Cities of all sizes in all parts of the United States have seen a huge increase in the number of rideshare accidents each year. If you are one of the many people who regularly take Lyft, Uber, or other rideshare options, do you know what to do if you are in a car accident while a passenger? What if you are in another vehicle that collides with as Lyft or Uber vehicle? Keep reading to find out what happens and then contact Law Offices of Fernando D. Vargas at 909-982-0707 if you need a free legal consultation from an experienced personal injury attorney.
A Lack of Regulation Has the Potential for Complications
Uber and Lyft both require their drivers to have insurance and both rideshare companies also offer their own one million dollar policies to cover drivers. However, keep in mind that unlike taxis, rideshares are not regulated. This means that drivers do not have to provide proof of coverage to a regulatory body and they do not have to prove they have a safe driving record.
The Driver May Not Have Insurance to Cover Commercial Purposes
Even if the rideshare driver has insurance, it may not cover them at work. When you get a private insurance policy, you are required to disclose whether you use the vehicle for commercial purposes. If a person makes a full-time living as an Uber driver then they are using their vehicle for commercial purposes. If they do not answer this song honestly and are involved in an accident, their insurer may choose not to cover the accident.
The Rideshare Companies Have Insurance – But it May Not Cover as Much as You Think
As mentioned above, Uber and Lyft offer up to a million dollars of coverage to their drivers but this only kicks in during specific situations. Most importantly, the driver must be working at the time of the accident. This means that if a driver has just dropped off a passenger and backs into your vehicle, your damages would likely not be covered by the rideshare company’s insurance.
There may also be limits on what their damages that coverage covers. For example, it may not cover medical bills. It may not cover all passengers in the vehicle. As you can see, this can be a complicated situation.
There is Just One Thing to Do if You Are Involved in an Accident in a Rideshare Vehicle
If you are involved in an accident that includes a rideshare vehicle, the first thing to do is to ensure that you are safe. See a doctor or go to the emergency room if necessary. The next step is to talk to a personal injury attorney who can determine your best way forward. You can contact Law Offices of Fernando D. Vargas at 909-982-0707 now for a free legal consultation.
