When we order an Uber or Lyft ride, it is usually because we either don’t feel like we should drive to our destination, or we lack the proper method to do so. However, just like the rest of us, Uber and Lyft drivers are susceptible to accidents while on the road. It may not be the first thing on your mind, but they do happen, unfortunately.
What exactly happens to you, as the passenger, when there is an accident, especially if you are injured as a result? What if this injury requires you to receive medical treatment, or physical therapy?
Whose responsibility is it to cover these costs? In the following article, we will be going over these questions, and provide all the information that you may need to know. Learn more about Schuster Jachetti LLP, Delaware car accident lawyers.
Accident Policy
In the unfortunate event of an accident, Uber and Lyft both have accident policies; this is for both the driver and passenger(s). This policy covers up to $1 million in injury and damages for the passenger, in the case of an accident.
As with anything else in life, however, there is a fine print here. For example, with Uber, if a driver or rider is logged into the Uber app, but has not yet connected, the Uber policy will only cover up to $50,000.
This accident policy will only be upheld if the Uber driver has insufficient bodily injury coverage. This means that Uber will pay for your medical expenses (up to $1 million) only after the responsible party’s insurance has been exhausted.
The full amount of Uber’s policy is only handed out if certain criteria for different scenarios have been met and satisfied. If the Uber driver has adequate coverage with their insurance company, in most cases, you will be working with them for your claim.
Suing Uber Or Lyft For Damages
Most attorneys believe, and agree upon the belief that most riders won’t sue Uber or Lyft directly; this is because technically, the drivers are independent contractors, and not actual employees.
In this way, Uber and Lyft can deny being liable for the damages. Passengers are not at a complete loss, however, and there are still options available for them, in order to receive the full amount that they believe is due to them. These actions of recourse will be determined by the state that the accident occurred in, however.
If a passenger does, in fact, need to file a lawsuit, it would be aimed at the Uber or Lyft driver, and not the company itself. That is why Uber has this accident policy in place, because it is assumed that the driver would not be able to pay all of the passenger’s medical bills on their own, even with the help of their insurance company.
If you are involved in an accident with an Uber or Lyft driver, and it resulted in personal injuries, it is advised that you hire a personal injury attorney, and have him or her send what is called a “preservation of evidence” letter to both Uber (or Lyft), and the driver. There are some extreme cases where you may end up suing Uber or Lyft, but for the most part, you will be dealing with the driver responsible.