Today’s modern world allows would-be passengers to connect with individuals interested in providing a ride for a fee at the touch of a button. However, with the proliferation of rideshare services has come an uptick in the number of accidents involving them. What should you do after one of these accidents, and who is responsible? An experienced Uber accident lawyer from Miller & Steele can discuss your legal options during a free case review.
Common Causes of Uber Accidents in California
First, it’s vital to understand some of the factors that often contribute to these types of accidents, such as:
- Speeding: The more trips a driver completes, the more they get paid, so there’s a built-in incentive to complete these rides quickly.
- Distractions: Drivers may get constant alerts for new riders, GPS notifications, and other messages that make it more difficult to concentrate on the road ahead.
- Fatigue: Drivers might work long hours, leading to tired drivers on the road.
- Unsafe driving: Drivers might run stop signs, park at dangerous locations, or fail to yield the right-of-way so they can complete more rides.
- Mechanical issues: Rideshare vehicles may experience significant wear and tear due to constant ride requests. Drivers might be hesitant to make necessary repairs because doing so would result in a loss of income.
Common Types of Uber and Lyft Accidents
People can be injured in accidents involving Uber and Lyft vehicles in various ways. Some of the most common include:
- As a passenger of the rideshare vehicle
- As a pedestrian or bicyclist hit by a rideshare driver
- As a motorist in another vehicle hit by an Uber vehicle
What Happens If I Am Injured While Riding in an Uber or Lyft?
Uber and Lyft are considered transportation network companies (TNCs) under California law. The ridesharing company’s commercial liability coverage typically covers individuals injured while riding as a rideshare passenger. Injured passengers may be able to file an insurance claim against this policy. If another driver was responsible for the accident, you would file a claim with that driver’s liability insurance provider, just as you would if no rideshare vehicle was involved. If that party didn’t have insurance, you could make a claim with the rideshare company’s $1 million uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage.
Insurance Coverage at the Time of the Accident
Uber and Lyft offer different levels of insurance coverage based on when the accident occurred during the rideshare transaction. If the driver was not logged onto the app, there is no insurance from the rideshare company. You would have to file a Carlsbad car accident claim with the driver’s liability insurance provider.
If the driver was logged onto the app and waiting for a ride request when the accident occurred, Uber and Lyft provide $50,000 bodily injury coverage per injury to one person, $100,000 bodily injury coverage to more than one person, and $30,000 for property damage. If the driver was en route to pick up a passenger or was transporting a passenger, the rideshare company’s $1 million commercial liability policy applies.