It’s pretty easy to get where you need to go these days. With rideshare services like Uber and Lyft, you can catch a ride just by clicking a button on your smartphone. But what happens if you are injured in an accident while you are a passenger of one of these services? Whose insurance will cover your medical expenses? Do you need to hire a rideshare accident lawyer to pursue your claim?
Here’s what you need to know.
First Steps after an Accident
As in any vehicle accident, it’s important to take certain steps if you are in an accident while riding with Uber or Lyft. If you are injured, call 911 so that you can receive medical attention. You’ll need to file a report with the police, as well, so try to keep the events of the accident fresh in your mind. Write down everything you can remember.
Which Driver’s Insurance Will Pay for Your Injuries?
Even though Florida is a no-fault state, you may need to seek compensation from either your rideshare driver’s insurance or the other driver’s insurance if the amount of damages exceeds your PIP coverage. Whoever is deemed the at-fault driver is the person you will pursue for damages. If this is the case and you need to seek damages from the at-fault driver’s insurance, you’ll need to work with a rideshare accident lawyer to recover your losses because the process can be extremely complicated.
When Will the Rideshare Service’s Insurance Cover Expenses?
It’s possible, however, that the at-fault driver’s insurance can’t cover your medical expenses and damages. A few scenarios include:
- Your injuries exceed the at-fault driver’s coverage
- The at-fault driver does not have coverage
- The other driver is liable and they fled the scene
When circumstances such as the above happen, you will be able to purse the rideshare company’s insurance for compensation. Both Uber and Lyft have $1 million policies in place, but there’s a catch. The full coverage amount is only available under certain conditions—in all three scenarios, the driver must be logged into the rideshare app. In the first scenario, when a driver is logged in and waiting for a ride request, coverage is much lower at $50,000 per person and $100,000 per accident. The second scenario takes place when a driver is matched with a passenger but has not yet picked them up. These first two scenarios won’t affect you as a passenger, but they could affect you as a pedestrian or another driver.
The third scenario begins when you start your ride with the rideshare service and ends when you exit the vehicle. If you are injured while riding with Uber or Lyft, you can pursue both the at-fault driver’s insurance and the rideshare company’s insurance for compensation.
Need a Rideshare Accident Lawyer to Help You Pursue Your Claim?
If you are injured while a passenger of Uber or Lyft, contact the attorneys at Pacin Levine Attorneys at Law. We will help you get the compensation you deserve.
