What to Do if You’re in a Car Accident Involving an Uber or Lyft Driver
Anyone who’s been out and about in a community of any size over the past several years understands that services like Uber and Lyft are largely replacing taxis. About one in four people in the United States use a ridesharing service at least once a month.
Chances are, you’ve had personal experience riding in an Uber or Lyft. But have you ever thought about what to do if you were in an accident with a car driven by one of these ridesharing services?
As is the case with any accident that results in personal injury, knowing your rights and securing experienced, competent representation is critical to you realizing your best outcome.
The experienced attorneys at The Gorny Law Firm have been serving clients in Missouri, Kansas and nationwide for more than 20 years. If you are injured in an Uber or Lyft accident, lean on the proven track record of The Gorny Law Firm.
Understanding Uber and Lyft Insurance
First, if you’re not yet aware, a rideshare service like Uber or Lyft utilizes a smartphone application to match passengers with drivers for hire. The drivers use their own vehicles, which are identifiable by stickers, lights or badges with the rideshare company’s logo.
These drivers are usually considered independent contractors rather than employees of the rideshare company. The drivers are required by Uber or Lyft to carry their own car insurance. However, many insurance companies do not provide coverage for drivers using their personal vehicles to drive for a rideshare service. That means that even if the driver has insurance, it might not provide coverage if an accident occurs.
Uber and Lyft do have general business vehicle coverage for their drivers, but there are requirements and exceptions that apply.
If you are in a vehicle that is hit by an Uber or Lyft vehicle, the insurance company with which you’ll be dealing depends on whether or not the Uber or Lyft vehicle was carrying a passenger. If there was a passenger, you will be dealing with the Uber or Lyft business insurance company. If there was no passenger present, then you will be making a claim with the driver’s personal insurance company.
It’s possible that the driver’s insurance company may deny the claim because, even though there was not a passenger in the car, the rideshare driver was on the way to pick up a customer.
Sound complicated? It certainly can be. That’s why we recommend you consult a personal injury attorney to help you navigate these uncertainties.
Important Steps to Preserving Your Claim
If you are in a car accident involving an Uber or Lyft driver, you should follow these steps:
- Check for any injuries and seek professional medical attention.
- Call the police. A police record can help your case immensely.
- Take photographs of the scene and the vehicles.
- Get the contact information of anyone else involved in the accident, as well as any witnesses. Ask for the phone number, email and insurance information of the Uber or Lyft driver.
- Contact your insurance company to report what happened.
- Contact Gorny Law Firm to protect your rights.
Work With the Experienced Professionals at The Gorny Law Firm
It’s always better to consult with an attorney early rather than wait until your claims may have been compromised. Remember, initial consultation with The Gorny Law is free.
Accidents involving Uber or Lyft can become complicated, especially if the insurance companies try to deny coverage. We’ll help you to understand your best options.
Contact The Gorny Law Firm for expert navigation through the complexities of your situation.
