Ridesharing services like Uber and Lyft have revolutionized the transportation industry. In the U.S., Uber has approximately 2.5 million drivers, and Lyft has more than 700,000. With millions of people using these ridesharing services, accidents will inevitably happen. 

At Apicella & Schlesinger Attorneys at Law, with more than 45 years of experience, we have represented victims in all types of accidents, including Uber and Lyft accidents. We are passionate about seeking all available compensation to help people deal with medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other damages.

Who is Liable for an Uber or Lyft Accident?

Accidents involving Uber or Lyft drivers are often complex. Liability depends on several factors, such as whether you’re a passenger in the ridesharing service at the time of the accident or whether you’re driving your vehicle and are involved with an Uber or Lyft driver. 

If you were injured in an accident caused by the driver, you might be entitled to seek compensation from the driver and possibly from Uber or Lyft and their insurance coverage. 

However, suppose you are a passenger in an Uber or Lyft vehicle and injured in an accident caused by another car. In that case, you may be limited to filing a claim against the other driver and not against Uber or Lyft.

If you are driving your own vehicle and are involved in an accident where the Uber or Lyft driver is responsible, the ridesharing company’s liability depends on whether:

• The driver was transporting a passenger
• The driver was on their way to pick up a passenger 
• The driver was signed into the ridesharing service mobile app looking for a passenger

If the accident happened during any of these three circumstances, Uber or Lyft and their insurance coverage might be held liable for the accident. This is especially true if the Uber or Lyft driver was at fault for the accident.

Uber and Lyft Driver Insurance Coverage

Both ridesharing companies require all of their drivers to have personal auto insurance coverage. Depending on the circumstances, some drivers may also carry commercial auto insurance.

Uber and Lyft’s insurance coverage covers various types of liability like collision coverage, uninsured motorist coverage, personal injury protection, and comprehensive coverage. This is available to drivers picking up, looking for passengers and the passengers in the ridesharing vehicle. This coverage may also extend to occupants of other cars when the Uber or Lyft driver was responsible for the accident.

Types of Compensation Available

Uber and Lyft fully insure all of their passengers. If you or a loved one were injured as a passenger in a ridesharing service vehicle, you are entitled to compensation. As a passenger, you have every right to expect that they will arrive at their destination safely. When an accident occurs, you can and should exercise your right to seek damages. 

Types of compensation you may pursue:

• Medical expenses – ER treatment, hospital stays, doctor’s visits, surgery, medication, medical equipment, and physical or occupational therapy
• Lost wages – This includes income you may lose from not being able to return to work while recovering, as well as income lost if your injuries prevent you from earning your pre-accident level of income.
• Pain and suffering – After a severe car accident, victims often experience physical and mental anguish and loss of quality of life.

If you have any difficulty receiving the compensation you are rightfully owed, you must contact a Rideshare Accident Lawyer to discuss your case. It’s the job of the insurance company to pay out as little as possible. Even when they offer you a settlement, it is not likely enough to cover all of your injuries and damages. 

How a Rideshare Accident Lawyer Can Help

If you are injured in an Uber or Lyft accident, a Rideshare Accident Lawyer will help you pursue a compensation claim. At Apicella & Schlesinger Attorneys at Law, we have the experience necessary to handle complex car accident cases. We know what evidence to collect that is key to proving liability for your accident. 

We will build a strong case and negotiate with the insurance and rideshare companies on your behalf to seek compensation for your injuries and other losses. If necessary, we will help you file a lawsuit and argue your case to a judge and jury to seek a verdict and judgment that is in your favor.

If you or a loved one has been injured in an Uber or Lyft accident, contact Apicella & Schlesinger Attorneys at Law to schedule a free consultation.