Rideshare services like Uber and Lyft provide a convenient alternative to New York’s classic yellow cabs. But just like any other car on the road, ridesharing vehicles are also vulnerable to accidents.
If you get into an accident while in an Uber or Lyft, you must be wondering who is responsible for your injuries. It may not be as simple as determining who is at fault. In rideshare accidents, the liable party may be the rideshare company, the driver or a third party.
Here’s what you need to know.
Do rideshare companies cover accidents?
Uber and Lyft drivers are independent contractors, not employees. This means their companies do not automatically cover them for accident-related expenses.
Generally, rideshare drivers are responsible for accidents they cause due to negligence. However, companies may provide some coverage depending on a driver’s status at the time of the accident.
For example, Uber’s insurance offers $50,000 per person if an accident happens while the driver is online. If on the way to a pickup or on a trip, Uber has coverage of at least $1 million for property damage and injuries. But if the driver is offline, their personal auto insurance will serve as the main coverage. Lyft has a similar setup.
What if there are other drivers involved?
Other drivers may be at fault if their actions played a part in the accident. Suppose a driver rear-ends your Uber because of speeding. In that case, the driver’s auto insurance will likely be the main coverage for your injuries.
What about other third parties?
Car crashes can stem from many factors, not just driver negligence. Other potentially liable parties include:
- Vehicle manufacturers: They may be liable if the main cause of the accident was a vehicle defect.
- Government agencies: Poor road conditions or broken traffic signs can make agencies liable.
- Maintenance companies: If the accident happened because of faulty maintenance, the maintenance company could be liable.
Figuring out who should answer for your injuries can be challenging, especially when there are multiple parties involved. In cases like these, working with a personal injury attorney can be helpful. An experienced lawyer can guide you through the process, identify responsible parties and help you seek fair compensation.