In recent years the introduction of Uber and Lyft has made it easy for individuals to enjoy rideshare opportunities as a mode of transport. While this form of travel is very convenient, it places our trust in a stranger who is our driver. Unfortunately, Uber and Lyft vehicles are not excused from vehicle accidents that occur annually in the United States. This article will discuss what to do in the event of being injured during an Uber or Lyft vehicle ride.
Ride-sharing is not only advantageous to passengers who are in need of transportation from one place to another. It also means that individuals have the opportunity for finance and a profession outside what they would normally do. In other instances, Uber and Lyft drivers focus solely on being Uber and/or Lyft drivers, ferrying rideshare passengers from one place to the next. According to the Business of Apps [Uber Revenue and Usage Statistics (2022) – Business of Apps] in 2020 Uber had over five million drivers worldwide, however, according to ridester [How Many Uber Drivers Are There in 2022? | Ridester.com] it is noted that Uber has a total of 750000 US-based drivers while Lyft has more than 1.4 million drivers in the United States as well as in Toronto. While this is the case it has been noted that the majority of drivers drive for both Lyft and Uber so as to maximize how much their earnings are. Speak to Wasilla car accident attorneys [https://www.crowsonlaw-wasilla.com/auto-accident-lawyer/] immediately if you are involved in an Uber/Lyft accident.
While the statistics may be impressive it is hard to accurately quantify how many Uber or Lyft drivers are involved in car accidents annually. However, if you are injured as a passenger while riding an Uber or Lyft linked vehicle, responsibility for your injuries would come directly from the insurance company of the driver who was at fault for the accident. Or it could come from the insurance coverage of Uber or Lyft themselves.
It must be noted that car insurance coverage for a ride-sharing driver would be applicable to the passengers’ injuries only if that driver is in possession of commercial insurance or a personal car insurance policy. The personal car insurance policy must provide specifically for coverage while the driver engages in ride-sharing. While this is an ideal scenario it must be noted that the majority of ridesharing drivers do not have commercial or personal car insurance policies that will likely cover your injuries in the event of an accident. As most motorists they will have a personal car insurance policy, however, this insurance policy exempts business use of the vehicle. Therefore, damages and injuries that result while the driver is undertaking rideshare driving will not be covered.
In the event the driver has the applicable insurance that is required of them by Uber and Lyft; if their policy limit is reached Uber and Lyft are able to cover your claim for third-party liability. It has been noted that both ride-sharing companies have third-party liability insurance coverage that may pay up to $1 million in respect of personal injury and property damage as a result of an accident.
If your driver is not at fault from the accident you can receive compensation from the at-fault driver.
