Crashed Using A Rideshare App? Now What?

Their convenience, cost-effectiveness and other benefits have contributed to the ever-growing popularity of rideshare apps such as Uber and Lyft. Despite the safety improvements these services have brought to traffic in the cities in which they operate, accidents still sometimes occur. When passengers suffer injuries in collisions while using a rideshare app, they may find themselves wondering who may have financial responsibility for their associated losses.

According to New York state law, rideshare companies and drivers must maintain insurance policies to cover such wrecks and the resulting damages.

Collisions during trips

According to Uber.com, the company’s insurance policy applies to covered accidents for which the driver bears the majority of fault. Uber’s coverage includes collision and comprehensive coverage, as well as a minimum third-party liability coverage of $1 million. The liability portion of the policy has injury, total and property damage included.

Crashes while awaiting requests

Uber also maintains policy coverage for drivers while awaiting requests. Although they may not have passengers in their vehicles, Uber’s insurance applies to drivers in between fares. This coverage includes a minimum of $25,000 for property damage, $50,000 per person for injury liability and total liability of $100,000.

Accidents caused by another driver

Sometimes wrecks involving rideshare drivers occur because of the actions of another motorist. In such cases, the primary liability will generally fall to the at-fault driver. However, Uber also has underinsured and uninsured motorist bodily injury coverage, as well as first-party injury protection. Passengers, as well as drivers, may receive compensation through such coverage if the motorist who caused the crash lacked adequate insurance.

Passengers involved in rideshare accidents that leave them seriously injured often incur expenses ranging from lost wages and medical expenses to pain and suffering. To recuperate their losses, they may consider options such as pursuing legal action.