WHO IS LIABLE FOR INJURIES?
When a rideshare goes wrong, it’s natural to wonder who is liable for the damages. If you have been injured in a ridesharing accident caused by a negligent driver, can you file a personal injury claim against them? Or will the company be held responsible? The answer depends on when the accident occurred and what the driver was doing with regard to their ridesharing duties.
If the accident occurred while the ridesharing driver was not working, i.e., was not searching for a passenger, en route to pick up a passenger, or carrying a passenger, the ridesharing company will not be liable. However, the driver who caused the accident would still be liable to you for your injuries and would be covered under their personal automobile liability policy.
If the accident occurred while the driver was working, then the company may be liable, in addition to the driver.
RIDESHARING INSURANCE COVERAGES
Regarding liability, ridesharing companies such as Uber and Lyft have insurance policies to protect their drivers and passengers. These policies can cover damages from a ridesharing accident, depending on the specific policy.
For instance, Uber has two coverage levels that can protect against damages caused by an accident. The first level of coverage applies when the driver is logged in to their app but has yet to accept a ride. In this case, Uber provides liability insurance for up to $50,000 per person injured and $100,000 per accident, with a maximum of $25,000 in property damage.
The second level of coverage applies when the driver is on their way to pick up a passenger or has a paying customer in their car at the time of the accident. Uber provides liability insurance up to $1 million per incident in these cases.
WORK WITH WALNUT CREEK PERSONAL INJURY ATTORNEYS
If you have been injured in a ridesharing accident caused by a negligent Uber or Lyft driver, you may be able to file a claim against them. However, it is crucial to understand the ridesharing company’s insurance policies and coverage levels to determine who can be liable for any resulting damages.
If you have been injured due to a negligent Uber or Lyft driver, contact the experienced personal injury attorneys at Casper, Meadows, Schwartz & Cook. Learn more about how we can help with your case or schedule a case review by calling