What Should You Do After an Uber or Lyft Accident?

Auto-accidents can be shocking and overwhelming and it’s often hard to know what to do after one happens. When a rideshare vehicle is involved, even more questions are added into the mix. It can be easy to feel lost and out of control. If you were injured in an accident with a rideshare vehicle, you should always speak to a lawyer to ensure you are aware of your rights and any compensation you may be entitled to.

How Common are Accidents Involving Rideshare Vehicles?

Whether or not rideshare services have made our nation’s roads safer is a very contested topic. A Science Magazine article from 2018 reported that a study by three economists found that car accidents in the United States increased in 2014, breaking a decades-long trend of descent. This correlates with the rise of ridesharing services but is not conclusive proof that ridesharing services are to blame and Uber and Lyft have both questioned the claims. By their own reporting, Uber had only 0.57 deaths per 100 million miles traveled in 2018 and Lyft had only 0.72. Both of these were lower than the national average of 1.13 deaths from that year, though it should be noted that the rideshare services only counted the deaths reported to them.

What should I do if I am in an accident involving an Uber or Lyft?

Take a moment to evaluate your surroundings and find a safe place–whether that’s your car or outside and away from traffic–from which to call 911. Law enforcement officers are equipped to provide first aid and will arrange other emergency services if they are necessary. Try to move your car away from traffic flow if it is possible and safe to do so as this will give emergency vehicles easier access to the crash site.

Take pictures and exchange necessary identifying information such as your name, address, telephone number, and insurance details with the other drivers involved. Asking for contact information of witnesses is wise as well, as they may be able to provide testimony in your case.

Call your insurance company so that they can begin working with you to address the accident and the damages done as soon as possible.

See a doctor, even if you believe you are unharmed. Injuries from car accidents don’t always appear immediately after the crash. An examination by a medical professional can identify any issues and give you peace of mind.

Report the accident to Uber or Lyft.

Call a lawyer. Having an experienced professional to guide you through the legal process is invaluable and can help you win higher compensation than the lowball offer insurance companies want you to accept.

For a more in-depth guide on what to do after an auto-accident, check out this article.

Uber and Lyft Insurance Coverage

Both Uber and Lyft determine the level of coverage their insurance provides based on the phase of the ride the accident occurred in.

If the driver had the app on and was waiting for a ride request when the accident happened, the following coverage applies:

• $50,000 in bodily injury per person
• $100,000 in bodily injury per accident
• $25,000 in property damage per accident

If the driver was en route to pick up the passenger, the passenger was entering the car, or the driver was transporting the passenger to their destination the following coverage applies:

• $1,000,000 third-party liability
• Uninsured/underinsured motorist bodily injury and/or first-party injury insurance
• Contingent comprehensive and collision (up to actual cash value of car with a $2,500 deductible)

What should I do if I am hit by an Uber or Lyft driver?

Michigan is a No-Fault state and residents should always make a claim through their own insurer after an accident. If the rideshare driver was at fault for the accident and you would like to pay for damages that your own insurance didn’t cover, you can do so. If the driver’s personal insurance claim is denied, Uber or Lyft coverage kicks in.

What should I do if I am hit while taking an Uber or Lyft?

If you are injured while riding in a rideshare vehicle, your claim will go through your own No-Fault insurance. Typically, in car accidents, passengers go through the insurance of their driver but this does not apply for transportation network vehicles like Uber and Lyft. If you are not satisfied with your No-Fault benefits, you can also sue the driver who caused the accident.

What should I do if I am injured while driving for Uber or Lyft?

Uber and Lyft driver must first make a claim to their own No-Fault insurer after an accident, though this claim will likely be denied as the driver was engaging in commercial driving. Both Uber and Lyft offer coverage listed above for when this happens. If another party was at fault for the accident, you can additionally sue them for compensation.

Contact the Mike Morse Law Firm for a Free Consultation

 
Any auto-accident can be painful and confusing, but dealing with big companies like Uber, Lyft, and their insurers can make rideshare accidents especially difficult. The expert attorneys at the Mike Morse Law Firm can help you through this frustrating process and make sure that you get the compensation that you deserve. Call us at 855-Mike-Wins (855-645-3946) or contact us through our website for a free consultation.