Who Is Liable In An Uber Or Lyft Accident?
Brian O Sutter
Accident Lawyers
The world of catching-a-ride has come a long way since the first yellow taxicab. With the implementation of ride sharing companies like Uber and Lyft, people everywhere are more comfortable letting someone else take over the driving duties.Anyone Can Drive For A Ride Sharing Company
When anyone gets behind the wheel of a motor vehicle, there is always a chance that an accident can occur. What keeps these chances low is the ability of the driver to concentrate on the task at hand without distractions, follow the rules of the road, and use safety precautions at all times.
Those who drive for Uber and Lyft are no different than the rest of the vehicle-operating population. They receive no special training or equipment; they use their own vehicles to take people from point A to point B. The problem is, you never know how “good” a driver they are until you get in the car.
What To Know If An Accident Happens
Accidents can happen no matter what kind of a driver is operating the Uber you are riding in. If you are a passenger in a ridesharing vehicle and become injured in an accident, there are a few things that you should know when it comes to seeking compensation.
• Ridesharing drivers are independent contractors. Those who drive for Uber and Lyft are considered to be third-party service providers, not direct employees of the company. This limits the liability that the company holds for a driver’s actions, including in an auto accident.
• Drivers are required to carry insurance coverage. Drivers for both Uber and Lyft are required to carry $50,000 in coverage per injury, to a total of $100,000 per event on their personal insurance policies to cover passengers riding in the vehicle.
• There is extra coverage when a passenger is riding. If the accident occurs while the driver is carrying a passenger, or if the driver is on the way to pick up a passenger, both Uber and Lyft provide $1 million coverage for damages caused by the driver or damage done by an uninsured/underinsured motorist.
What To Do If An Accident Happens
If you are injured as a passenger while using a ridesharing service, you want to proceed as you would with any auto accident.
• Get to a safe place and call 911.
• Take pictures of the accident and surrounding area.
• Collect the names, phone numbers, and addresses of everyone involved, including any witnesses.
• Get your driver’s information and take a screenshot of the app on your phone.
If you are involved in an accident with an Uber or Lyft while riding in another vehicle, the case is similar to that of a normal auto accident, with a few exceptions. Be sure to get all of the same information as you normally would, but ask the driver if they were engaged in a ride at the time, if they were logged into the app, and get a picture of their insurance policy. Drivers are required to provide this information.
Get Help
Due to the laws and stipulations in Florida, you might need to hire an experienced accident lawyer to help you sort everything out after an accident in or with ride sharing company. Complications can make matters confusing, so let an experienced attorney help you get the fair settlement you deserve.