other third party, such as another driver and their insurer.
Determining liability is usually a rigorous legal process that you can’t handle on your own without any legal expertise. To determine who’s at fault, consider consulting the knowledgeable rideshare attorneys at Younglove Law Group.
Does Rideshare Companies’ Insurance Protect Passengers?
Yes, it does. Rideshare companies’ insurance policies protect passengers, drivers, and third parties. When you are inside a rideshare vehicle as a passenger, that vehicle is regarded as being on duty. Therefore, as a rideshare passenger in active rideshare, the rideshare company’s insurance policy protects you in the event of an accident. You have the right to file a rideshare accident claim and seek a legal remedy.
Furthermore, the rideshare insurance policy might be more extensive than your own coverage and the driver’s personal auto coverage. Therefore, the rideshare company’s insurance policy is more likely to be able to fully compensate you for your damages. If you have rideshare coverage to pursue from being a passenger in a rideshare vehicle that was involved in an accident, the best course of action is to consult an experienced rideshare accident attorney who will guide you accordingly based on your unique case.
Understanding Rideshare Insurance Coverage
Rideshare services have various insurance policies depending on certain scenarios. However, none of these insurance policies offer coverage if the driver is offline and hasn’t logged onto the app, indicating they are ready to pick up passengers.
While there are various insurance coverage scenarios, the one that applies to you as a passenger is when the app is on, the driver has logged on and is driving you to your destination. In this scenario, the insurance coverage includes:
- Underinsured/uninsured motorist bodily injury protection of varying amounts depending on the “phase” your driver was in at the time and which rideshare service you are using
- Comprehensive and collision coverage for property damaged in the accident, with deductibles of $2,500 (Lyft) and $1,000 (Uber)
- $1 million in liability coverage
Rideshare companies and their insurance agencies find loopholes to avoid taking fault and compensating you for your damages. Consulting an experienced rideshare accident attorney at Younglove Law Group will help protect your rights and increase your chances of getting compensated for your damages.
How to Protect Yourself After a Rideshare Accident
A rideshare accident can leave you with immediate severe injuries, while others might not be apparent until later. If you or your loved one are involved in a rideshare accident, your steps following the accident can significantly impact your claim and health. Following a rideshare accident, consider taking the following steps:
- Stay calm and evaluate your situation. Check for injuries and determine how to move away from the wreckage if it’s safe to do so.
- If anyone needs medical attention, call an ambulance right away
- Call the police and report the accident. Also, insist on a detailed accident report that you’ll need for your claim
- Gather the necessary evidence, such as photographs of the accident scene and witness statements and contacts. However, only do so if the scene and your condition allow it
- Collect contact information and insurance from all parties involved, even if the police officer tells you it will be in their report
- Seek medical attention immediately, even if you feel fine and don’t have any visible injuries. While you are there, ensure you get a detailed medical report for your own health and for your claim
- Contact a rideshare accident attorney to evaluate your case and determine whether you would benefit from their assistance
If the authorities need your statement at the scene, you can give one if you are fit to do so. If other parties, such as the rideshare driver, the rideshare company, or any auto insurance (including your own), contact you, it’s best to have an attorney present in any conversations. An experienced rideshare accident attorney will evaluate your case and guide you through corresponding with each of the involved parties.
Talk to Knowledgeable Rideshare Accident Attorneys at Younglove Law Group
It can be confusing and challenging to know if you can file a rideshare accident claim if you are a passenger. Moreover, filing the claim is tricky and requires the expertise of an experienced rideshare attorney, such as those at Younglove Law Group. If you or your loved one have been in a rideshare accident, we can help you make the right decision.
Getting back on your feet and returning to a sense of normalcy after such an accident can be daunting. Fortunately, you don’t have to go through it alone; our compassionate rideshare attorneys will hold your hand and fight for your rights to compensation. Allow us to be a positive mark on your road to recovery by reaching us at (949) 691-3660 or completing our contact form.
