Your Rights in an Uber or Lyft Accident
Posted on: November 6, 2024
After an Uber or Lyft accident, you have the right to seek compensation through the appropriate insurance policies for medical expenses, lost wages, and damages. The path getting there can have twists and turns, though.
Rideshare companies like Uber and Lyft operate under specific insurance policies that apply in the event of an accident. Whether you are a passenger, another driver, or a pedestrian, these policies can play a significant role in determining compensation for injuries or damages.
What Are the Common Causes of Uber and Lyft Accidents in Freehold?
Uber and Lyft accidents can occur for a variety of reasons, many of which are common to other car accidents:
- Distracted driving: Uber and Lyft drivers may be distracted by their apps, navigation, or communication with passengers.
- Fatigue: Long hours behind the wheel can lead to driver fatigue, increasing the risk of accidents.
- Speeding: Uber and Lyft drivers often face time pressures, which may lead to speeding or other reckless driving behaviors.
- Failure to follow traffic laws: Running red lights, improper lane changes, and failing to yield are common factors in Uber and Lyft accidents.
- Weather conditions: Rain, snow, and fog can contribute to dangerous driving conditions, leading to accidents.
What Insurance Coverage Applies in an Uber or Lyft Accident?
Insurance coverage in an Uber or Lyft accident depends on the rideshare driver’s status at the time of the crash. Uber and Lyft typically offer different coverage limits based on the following:
- Driver not logged into the app: If the Uber or Lyft driver is not logged into the app, their personal insurance policy is the primary coverage, and the rideshare company’s insurance does not apply.
- Driver logged in, waiting for a request: If the driver is logged into the app and waiting for a ride request, the rideshare company’s contingent liability coverage may provide limited coverage for bodily injury and property damage. This coverage is secondary to the driver’s personal insurance.
- Driver transporting a passenger or en route to pick up a passenger: When the driver has accepted a ride request and is either on the way to pick up a passenger or actively transporting one, the rideshare company’s liability coverage takes effect. This coverage typically includes higher limits for bodily injury and property damage.
Can I Sue Uber or Lyft After an Accident?
In most cases, Uber and Lyft classify their drivers as independent contractors, so they are not typically held liable for the actions of their drivers. However, the company’s insurance coverage may provide compensation for injuries and damages under specific conditions.
If you are injured as a passenger in an Uber or Lyft vehicle or in a collision with a rideshare vehicle, the company’s insurance policy may cover your medical bills, lost wages, and other related expenses. Suing Uber or Lyft directly is often challenging due to their classification of drivers as independent contractors. Instead, your claim will likely be directed toward the insurance coverage provided by the company or the rideshare driver’s personal policy.
However, certain situations may allow for a legal claim against the rideshare company, such as cases involving defective vehicles or inadequate background checks of drivers.
The Freehold Uber and Lyft Accident Lawyers at Ellis Law Represent Clients in Rideshare Cases
If you are involved in a rideshare accident, an experienced Freehold Uber and Lyft accident lawyer at Ellis Law can help you understand your legal options. For a free consultation, call our office in Freehold, New Jersey at 732-308-0200, or complete our online form. We serve clients in Asbury Park, East Brunswick, Toms River, Middletown, Jersey City, Long Branch, Neptune, Hudson County, Union County, Essex County, Monmouth County, Marlboro, and Ocean County, as well as Brooklyn and New York City.
