Who Is Liable for a Car Accident With an Uber or Lyft Driver?

 Posted on October 10, 2023 in Car Accidents

Rideshare services like Uber and Lyft offer the ability to receive transportation quickly and easily. However, with this convenience comes certain risks, including the possibility of being involved in a car accident while riding as a passenger or sharing the road with these drivers. In these situations, people who have been injured will need to understand their options. With the help of an attorney, they can determine who was responsible for causing an accident and which parties may be held liable for the damages they have suffered.

Understanding Liability for Rideshare Accidents

In any car accident case, determining liability is essential to ensure that a person who was injured will be fairly compensated for their damages. When it comes to Lyft or Uber accidents, several factors may come into play when determining who bears responsibility:

• The rideshare company: In many cases, rideshare drivers work as independent contractors, and they are not considered employees of Uber or Lyft. This classification may allow rideshare companies to attempt to shield themselves from liability for the actions of drivers who do not work directly for them. However, both Uber and Lyft maintain comprehensive insurance policies that cover their drivers' actions while they are transporting passengers. These policies typically provide coverage for bodily injury and property damage caused by an accident.

• The driver: Like any other motorist on the road, Uber and Lyft drivers have a duty to drive safely and follow traffic laws. If a rideshare driver causes an accident due to negligence (such as checking a rideshare app or texting while driving), they can be held personally responsible for any resulting injuries.

• Other motorists: In some cases, another driver involved in an accident may be at fault rather than the rideshare driver. This could occur if someone runs a red light or changes lanes without signaling, causing a collision with the rideshare vehicle. Passengers who suffer injuries in these situations or others who may be involved in an accident may be able to take legal action to hold a negligent driver liable for their damages.

Determining Applicable Insurance Coverage

To understand who might be liable for an Uber or Lyft accident and whether an injury victim can receive insurance coverage, the driver’s status at the time of the accident may need to be considered. Different types of coverage may apply if a rideshare driver was logged in but had not yet accepted a trip request, if a rideshare driver had accepted a trip request or was transporting a passenger at the time of the accident, or if a driver was involved in an accident while they were offline.

Typically, the highest level of coverage provided by Uber or Lyft will apply if a driver was transporting passengers or was en route to pick someone up. In these situations, rideshare company policies may offer up to $1 million in coverage for passengers who are injured in an accident or others who were involved in a collision, such as drivers and passengers in other vehicles or pedestrians.

In situations where a rideshare was involved in an accident while waiting for a ride request, lower policy limits will usually be in effect. If an Uber or Lyft driver was not logged into a rideshare app, the driver’s personal auto insurance policy will typically provide coverage for others who were injured in an accident caused by the driver.

Contact Our Will County Rideshare Accident Attorney

If you have been involved in a car accident with an Uber or Lyft driver, an experienced attorney can help you understand your rights and your options for pursuing compensation from a rideshare company, a negligent driver, or other responsible parties. At Flaherty Law, LLC, our Plainfield Uber and Lyft accident lawyer can provide legal help and representation in these situations. We will work with you to determine whether you can take legal action against Uber or Lyft or a rideshare driver who acted irresponsibly. We can also assist with filing insurance claims, including uninsured or underinsured motorist claims through your own auto insurance policy. Our goal is to ensure that you will receive the full compensation you need to address the harm you have suffered. Contact us today at 815-577-7500 to set up a free consultation and get the help you need following a Lyft or Uber accident.