3 FAQs About Uber & Lyft Accident Spinal Injury Claims

As more people have turned to ridesharing apps for convenient and affordable transportation, more collisions have been reported involving Uber and Lyft vehicles. If you were struck by a rideshare driver who was transporting passengers at the time—or you were involved in a crash as a rideshare customer—you may be wondering if Uber or Lyft will foot the bill.

Depending on the circumstances, you may be facing steep medical bills and time off work. If you’ve been diagnosed with a spinal cord injury, you could be looking at a lifetime of medical care and limited employment opportunities.

Read on to learn the answers to a few FAQs about spinal cord injury claims involving Uber and Lyft accidents:

1. Can I Sue Uber or Lyft Following a Crash?

Because rideshare drivers are independent contractors and not employees, Uber and Lyft are not vicariously liable for the negligence of their drivers. That means you can’t sue a rideshare company directly if one of their drivers causes an accident. You may, however, be able to bring a claim against the rideshare service’s commercial auto insurance policy.

2. How Does Third-Party Liability Coverage Work?

Uber and Lyft are not responsible for insuring their drivers’ vehicles. Because most personal policies won’t cover incidents that occur when transporting passengers for a fee, though, rideshare companies bridge the gap by providing third-party liability coverage.

For example, if the driver has turned on the app and is waiting for a ride request, Uber provides:

• $50,000 in bodily injury per person;

• $100,000 in bodily injury per accident; and

• $25,000 in property damage per accident.

Once the driver has accepted a fare and is en route to the passengers or to their final destination, this coverage increases to:

• $1,000,000 in third-party liability; and

• At least $250,000 in uninsured/underinsured motorist bodily injury.

Lyft has similar coverage amounts. As long as you meet the state’s serious injury threshold and the rideshare driver caused the crash, you may be able to file a third-party claim with Uber or Lyft’s insurer.

3. What Should I Do If I’m Hurt While Riding as an Uber or Lyft Passenger?

If you’re riding in an Uber or Lyft vehicle that is involved in an accident, call the police. Once responding officers take control of the scene and start directing traffic away from the area, photograph the wreckage from multiple angles.

Before leaving the scene, you should also obtain the names and phone numbers of all drivers and passengers involved. If there were any eyewitnesses, get their contact information, as well. Finally, make sure to take screenshots of your ride request and transaction receipt.

Once you leave the area, visit a doctor for prompt medical care, and then call a personal injury attorney. Your attorney will conduct a thorough investigation to gather evidence of liability and help you pursue the maximum payout possible.

Call 772-266-5555 to Discuss Your Case with a Stuart Car Accident Lawyer

At Donaldson & Weston, we understand the physical, emotional, and financial toll that catastrophic injuries can take. We will use all the resources at our disposal to help make your life whole again.

We’ve assisted hundreds of clients in personal injury and wrongful death cases. Call 772-266-5555 or fill out our Contact Form to schedule a free consultation with a personal injury attorney in Stuart.