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Car accidents happen every day, but when an Uber or Lyft is involved, things can get more complicated. A lawyer, like a rideshare accident lawyer, knows that while a rideshare accident may seem similar to a traditional car crash, there are important differences in how liability is determined, what insurance applies, and how claims are handled. If you’ve been in a rideshare accident, it’s important to understand these differences so you can take the right steps to protect your rights.
Insurance Coverage Works Differently
One of the biggest differences between a rideshare accident and a traditional automobile accident is how insurance coverage applies. In a regular car accident, the at-fault driver’s insurance is responsible for covering damages. However, in a rideshare accident, multiple insurance policies may be involved.
Uber and Lyft provide insurance coverage for their drivers, but the level of coverage depends on what the driver was doing at the time of the crash. If the driver was not logged into the app, their personal insurance applies. If the driver was waiting for a ride request, Uber or Lyft’s limited liability coverage may apply. If the driver was actively transporting a passenger, the rideshare company’s full insurance policy should cover injuries and damages.
More Parties May Be Involved
In a traditional car accident, claims typically involve the drivers and their insurance companies. In a rideshare accident, there may be additional parties, such as Uber or Lyft, multiple insurance providers, and even third-party companies that manage insurance claims for rideshare businesses.
If another driver caused the accident, their insurance should cover damages, but if the rideshare driver was at fault, Uber or Lyft’s insurance might step in. In some cases, both drivers may share responsibility, leading to claims against multiple insurance policies. Additionally, if a defective vehicle or poorly maintained road contributed to the crash, a manufacturer or government agency may also be involved. With more parties in the mix, resolving a rideshare accident claim can take longer than a traditional car accident case.
Rideshare Companies Try To Limit Liability
Uber and Lyft classify their drivers as independent contractors, which means they often try to distance themselves from accidents involving their drivers. Unlike traditional taxi companies that employ their drivers, rideshare companies argue that they are simply app providers, not transportation businesses.
This can make it harder for injured passengers or other drivers to hold Uber or Lyft directly responsible. Instead of dealing with the company itself, claimants typically have to go through the rideshare company’s insurance provider. This is different from a standard car accident, where the at-fault driver’s insurance is directly responsible for covering damages.
Rideshare Accidents Involve Different Legal Considerations
State laws regarding rideshare accidents continue to evolve, and regulations may vary depending on where the crash happened. Some states have specific laws requiring Uber and Lyft to carry certain levels of insurance, while others have different rules for determining liability in rideshare crashes.
Because rideshare accidents involve corporate policies and state regulations, legal claims can be more challenging than those involving privately owned vehicles. This is another key difference from traditional car accidents, where personal injury claims typically follow a more straightforward process.
Take The Right Next Steps
While rideshare accidents and traditional car accidents share similarities, key differences can impact how claims are handled and who is responsible for covering damages. Rideshare accidents often involve multiple insurance policies, additional legal considerations, and efforts by Uber and Lyft to avoid liability. If you’ve been injured in a rideshare accident, working with an experienced attorney can help you understand your options and pursue the compensation you deserve. Attorneys like those at Strong Law Accident & Injury Attorneys have experience handling rideshare accident claims and can help protect your rights throughout the process. For help, call your local law office today.
