Protecting Your Interests in Complex Claims Against Uber & Lyft
Car accidents are complicated enough without ridesharing companies like Uber and Lyft on the road. As we all know, however, ridesharing accidents are a reality in the 21st century. Due to the insurance issues involved, these particular collisions can be quite a headache. To pursue fair compensation, you will likely have to go through multiple policies, speak with countless insurance adjusters, and maybe even file a personal injury lawsuit.
Who Do I File Against?
If an Uber or Lyft driver causes your accident, you should file a claim against the driver’s insurance company, just like you would in any other car crash. More likely than not, though, their insurer will deny your claim because the driver was using their vehicle for commercial purposes. Sometimes, the insurer will accept your claim, only to offer a settlement that does not even begin to adequately address your losses.
When either of these scenarios occurs, you will have to pursue compensation from the rideshare company directly.
Remember, Uber and Lyft’s liability insurance only activates once their drivers’ claims are denied or ineffective. As such, you always have to start with the driver who was responsible for your accident. This applies if you were a passenger in the Uber or Lyft at the time of the accident, or if an on-duty driver hit your vehicle.
Before you negotiate with insurance companies, you should speak to an attorney. Never sign a legal document without talking to your lawyer first.
How Does Uber/Lyft Insurance Work?
Depending on the driver’s engagement with the app, they will have different levels of insurance coverage. At different stages, Uber and Lyft offer liability coverage for both property and personal injury, along with uninsured motorist coverage.
The coverage limits increase as the driver’s task progresses:
- Atperiod 0, the driver is inactive on the app and the rideshare company provides no coverage
- Atperiod 1, the driver is logged into the app and has not accepted any trips. Uber/Lyft provide limited liability coverage for injuries and property damage
- Duringperiod 2, a driver is on their way to pick someone up and their liability coverage for injuries increases
- Period 3 activates when a rider is inside the vehicle and ends when they are dropped off. Uber/Lyft offer maximum liability coverageand uninsured motorists’ coverage during this phase.
Part of establishing your claim will involve discovering where the driver was in their journey when they hit you. If you were an Uber/Lyft passenger at the time of the accident, you will be entitled to full coverage from the rideshare company as soon as their driver’s claim is denied or found to be insufficient.
As part of your case, our firm will conduct an in-depth process of investigation and discovery, so we can find out exactly how much compensation you are eligible for.
How Much Can I Recover?
If an Uber/Lyft driver hits you while they have a paying rider in the car, or causes an accident while you are their passenger, you can recover period 3 damages. Period 3 liability limits extend to $1 million and offer some coverage for property damage, along with uninsured motorists’ coverage. Stage 2 claims also have a maximum of $1 million.
If you are in an accident during the earlier stages,like stage 1, you may be able to collect up to $50,000 per person for injuries (with a $100,000 limit} and up to $25,000 for property damage.
When drivers are not actively working, their insurance companies may be more willing to hear your claim. The key to maximizing your compensation is to negotiate with each and every insurance company involved.
Our firm can help. Call us at (866) 709-0505 to discuss your case.
What Can I Use the Money For?
Whether you settle with insurers before heading to court or need to file a lawsuit to receive your full and fair compensation, the money from your claim is yours.
With it, you can:
- Pay off medical bills
- Pursue rehabilitative treatment
- Offset time away from work
- Address future loss of income
- Take time to recover from pain and suffering
- Adjust to a post-accident lifestyle
Any damages awarded in an insurance claim or civil suit are designed to help you recover from your accident and move forward in a positive way. If you’re ready to start the healing process, get started with a free consultation today.
Why Choose Our Firm?
At Ashcraft & Gerel, we have been going head-to-head with insurance companies and large corporations since 1953. Over the years, we have won over one billion dollars for our clients and achieved an unparalleled reputation in the legal world. The residents of Washington D.C., Maryland, and Virginia trust our legal guidance, and you should, too.
