personal injury law firm Call now (510) 944-0102
personal injury law firm Call now (510) 944-0102
What do you think of when someone mentions Uber or Lyft? For many people, getting a ride with these companies is either the beginning of a fun night or the end of a spirited evening. However, what would happen if your ride share vehicle got into a crash? Or worse yet, what would happen if an Uber or Lyft driver struck you? If you plan to recover compensation after suffering an injury due to an Uber or Lyft accident, there are certain facts you need to know.
Many supporters of the ridesharing community claim that hailing a ride from your phone has many advantages. Some say Uber and Lyft keep drunk drivers off the road, while others claim it can relieve traffic. Yet researchers remain skeptical. In fact, a report called The Cost of Convenience claims that Uber and Lyft may make traffic safety worse.
While investigating traffic collision numbers in 2,955 communities, researchers made a disturbing discovery. After the release of ridesharing apps in 1,185 areas, traffic accidents increased. As further ridesharing injury reports surface, some worry that this could be an emerging safety issue.
As safety worries intensify, some are asking if they can sue Uber or Lyft for the damages caused by their drivers. Earlier in time, filing lawsuits proved difficult due to Uber and Lyft classifying their drivers as independent contractors and trying to avoid taking responsibility for their driver’s negligence. Fortunately, California lawmakers acted, and now victims can be compensated.
Here in the state of California, rideshare companies must maintain $1 million of liability coverage for property damage, death and personal injuries caused by their drivers. Our state’s laws even require these companies to provide uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage. So, Uber and Lyft passengers can ride knowing they have some coverage. However, depending on the circumstances of the crash, that coverage might not be as high as you think.
If an Uber or Lyft driver has an accident when their app is off, that driver’s personal insurance coverage applies. Uber or Lyft drivers who get into an accident with their ridesharing app on and awaiting a ride request are only covered at:
If the Uber or Lyft driver is heading to pick up a fare or transporting a passenger, they have auto liability and uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage of up to $1 million. This coverage is per crash for injuries and property damage. Contingent collision and comprehensive coverage up to the cash value of the vehicle or repair costs (whichever is less) also applies.
These circumstances can make it difficult for any Lyft or Uber accident victim and dealing directly with the insurance company can make things worse. Often times adjusters will try to minimize a victim’s claim to save their company money. However, Marjorie Heinrich is familiar with these tactics.
Marjorie spent 20 years defending insurance companies and corporations. Now she applies that knowledge to helping plaintiffs get the results they deserve. Here at Heinrich Law, PC, our experienced Uber and Lyft attorneys are here to help, and our cutting-edge approach to your case could make the difference. We have successfully recovered millions of dollars on behalf of pedestrians hit by Uber and Lyft drivers, passengers injured while riding in an Uber or Lyft car, Uber or Lyft drivers themselves who have been seriously hurt while driving for a ride share company and other car drivers hurt by an Uber or Lyft driver. Give us a call at (510) 944-0110 or fill out our online contact form to find out how we can help with your rideshare accident.