When you’re involved in a car accident, it’s often pretty straightforward. Either you or the other driver caused the accident, and insurance will pay for injuries and damages. Some accidents get more complicated with third parties that become involved or drivers who are uninsured, and that’s often when lawsuits enter the mix. What if the other driver is a Lyft or Uber driver? What if you’re in a Lyft or Uber when the driver causes the accident? While some things remain the same, there are some differences as well.
Factors That Remain the Same
Some things that remain the same after an accident involving a Lyft or Uber include getting medical attention and collecting evidence. Nothing is more important than your health, and medical records can also come in handy when filing a claim or lawsuit. Gathering evidence will also help to ensure the right party is held responsible for the accident, whether it’s the Lyft or Uber driver, or someone else. Evidence will also show the severity of your injuries and how much you’ll end up paying in medical costs. That can aid you in a claim or a lawsuit as well.
Things That Are Different
The main thing that differs when a Lyft or Uber is involved in an accident is where the funds will come from for recovery. Both Lyft and Uber require their drivers to have personal auto insurance coverage, and both companies also have additional coverage for their drivers. Recovery typically depends on what the driver was doing at the time of the accident:
- Active Rider in the Car – If the Uber or Lyft driver is carrying a passenger, both individuals are protected under an insurance policy owned by the rideshare company, as long as the accident was the rideshare driver’s fault.
- App on, No Passenger – Uber and Lyft both have limited coverage for their drivers who have the app on, but are currently not carrying a passenger.
- App Off – When an Uber or Lyft driver is driving around town and the app is not turned on, the driver is responsible to pay for any accidents he or she caused. This is why the driver needs personal auto insurance coverage.
Getting a Lawyer Involved
As you can see, there are minimal differences between an accident involving a Lyft or Uber driver and an accident involving anyone else. If you are in an accident, contact a lawyer, like a Lyft accident lawyer in Towson, MD from Seigel & Rouhana, to get him or her involved in the recovery process.