Irvine Uber/Lyft Accident Attorney

When most employees get into a wreck while working, their employer is responsible for the accident. However, Uber and Lyft have largely been unable to avoid this type of liability by classifying drivers as independent contractors instead of employees. For this reason, there are special rules regarding insurance coverage when an accident is caused by an Uber or Lyft rideshare driver.

Insurance Rules and Coverage for Uber and Lyft Accidents

Uber and Lyft maintain similar types of insurance in case their drivers get into action while on the app. The applicable insurance depends on when the accident occurred, as follows:

Offline

If the driver is not logged into the app, their personal liability insurance applies. In California, the minimum amount of liability coverage is:

  • $15,000 for bodily injury or death to one person
  • $30,000 for bodily injury or death to more than one person
  • $5,000 for property damage

This is only the minimum amount of coverage. Many drivers carry more than the minimum. If the driver is uninsured, you can turn to your own uninsured or underinsured motorist coverage.

Available or Waiting for a Ride Request

If the driver is on the app and available or waiting for a ride request, the rideshare company maintains insurance to cover liability stemming from the rideshare driver’s negligence in case they cause an accident. For example, Uber’s coverage during this period is:

  • $50,000 in bodily injury per person
  • $100,000 in bodily injury per accident
  • $25,000 in property damage per accident

During a Trip or En Route to Pick Up a Rider

Uber maintains the following auto insurance on behalf of its riders who are in the middle of a trip or en route to pick up a passenger:

  • $1,000,000 in liability insurance for bodily injury or death
  • Uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage
  • Contingent comprehensive and collision insurance
  • Property damage up to the actual cash value of the rider’s car

These policies typically only apply if a claim is made with the driver’s personal liability insurance first and it is denied.

What to Do After an Uber/Lyft Accident

If you were a rider in an Uber, Lyft, or other rideshare company vehicle during an accident or one of these drivers collided with you, it is important to take steps to protect your claim. Here is a brief of action items to take care of as soon as possible:

  • Report the accident to authorities and to the app company
  • Seek medical attention for any injuries you suffered
  • Record information about the trip from the app and take screenshots
  • Take pictures of the damage to all vehicles involved, skid marks, street signs, weather conditions, and any other factors that may have contributed to the accident
  • Request an accident report from authorities after it is ready

Finally, retain the services of an experienced personal injury lawyer. Claims involving rideshare companies are often much more complex than a typical car accident claim. A lawyer can help investigate the claim and negotiate with the insurance company on your behalf.

Contact Our Firm for Help with Your Claim

If you were injured in an Uber or Lyft accident, an experienced Irvine Uber and Lyft accident attorney can help. We can review your claim while you focus on your recovery. Contact us to discuss your claim with an experienced personal injury lawyer from our firm.