Car accidents on their own are stressful and frightening. It can be difficult to sort out insurance claims and police reports, but you may be more confused if you’re involved in a rideshare accident. There are other factors at play here, so it’s worth it to learn a little more.
Why They’re Different
With a typical accident, you and the other driver or drivers will exchange insurance information and then you’ll each file a claim. However, in a rideshare accident it’s more complicated because there are technically more than two parties involved. When some works for a rideshare company, they are either covered by their own insurance or the insurance of the rideshare company they work for. The circumstance of the accident will determine which insurance company is involved and how this will affect you.
How You’re Covered
There are several different situations that could impact how you’re covered in a rideshare accident. Each situation will determine who will cover the costs of your injuries or damage to your vehicle. If the rideshare driver is not logged into the app and actively working for the rideshare company, then their personal insurance applies and it’s like any other accident. If they are actively working and logged into the app, then the rideshare company will cover claims of certain amounts. Companies like Uber and Lyft provide $1,000,000 policies, but the full amount is only applied if they have picked up a customer and the customer is in the car. The amount covered by the policy decreases if the driver is on the way to pick up a customer and it decreases further still if they are logged into the app but haven’t accepted a request yet.
Who is Liable
In any accident, it’s important to establish who is at fault and which driver is liable for the situation. To establish this, you must call the police so they can file a report and determine who is at fault. An individual is at fault if certain conditions are met. A driver is at fault if they violate certain responsibilities including driving safely and following all laws while driving. In some instances, working through insurance claims can be difficult. Having an attorney help you with your case can ensure you get the best possible outcome for you.
Rideshare accidents add a new level of concern since the driver is contracted by a larger company. These accidents can be more complex to navigate and you need to take time to understand how you will be affected.
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