Does Uber cover accidents? If you sustained injuries in a rideshare accident, you may be able to pursue compensation for your injuries and losses. Uber offers insurance coverage for car accidents that occur during ridesharing trips. This coverage typically includes medical expenses, lost wages, and other damages resulting from the car accident.
However, the extent of coverage depends on several factors such as who was at fault, and whether the Uber driver’s app was on or off at the time of the accident. Navigating the Uber/Lyft claims process can be complex and overwhelming for accident victims. It’s crucial to consult with an experienced rideshare accident lawyer who will safeguard your rights, guide you throughout the entire process, and pursue the compensation you deserve.
What Should I Do After a Lyft or Uber Accident in California?
Being involved in a Lyft or Uber accident can be disorienting and stressful. Here are the steps you should take to protect your rights:
Get to Safety: Check yourself and others involved in the accident for injuries. If you’re able to, move your vehicle to a well-lit, safe location that’s not in the path of oncoming traffic.
Call 911: Report the accident to the police and wait for them to arrive at the scene. Ensure you get a police report, as it can be invaluable for car insurance claims.
Document the Scene: If it’s safe to do so, take photos and videos of the accident scene, including the vehicles involved, injuries, broken glass, car parts, road conditions, and traffic signs or signals.
Exchange Information: Exchange contact and insurance information with the rideshare driver, and other drivers involved in the accident. Be sure to obtain the rideshare driver’s name, contact information, license plate number, and insurance details. Also, ensure you speak to witnesses and get their contact information.
Notify Uber or Lyft: Report the accident to Uber or Lyft as soon as possible. Provide them with details about the accident, including the time and location of the incident.
Seek Medical Attention: Even if you don’t believe you’re seriously injured, seek medical attention as soon as possible. Some injuries, such as whiplash or internal injuries, may be evident right away but could worsen over time.
Keep Detailed Records: Keep thorough records of all medical treatments, expenses, and other losses resulting from the accident. This includes medical bills, pharmacy receipts, receipts for transportation to medical appointments, and records of missed work and lost wages.
Consult with a Rideshare Accident Attorney: Consult with a San Diego car accident accident lawyer as soon as possible. An experienced attorney can review your case, advise you on your legal rights and options, and help you recover fair compensation.
Does Uber Cover Accidents?
California law sets insurance coverage requirements for all transportation network companies like Uber and Lyft. Uber and Lyft both provide liability insurance coverage for rideshare accidents. However, the amount of coverage varies depending on the specific circumstances of the accident.
Both rideshare companies offer coverage levels for different periods of the ride (Period 0-3). It’s essential to understand these coverage levels and how they apply to your situation if you’re involved in a rideshare accident.
Period 0: The Uber or Lyft Driver App is Switched Off
During Period 0, when the rideshare driver’s app is switched off, Uber and Lyft typically provide no coverage for accidents. The Lyft/Uber driver’s personal insurance policy would apply in this scenario. If you’re injured in an accident involving a rideshare driver whose app is off, you would likely pursue a personal injury claim through their personal insurance provider.
Period 1: The Rideshare App is on and the Driver is Waiting for a Ride Request
Period 1 begins when the rideshare driver’s app is on, and they are waiting for a ride request. During this period, Uber and Lyft provide limited liability coverage for accidents. This insurance coverage includes:
- Up to $50,000 per person for bodily injury
- Up to $100,000 total for bodily injury per accident
- Up to $30,000 for property damage
Period 2: The Uber or Lyft Driver Has Accepted a Ride
Once the rideshare driver accepts a ride request and is en route to pick up the passenger, Period 2 begins. During period 2, Uber and Lyft both provide up to $1 million in liability coverage, including coverage for uninsured or underinsured motorists.
Period 3: The Passenger Is in the Rideshare Vehicle
Period 3 starts when the passenger enters the rideshare vehicle and continues until the passenger exits the vehicle. During this period, both rideshare companies provide up to $1 million in commercial liability, as well as coverage for uninsured/underinsured motorists.
What If the Rideshare Accident Was Another Driver’s Fault?
If you’re involved in a rideshare accident where another third-party driver is at fault for the accident, you may be able to recover compensation. In such cases, you may pursue a claim against the at-fault driver’s insurance provider.
Additionally, if the at-fault driver is uninsured or underinsured, you may be able to seek compensation through Uber or Lyft’s uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage, depending on the period of the ride.
Does Rideshare Insurance Cover Uber and Lyft Drivers?
As a Lyft/Uber driver, if you maintain comprehensive and collision coverage on your personal auto insurance, the insurance Uber maintains on behalf of drivers may cover the damages. Uber’s insurance will cover up to $30,000 for property damage if the driver’s app is on and you are waiting for a ride request. If the rideshare driver is carrying a passenger, the driver and passenger are covered under Uber’s 1 million dollar insurance policy.
Can I Sue Uber or Lyft After a Car Accident?
In certain circumstances, you may be able to sue Uber or Lyft after a car accident. For example, if the rideshare driver’s negligence directly contributed to the accident and resulting injuries, you might have grounds for a lawsuit against the rideshare company.
Additionally, if Uber or Lyft denies a valid insurance claim or fails to provide fair compensation, legal action may be necessary to recover damages. An experienced Uber and Lyft accident lawyer can assess the viability of your case and inform you of your legal options.
What Compensation Can I Pursue in a Personal Injury Claim?
If you sustained injuries in a rideshare accident, you may pursue compensation including:
Medical bills: Coverage for hospital bills, medication costs, rehabilitation expenses, and other healthcare-related costs.
Lost income: Compensation for income lost due to time taken off work for recovery or medical treatments.
Pain and suffering: Damages for physical pain, mental distress, emotional trauma, and loss of enjoyment of life.
Property damage: Coverage for repair or replacement of damaged property, such as your vehicle or personal belongings.
Punitive damages: In cases with cases of egregious negligence, punitive damages may be awarded to punish the at-fault party for their extremely reckless or harmful actions.
What is the Statute of Limitations for a Rideshare Accident Claim?
In California, the allotted timeframe you have to file a personal injury claim, known as the statute of limitations, is typically two years from the date of the injury. However, it’s crucial to act promptly and consult with a rideshare accident attorney as soon as possible to ensure you meet all legal deadlines and preserve your right to compensation.
Contact a San Diego Rideshare Attorney Today
If you’ve been injured in a rideshare accident in San Diego, you may be able to recover full and fair compensation for your injuries and losses. At Harbor Accident Lawyers, we maintain a 99% success rate and are dedicated to helping injured victims obtain justice.
Our experienced rideshare accident lawyers can help you navigate the complexities of Uber/Lyft accident claims, negotiate with insurance companies on your behalf, and pursue maximum compensation. Call our San Diego law office today to schedule a free consultation.