Are You Protected Under Uber or Lyft Insurance?
Uber and Lyft are the most popular car-hire or rideshare services out there, but how exactly does insurance work when it comes to an accident for those riding in the car? If you’ve been in an accident, whose insurance is responsible for the injuries and damages? Is it the driver’s, the company’s, your own insurance, or all of them?
Unfortunately, there are thousands of Lyft and Uber drivers on the road every day, which means the chances of you being in an accident with an Uber or Lyft vehicle, either as a passenger or as the driver of another car, are high. Regardless of whether you were injured riding in the Uber or Lyft car or while driving your own car, you may be entitled to make a claim through their rideshare insurance policy.
If You’ve Been in An Accident
If you have been involved in an accident with an Uber or Lyft vehicle, always be sure your first step is to check for injuries and call 911 if necessary. If you are experiencing any discomfort, pain, or strange sensations, be sure to go to the hospital or see your doctor as soon as possible.
It is likely that you will be contacted by the Uber or Lyft insurance company shortly after the accident. They may ask you to make a statement, but it is advisable not to make any statements at all without first seeking the advice of an attorney.
Insurance Requirements for Uber and Lyft Drivers
In July 2017, the state of Florida enacted new laws imposing insurance limits for ridesharing companies. The statute provides up to $1 million in coverage for the people involved in an accident, and while that limit may sound pretty straightforward, that isn’t necessarily the case. Drivers are required to have their own personal insurance, but that insurance isn’t always part of the equation. Different insurance takes effect in different situations as follows:
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When the driver is in their vehicle but not logged into the Uber or Lyft app. In this situation the driver’s personal insurance would apply to any accidents that occur and the Uber or Lyft company’s insurance would not be involved.
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When the driver is logged into the app but doesn’t have a passenger. If the driver is in an accident that they are at fault for, the Uber or Lyft insurance will provide liability coverage that covers the losses that were sustained by other people that were injured. It will not cover the injuries or vehicle damage to the Uber or Lyft driver. The coverage includes $50,000 per person injured or $100,000 total injury liability per accident, as well as $25,000 property damage.
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When the driver has accepted a passenger. In this situation, the Uber or Lyft liability insurance increases to $1 million to cover the injuries sustained by a passenger that is riding in the vehicle and whose driver caused the accident. This coverage would also apply to vehicle damage and injuries by anyone who is hit by an Uber or Lyft car when the driver is found to be at fault.
Why You Need an Attorney
Insurance companies never want to pay for a claim unless they absolutely have to. However, if you’ve been injured as a passenger of an Uber or Lyft car, or were driving a vehicle and were in an accident caused by an Uber or Lyft driver, you are likely eligible to receive compensation from their insurance company. An experienced Boca Raton attorney at Leifer & Ramirez can help you be sure that you get the compensation you deserve. Call us for a consult today.
Resource:
leg.state.fl.us/statutes/index.cfm?App_mode=Display_Statute&Search_String=&URL=0600-0699/0627/Sections/0627.748.html
