In the past decade, ridesharing services like Uber and Lyft have skyrocketed in popularity. It’s safe to assume most people have used or know someone who has used one of these services.
Uber reported over two billion Uber trips in the U.S. from 2019-2020. Over 900,000 drivers provided those trips. In those same years, Uber reported 101 deaths and 91 fatal Uber-related crashes. Similarly, Lyft reported 105 Lyft-related motor vehicle fatalities in 2017-2019.
Since these reports only included statistics on motor vehicle crashes that resulted in death, it is safe to assume the numbers are even larger for the total number of car crashes that resulted in injury. So that begs the question, what do you do if you’re in a rideshare accident?
What to do After a Lyft or Uber Accident
After an accident, you should take the following steps:
- Call for help. Dial 911 if there are injuries or major car damage. Seeking medical care, even if the injuries seem insignificant, is crucial.
- Gather information. Exchange information with the rideshare driver and all other drivers involved. Jot down names, insurance details, and license plate numbers. Document the scene, injuries, and vehicle damage with photos and videos.
- Report the accident to the rideshare company. Inform them of the accident through the app or customer support.
- Contact an attorney. Consulting with a personal injury attorney can help you understand your rights and the legal process. Keep in mind there is a two-year time limit to file a claim from the time of the accident.
Insurance in a Rideshare Car Accident
Dealing with insurance coverage in a rideshare accident can be complicated because it is based on whether the driver was working during the accident.
There are essentially three stages of a rideshare driver working.
- Driving on a trip or on the way to pick up passengers
- Waiting for a ride request
- Offline
If you are a passenger who was injured during a ride, only the first stage is relevant to you. However, all the stages are important if you are driving and get into a car accident with a rideshare driver.
If the driver is actively on a trip or on the way to pick up passengers:
Once a ride request is accepted and the driver is on the way to pick up passengers or is driving a passenger, coverage typically includes:
- $1,000,000 third-party liability
- Uninsured or underinsured motorist or other types of first-party injury insurance
There may also be contingent comprehensive collision coverage if the driver has added it to the personal auto policy.
If the driver is waiting on a ride request:
Uber and Lyft’s typical coverage for the driver includes:
- $50,000/person for bodily injury
- $100,000/accident for bodily injury
- $25,000/accident for property damage
If the app is off:
If the driver is not actively using the rideshare app, their personal insurance will be in effect.
Despite the millions of daily trips reported by Uber, the company claims 99.9% of their rides end without any safety issues.
Can I Sue Uber or Lyft Following a Car Crash?
In Alabama, you can sue a rideshare company under certain circumstances. For instance, you may have a claim if you were using their service as a passenger or in another vehicle, and the rideshare driver caused an accident. To be sure, you should speak with a personal injury attorney with experience dealing with rideshare and insurance companies.
We also asked Michael Timberlake this question and here is what he had to say:
At the law office of Timberlake & League, our attorneys can manage the legal aspects of your accident while you focus on recovering from injuries. Contact us for a free consultation if you or a loved one has been involved in a rideshare accident. We can help.
