The Kentucky rideshare accident attorneys at Morgan, Collins, Yeast & Salyer can help you determine liability, put together your claim, and fight for your right to just compensation.
Give that the use of ridesharing apps like Uber and Lyft to get from place to place has become immensely popular over the last several years, especially in urban areas, it’s important to know your legal rights. According to a Pew Research Center survey from 2019, 36% of adults have reportedly used a rideshare service. In comparison, only 15% of Americans said they had used a service like Lyft or Uber in 2015— that same year, 33% of Americans hadn’t even heard of rideshare services.
Though ridesharing apps are largely a boon for commuters, these services have raised some questions and concerns, especially when it comes to auto accident liability. If you or someone you know has been injured in an accident involving a Lyft or Uber, you don’t have to deal with the claims process alone.
Uber & Lyft’s Insurance Policies
Uber and Lyft don’t technically employ their drivers; instead, rideshare drivers work as independent contractors. However, since Lyft and Uber have faced scrutiny in the past for their lack of insurance coverage and accountability when accidents do happen, both companies now offer liability insurance. This coverage only kicks in under specific circumstances, however.
Both Lyft and Uber offer insurance coverage options, but only when a rideshare driver is actively using the app to pick up riders or actually has a paying passenger in the car with them. If a rideshare driver is in their vehicle but not logged into the Uber or Lyft app, the driver’s own personal auto insurance coverage will apply to any car accident that occurs, and the rideshare company’s insurance coverage will play no role.
What to do if you’re a passenger in an Uber or Lyft accident:
- If you’re a passenger riding in a rideshare vehicle when a crash occurs and you suffer injuries, you must file a claim against the driver who was at fault
- If the at-fault driver works for Lyft or Uber, you must first make a claim with their personal auto insurance carrier
- In the event their coverage is not sufficient to fully compensate you, you can then make a claim with Uber or Lyft directly
- If the at-fault driver is a third party, you must file a claim against their insurance
- Uber and Lyft will have no involvement in the claims process
What to do if you’re hit by an Uber or Lyft while driving:
- If you are driving when you are struck by or otherwise involved in a car accident caused by an Uber or Lyft driver, the claims process varies
- If the rideshare driver is not logged into the Uber or Lyft app and has no paying passenger with them, you must file a claim against their personal insurance policy
- If the rideshare driver is logged into the Uber or Lyft app, but they have not yet picked up a passenger, you must first file a claim against the driver before then involving Uber or Lyft
- If the rideshare driver is logged into the Uber or Lyft app and has a passenger with them, the process is the same as the above
In short, you must first exhaust the at-fault driver’s and/or your own auto insurance coverage before being able to involve Lyft or Uber in the claims process.
Hire a Local Rideshare Attorney in Kentucky to Win Your Case
Rideshare companies and their drivers have a duty to provide a safe environment for their passengers, drivers, and other commuters. If a driver fails to fulfill this duty, they, as well as the company, could be held liable in lawsuits for injuries that may result.
If you have been injured in a car accident with a rideshare vehicle at no fault of your own, you may be able to receive compensation to cover your car accident-related expenses, including:
- Medical expenses
- Lost wages
- Pain and suffering
You only have two years from the date of the car accident to initiate your claim; however, the sooner you start the better because the evidence is easier to collect and preserve just after a crash.
To learn more about how to determine accident liability and file a claim against the driver and/or rideshare company, responsible, contact the car accident attorney at Morgan, Collins, Yeast & Salyer. Every case is based on factors unique to your situation, so we are happy to listen to what you’ve been through and provide guidance during a free consultation. We have offices in Lexington, Somerset, Manchester, London, Nt. London, Hazard, Paducah, Paintsville, Prestonsburg and Princeton.
