Many people rely on rideshare services like Uber and Lyft as a fast, cheap, and, in most cases, safe method of transportation. However, this convenience comes at a price. According to a study conducted by researchers from the University of Chicago and Rice University, the arrival of ridesharing is associated with a in the number of motor vehicle fatalities and fatal accidents in U.S. cities.
With Uber and Lyft adding more cars to the road, the likelihood of an accident with a rideshare vehicle is higher than ever. Learn who would be liable in an accident involving an Uber and what you can do to protect yourself.
Liability When You鈥檙e Hit by an Uber Driver
Determining liability in an accident with an Uber driver is similar to proving liability with any other type of motor vehicle accident -- you鈥檒l need to prove fault. To do this, you鈥檒l have to prove the other driver鈥檚 negligence -- in this case that of the Uber driver -- caused the accident and any injuries or damages sustained during the accident.
If you鈥檙e the non-negligent driver in the car accident, and you鈥檙e able to prove that the Uber driver鈥檚 negligence caused the accident, either the Uber driver鈥檚 personal insurance policy or Uber鈥檚 own insurance policy for their drivers will kick in to cover costs related to injuries and damages.
The amount that will cover depends on the accident鈥檚 unique situation.
If the Uber driver hit you when the Uber app was off, the Uber driver鈥檚 personal insurance policy and coverages will apply.
If the Uber driver hits you when the Uber app is on and they鈥檙e waiting for a ride request, Uber鈥檚 third-party liability will cover the accident if the driver鈥檚 personal insurance doesn鈥檛 apply. In this situation, Uber will cover $50,000 in bodily injury per person, $100,000 in bodily injury per accident, and $25,000 in property damage per accident.
If the Uber driver hits you when the driver is en route to pick up passengers or during trips, Uber will cover $1,000,000 third-party liability, uninsured/underinsured motorist bodily injury, and contingent comprehensive and collision.
Involved in an Accident with Uber or Lyft? We鈥檙e Here to Help
Car accidents involving rideshare vehicles are foggy situations, and it鈥檚 best to hire a qualified personal injury attorney to help you navigate through this unique legal process. Finding out how much compensation you can obtain can be tricky, and we鈥檙e here to help you sort it all out.
If you were involved in a rideshare accident, contact 51直播. at (646) 846-4776 to discuss your accident with one of our personal injury attorneys today.