When Uber was first founded nearly 15 years ago, few could have imagined how the rideshare giant — and its top competitor, Lyft — would change how Americans travel. People who often use Uber or Lyft praise the benefits and ease of these services compared to having and driving their own car.
As revolutionary as Uber and Lyft have been, they still present the same risks to passengers that any other motor vehicle occupant faces. An Uber or Lyft driver can still get into a car accident or be struck by another negligent driver, and when they are, both drivers — and you — can be seriously injured.
Basics of Uber and Lyft Insurance
Drivers who partner with Uber or Lyft must maintain their own private auto insurance policy as a condition of their contract. The private policy benefits those who are hurt when the rideshare driver is not actively involved in picking up or transporting a ride.
However, when a rideshare driver is transporting you to your destination, both Uber and Lyft have auto insurance policies that cover the driver in the event of rideshare accidents. These policies have generous policy limits of up to $1 million, often more than sufficient to cover the expenses you would face from being injured in a crash.
Whose Insurance Pays Depends on Who Was at Fault
Just because your rideshare driver is covered by Uber’s or Lyft’s insurance policies does not mean that the involved insurance policy is what will pay you benefits in all rideshare accidents. California is an at-fault car accident state, which means that the driver who was responsible for causing the crash is liable for damages.
In other words, if your Uber or Lyft driver causes an accident through their own negligence or recklessness, you would have a claim against their company’s insurance policy. You would need to contact the appropriate rideshare company with details about your accident and injuries to initiate the claim process.
However, if another careless motorist struck your rideshare vehicle, causing you injuries, the at-fault driver’s insurance company would pay for your damages instead.
As such, your claim should be submitted to that driver’s insurance, which would pay your claim according to its terms and limits. Uber's or Lyft's policy would only cover your injuries if the motorist who struck you was uninsured, underinsured, or left the scene before they could be identified.
An Experienced Attorney Can Help With Rideshare Insurance Claims
Navigating the complex web of liability for your injuries following rideshare accidents can be frustrating, and that is especially true if you are trying to recover from serious injuries.
Turn to Steinberg Injury Lawyers for help in getting the compensation you need. We will file your claim with the appropriate insurer following a rideshare accident and assist you in pursuing compensation for all of your losses. You only have a limited time to file a claim after a rideshare accident, so speak with us today about your rights and options.
