Insurance Claims for Uber or Lyft Drivers Hurt in an Accident

What to Do if You’re in an Accident as an Uber or Lyft Driver

Uber and Lyft drivers are expected to place their focus on the objective of safely picking up or dropping off passengers. While doing so, they must follow the rules of the road to ensure that each passenger is taken to their selected destinations safe and sound.  However, certain factors may interfere with this process, such as negligent drivers, road hazards, or poor weather conditions. As an Uber or Lyft driver, you must be prepared to face potential risks or dangers that could get you in an Uber or Lyft accident. 

We have provided helpful information in the sections below on important topics that an Uber or Lyft driver should be aware of. This includes the types of insurance policies offered to rideshare drivers by Uber and Lyft, and the appropriate steps a rideshare driver should consider taking after an accident.

If you would like to learn more about what you should do after being involved in an Uber or Lyft accident as a rideshare driver, our legal team is available 24/7 to answer any questions you may have or to schedule a free, no-obligation consultation at our  personal injury law firm. You may contact us today by calling (213) 652-5649 or filling out our quick contact form to claim yours today.

Insurance for Rideshare Drivers

Uber and Lyft offer auto insurance to their rideshare drivers to protect them from a covered accident. However, each policy will be activated depending on what the rideshare driver was doing during the time of the accident. Both rideshare companies have provided a breakdown of what the rideshare driver is expected to receive based on the type of situation they are in. This includes the following:

• The rideshare driver is offline. If a rideshare driver was involved in a motor vehicle accident while they were not logged into their Uber or Lyft app, then they will not be granted coverage. They will have to rely on their own personal auto insurance for financial assistance.
• The rideshare driver is online and awaiting a ride request. If the rideshare driver was logged into an Uber or Lyft app and was waiting to receive a ride request during the time of the accident, then Uber or Lyft will provide third-party liability only if the rideshare driver’s personal auto insurance does not apply. This includes $50,000 per bodily injury, $100,000 per accident, and $25,000 in property damage per accident. 
• The rideshare driver is online and has accepted a request or is on the way to pick up or drop off a rider. If the rideshare driver got into an accident while they were performing a task, such as picking up or dropping off a rider, Uber and Lyft will provide a $1 million third-party, uninsured/underinsured motorist (UM/UIM) coverage, and contingent comprehensive and collision coverage.

Uber also offers Injury Protection, which is paid for by them, as well. Since the passage of Prop 22, rideshare (and delivery) drivers are now able to obtain Injury Protection insurance. This insurance will help cover Uber rideshare (or delivery) drivers who have sustained injuries in an accident while fulfilling rideshare-related tasks (or delivering orders). Benefits may include disability payments, medical bills, and survivor benefits. 

What an Uber or Lyft Driver Should Do After an Accident

If you are planning to file a personal injury claim against a negligent driver, you must know what steps to take to acquire a fair settlement offer. Below, our knowledgeable Uber and Lyft accident lawyers have included steps you should consider taking in order to receive a settlement offer you deserve. 

The first step you should do is check to see if anyone is injured or if any damages have occurred from the accident. If so, you should contact the police as soon as possible. They will arrive at the scene of the accident and conduct an official police report. Paramedics may also be present to provide medical treatment to those who are suffering from serious injuries.

Once you have completed the first step, you should reach out to all parties involved in the accident to exchange driver’s license details, license plate numbers, contact information, and insurance information. You should also search for any nearby witnesses. If you find one (or more), you should ask for their consent to obtain their contact information. Witness testimonies can greatly support your claim. 

After this step has been fulfilled, you should start looking for evidence to prove that you were not at-fault for the motor vehicle accident. This includes taking pictures and/or video footage of your injuries, damages, and the location of where the Uber or Lyft accident took place. Obtaining a copy of the police report is also important to have in your claim. Furthermore, it is encouraged to include your perspective of the accident in a diary or journal. Make sure to mention the date and time of when the accident took place. Lastly, if you notice any witnesses nearby, you should ask for their consent to acquire their contact information. Witness testimonies can help strengthen your claim.

Medical records for doctor visits that are linked to your Uber or Lyft accident are also beneficial to include in your personal injury claim. This will prove that you were, in fact, injured from the accident and needed to get your injury examined by a medical professional.

The final step is to reach out to an experienced Uber or Lyft accident lawyer prior to contacting insurance companies or the other party involved in the accident. Keep in mind that insurance companies will typically provide a low settlement offer. This will likely not help you get out of a financial burden. An Uber or Lyft accident lawyer will step in to make negotiations in order to get you the compensation you deserve for your losses.

West Coast Trial Lawyers Is Here to Help

When someone else’s negligence is the main contributing factor of your Uber or Lyft accident, you will be given the right to file a lawsuit against that party. A skilled Uber and Lyft Accident lawyer at West Coast Trial Lawyers is available 24/7 to provide legal assistance. We will help you recover maximum compensation for your losses.

Our firm proudly offers no-cost, risk-free consultations to Uber and Lyft accident victims. Contact us today by calling (213) 652-5649 or filling out our quick contact form to claim yours today.