As Uber and Lyft drivers are not professional drivers, they are prone to cause an accident as much as any other person. As a result, victims need to understand when Uber and Lyft will compensate passengers or motorists injured by a negligent driver. If you or a family member was injured in an accident caused by an Uber or Lyft driver, consult with an experienced Philadelphia Uber accident lawyer. Uber and Lyft have varying levels of insurance coverage available to accident victims depending on the circumstances of an accident. Our Main Line car accident attorneys understand how a car accident can impact a victim’s life, and are here to explain how much Uber and Lyft may compensate victims for car accidents caused by one of their drivers.
Uber and Lyft Car Accident Insurance Coverage
For many in Philadelphia, Uber and Lyft rideshare services provide a welcome, relatively inexpensive, and convenient option to travel throughout the city. While the convenience of these rideshare companies is undeniable, there is a concern about liability when a driver causes a car accident.
Generally, the terms and conditions of Uber and Lyft are similar in that they disclaim liability for accidents caused by their drivers. This is possible as Uber and Lyft typically employ drivers as independent contractors. This means that it can be difficult to hold Uber or Lyft vicariously liable for the actions of their drivers. For this reason, drivers cannot work for Uber or Lyft without having the minimum vehicle insurance coverage that is required in Pennsylvania.
Note, however, that both Uber and Lyft offer car accident insurance coverage for when a driver is struck or causes an accident. While Uber and Lyft offer accident coverage in addition to the driver’s personal insurance, there are certain terms that may affect how much is paid out for an accident. Uber and Lyft each offer up to 1,000,000 dollar coverage for injuries and other financial losses caused by an accident provided that certain conditions are met.
To learn more about the conditions for receiving compensation from Uber or Lyft, continue reading and speak with an experienced Philadelphia personal injury attorney.
Terms and Conditions of Uber and Lyft Insurance Policy Coverage
If a driver for Uber or Lyft acts negligently and causes a serious accident, there are circumstances that may affect the level of coverage provided by either company. The following circumstances will determine the compensation that an injured passenger can receive after an Uber or Lyft accident:
- Car accidents that occur when a driver is logged out of the Uber or Lyft application
- Car accidents that occur when a driver is logged into the Uber or Lyft application but has not yet accepted a ride
- Car accidents that happen after a driver accept or ride or while a driver is in the process of transporting a passenger
Under the first scenario, the conditions to trigger Uber and Lyft insurance coverage will not be met. That means the personal insurance of the at-fault driver will have to suffice. This can be difficult for a severely injured passenger as the insurance of the driver may not be sufficient to cover all their medical expenses and other related expenses. For example, a victim that suffered a bone fracture in an accident may have to undergo surgery or even rehabilitation, which can quickly accumulate expenses.
If a car crash occurs under the facts of the second scenario, the rideshare company that insures the driver will provide any injured parties with limited insurance coverage. Specifically, both Uber and Lyft offer $50,000 for each injured party and up to $100,000 for injuries per accident.
The 1,000,000 dollar insurance coverage will be triggered if an accident happens after a driver accepts a ride or while a driver is transporting a passenger.
To begin the process of recovering compensation for an Uber or Lyft accident, an injured passenger or motorist must report the accident to Uber or Lyft. The application should have information regarding the ride, including the name of the driver and the route taken when the accident happened.
Once you report the accident to the rideshare company, you may be contacted by one of their safety specialists. The safety specialist will ask questions regarding the circumstances of the accident. It is important to remember that the safety specialist represents the rideshare company. This means that the representative may not have your best interests in mind and may be working to diminish your claim against the rideshare company that employs them.
If you are concerned about speaking with a safety specialist, our firm can represent you in any talks with Uber or Lyft concerning the accident.
Work with an Experienced Uber and Lyft Car Accident Lawyer in Philadelphia Today
If you or a family member was a victim of a car crash caused by an Uber or Lyft driver, contact an experienced Uber and Lyft car accident attorney. The legal team at the Reiff Law Firm possesses decades of combined legal experience, and we are unafraid to help you stand against large corporations like Uber and Lyft. You should not have to bear the burden of expensive medical bills and vehicle repairs due to the actions of a negligent driver. To schedule a free legal consultation, contact the Reiff Law Firm at (215) 709-6940. You can also contact the firm online.
