If you use apps like Uber or Lyft often, you may wonder how they deal with auto accident injuries. An Uber insurance claim works almost identically as Lyft insurance claims do. But who is at-fault when multiple parties are involved?
Uber and Lyft share safety reports regarding how many accidents happen every year. Even though about 99% of rides end without incident, this statistic is never zero.
If you were caught in an Uber or Lyft accident and you weren’t at-fault, consider talking with an auto accident lawyer to analyze your case.
Ready to see if you may qualify? Click here to get a FREE, no-obligation consultation before starting your claim.
How Does an Uber/Lyft Insurance Claim Work?
In response to the growing risk of collision, Uber and Lyft enacted insurance policies covering drivers depending on if they’re online or on a trip.
In addition to their own insurance policy, Uber and Lyft require drivers to maintain personal auto insurance to drive for hire.
An Uber/Lyft insurance claim works similarly to a regular auto insurance claim, but all parties must notify the rideshare company that an accident occurred.
How to File an Uber or Lyft Accident Claim
You can notify Uber or Lyft of an accident online through their specialized claim forms here:
If you were a passenger, you’ll need special information to complete the form such as:
- A copy of your receipt
- Summary of what happened in the accident
- Your email address or phone number
- Vehicle make, model, and license plate of your rider
If you were the driver, you’ll also need to contact your own insurance company in case you weren’t on-duty during the crash. Uber has its own special insurance claim form for drivers caught in an Uber collision.
What to Do During an Accident Involving Uber/Lyft
The first thing you should do during a rideshare accident is ensure everyone’s safety. If anyone needs emergency assistance, don’t hesitate to call 911. If functional and able, move your vehicle out of traffic to preserve the scene.
States almost always require those in a car accident to notify the authorities for cases of injury or severe loss. A police report detailing the accident may prove useful when proving liability, especially if more than two drivers were involved.
Afterwards, take photos of the scene if safe to do so, and exchange contact info with the other driver. If you were a passenger and another driver was at-fault, you can sue their insurance company to compensate for your damages.
Information you should gather from the other driver should include:
- Their name, phone number, or email
- License plate number
- Insurance information
After exchanging info, you should contact Uber or Lyft to notify them of the incident. They can connect you to a specialist in case you’re eligible to receive compensation from their auto insurance policy.
Does a Rideshare Driver’s Status Affect Your Settlement?
A rideshare driver caught in an accident must note their driving status during the time of collision. Uber and Lyft insurance policies only trigger when driving for them and not when off-duty.
Your own insurance covers accidents while not working, and you’re covered under separate policy limits depending on your status.
1. Active and Waiting for a Passenger
If you’re waiting for a passenger and you get into an accident that’s your fault, Uber has liability insurance available. This insurance policy covers the other party’s damages and injuries with the following amounts:
- $50,000 per person and $100,000 per accident for injuries
- $25,000 in property damage per accident
Lyft also has liability insurance from a third-party, and their policy amounts are listed below:
- $50,000/person for bodily injury
- $100,000/accident for bodily injury
- $25,000/accident for property damage
Your state may handle liability depending on if they’re an at-fault or no-fault state. You may be covered by personal injury protection (PIP) in certain states.
If you weren’t at-fault for a rideshare accident, your losses would be compensated by the other driver’s insurance. You may need an attorney to determine your compensation amount, and whether they have enough insurance to cover your losses.
2. Matched With a Passenger and Transporting to the Destination
If you were driving a passenger and caused a rideshare accident, Uber and Lyft provide a $1 million comprehensive policy to the parties involved.
When the other driver caused the accident and doesn’t have enough to cover your losses, Uber or Lyft can cover the remainder through their insurance policy.
3. Inactive From Uber/Lyft
Your personal car insurance covers the other driver’s injuries or damages if you were caught in an accident while off-duty. Uber and Lyft do not claim responsibility during such accidents, so you cannot file an Uber or Lyft insurance claim.
Damages You May Qualify for in a Lyft or Uber Insurance Claim
One key point your Uber or Lyft insurance claim should prove is that you suffered enough damages to warrant compensation.
The two types of damages you may experience in a rideshare collision are:
- Economic damages
- Non-economic damages
The amount you’re awarded depends on the severity of your losses and your degree of fault.
Economic Damages
Your economic damages are the quantifiable, monetary losses you experienced from an Uber or Lyft accident. Examples of such damages include:
- Medical bills
- Repair fees
- Lost wages
- Prescription medication fees
Carefully document your receipts and bills so your Uber or Lyft insurance claim can accurately cover your losses.
Keep in mind that certain car accident injuries like whiplash and traumatic brain injuries can develop over time. Don’t readily accept an initial insurance offer if you believe your condition gets worse and it won’t cover future expenses.
Non-Economic Damages
A rideshare accident may not only be physically damaging, but mentally scarring as well. Non-economic damages are the emotional losses you experienced from the accident, and they can be compensable by your insurance policy as well.
Ensure Your Case is Covered By a Rideshare Attorney
Whether you’re a passenger, pedestrian or driving when a crash happens, a personal injury attorney can grant you the results you need.
This is especially true for ridesharing accidents, because the responsible driver’s insurance policy may not cover anyone’s injury costs.
On average, insurers pay just 54% of auto accident costs, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).
Having a personal injury attorney file your claim can help 100% of your costs. Since every personal injury attorney offers free, no-obligation consultations to review auto accident cases, what have you got to lose?
Related: What Types of Personal Injury Cases Do Most Lawyers Accept?
Ready to see if you may qualify? Click here to get a FREE, no-obligation consultation before starting your claim.
Jan Reburiano is a content writer and SEO specialist for law firms focusing on personal injury, disability, employment law, among other practices. He has written and edited numerous articles and created commercial spots for broadcasters that you can find in his LinkedIn. Jan currently lives in Los Angeles, California while writing for clients from around the United States.