Uber and Lyft Accidents
Is Driving Uber or Lyft a Dangerous Job?
It should not be. Uber and Lyft are not dangerous modes of transportation per se. As a safety rule, drivers have a required duty of care in their contractual duties of transportation with their passengers.
To avoid liability, drivers and operators are expected to do whatever it takes to make sure that their passengers arrive safely at their respective destinations.
This includes, but not is not limited to, driving with appropriate caution,maintaining the car in its proper condition, getting licenses and permits, and following traffic safety laws. Uber and Lyft drivers must follow the rules of the road and the general DMV guidelines. Nonetheless,there may be some instances where Uber and Lyft may be dangerous. When an Uberor Lyft driver breaches any duty of care imposed upon them, acts negligently,or fails to take reasonable care to avoid causing injury or loss to anotherperson, Uber or Lyft, as with any other driver, may be dangerous.
Examples of these negligent acts are tailgating, speed driving, texting while driving, or driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol.
As to fatal car crashes and collisions, according to a study done by Columbia University, ride-sharing services are tied to the rise in car crashes. According to Uber’s statistics, in the year 2018, the majority (65%) of deaths occurred after a crash with another motor vehicle, 31% on collision between an Uber driver and a pedestrian or bicyclist, and roughly 4% on other types of fatal accidents.
On other incidents concerning safety, in April 2019, a murder of a ride-sharing passenger shook the business across the country and the passengers that make up its customer base.
Uber or Lyft Car Accident Settlements, Claims and Insurance (in 2021)
For both Uber and Lyft,the insurance for rideshare drivers are as follows:
1. When the rideshare app is off, the driver’s personal auto insurance coverage applies.
2. When the rideshareapp is on but waiting for a ride request, Uber or Lyft provides third-party liability insurance covering accidents if the personal insurance does not apply.
Here, policies may be modified to comply with state or city insurance requirements. The insurance covers $50,000/person for bodily injury, $100,000/accident for bodily injury, and $25,000/accidentfor property damage.
3. If the rideshare app is on and picking up passengers or during rides, the ride-sharing company provides insurance as follows: $1,000,000 for 3rd-party auto liability, where policies may be modified to comply with state or city insurance requirements.
Rideshare Accidents: When Uber/Lyft Drivers Are Injured
Uber and Lyft may also provide Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist (UIM) bodily injury Coverage,which applies when another driver is at fault and does not have sufficient orany insurance. In hit-and-run cases, this insurance may apply too. More so, Contingent Comprehensive & Collision Insurance up to the actual cash value of the car ($2,500 deductible) applies for physical damage to the car up to its actual cash value, regardless of who is at fault. There is a $1,000 deductible that drivers must pay first before this coverage applies.
Note these are always changing.
Uber/Lyft Passenger Injury Claims: Can Uber or Lyft drivers be sued for accidents?
Uber or Lyft drivers drive longer and take more trips than the ordinary citizen who does not drivefor a living. Uber or Lyft drivers are also carrying many more passengers than ordinary drivers. As such, Uber and Lyft drivers must be particularly responsible when driving to prevent needless danger.
When an Uber or Lyft driver is responsible for breaking the rules of the road or the reasonable standard of care for driving, Uber or Lyft drivers may be sued for accidents. Uber or Lyft ride-sharing auto liability policies cover $1,000,000 worth of damage for accidents caused by an Uber or Lyft driver and when the Uber or Lyft driver is responsible.
Hire an Uber or Lyft accident lawyer to sue an Uber or Lyft driver for your harms and losses arising from their negligence. Obtain compensation for medical bills, lost wages, pain, suffering, and more. Michael Hua Injury Law is experienced in lawsuits involving Uber and Lyft. Contact us for a free evaluation today.
Uber/Lyft Passenger Injury Claims
Car Accident with an Uber or Lyft? After an accident, the best things to do are to keep calm and document everything. For immediate emergency assistance, call 911. You can also report in the Customer Care team of Uber and Lyft available 24/7.
A Post Collision Inspection may also be required of you; hence, it is better that you have documented your injuries and damages, through photos or videos. There are a lot of requirements that may be asked of you by insurance companies and even the court to substantiate your claims.
With this, it is better to hire a competent lawyer as soon as you can. You can talk to a dedicated lawyer here: Save this link and contact information which will come in handy in case of emergencies.
Uber and Lyft Liability in Accidents
Claiming insurance coverage can be tricky because there can be technical jargon that youmay encounter that would require to extensive study. Therefore, having an experienced Uber/Lyft rideshare lawyer is important to obtain the highest settlement possible and to explain the nitty-gritty details. Generally, here are some layman ways of the possible channels of claiming coverage:
Uber Accident Attorney/Lyft Crash Lawsuit
Fighting for just compensation and damages requires a duly filed lawsuit in courts with competent jurisdiction. While sending letters of claim can be resorted to extra-judicially, there are still numerous processes that would require court intervention.
Certain bottlenecks can hinder immediate processing of your claim – figuring out which insurance company you should file a claim with, insurance companies denying your rightful claims, lowball settlements, and even delaying tactics of some insurance companies. In this regard, you should really consult with an attorney.
Contact Michael Hua Injury Law for a free deep dive into the facts and circumstances of your case where we will provide an honest evaluation.
Michael Hua Injury Law may help secure financial compensation and justice for medical treatment, pain, suffering, lost wages, and other harms and losses that you may have suffered.
For more questions on Uber and Lyft accidents, ridesharing accidents, insurance coverages, car accidents, and all other personal injury matters, feel free to contact. Michael Hua Injury Law or fill out the free evaluation form below.
