Car accidents are jarring, to say the least. However, they can be even more unexpected if you are a passenger. When you hire an Uber or Lyft driver to take you to your destination, you trust they will get you there safely and on time. Unfortunately, this does not always happen, and if you were injured in an accident, you are most likely looking into recovering financial compensation. Here are some of the questions you may have:
What are the most common causes of car accidents?
Car accidents can be caused by several factors, such as inclement weather conditions, poor road conditions, negligent road design, or even faulty car parts. However, the most common cause of car accidents is driver negligence. Some examples of negligent driving behavior are as follows:
- Texting while driving
- Driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol
- Driving while drowsy
- Smoking or eating while driving
- Navigating directions while driving
- Unsafely changing lanes
- Failing to yield
- Excessive speed
- Ignoring traffic signs and lights
- Disregarding other rules and regulations of the road
How do I know if I am entitled to financial compensation following an Uber/Lyft accident?
To recover financial compensation, you must first prove you were injured due to another party’s negligence. This is why you should always hire an experienced attorney who knows how to present the most convincing case possible.
How does Uber/Lyft liability coverage work?
Uber and Lyft liability coverage depends on multiple factors. Since Uber and Lyft drivers are independent contractors, whether their insurance covers your accident or not will depend on whether your driver was on the clock at the time of your accident. The Uber and Lyft liability coverage system is as follows:
- Period 0: If the driver is not logged into the rideshare app, Uber/Lyft does not provide coverage.
- Period 1: When the driver is logged in but has not accepted a ride, the company provides liability coverage for an accident that is the driver’s fault, up to $50,000 per person injured in the accident, $100,000 total injury liability per accident, and $25,000 property damage liability.
- Period 2: If the driver accepted a trip and is on the way to pick them up, the liability coverage increases to $1 million.
- Period 3: If the rider is in the rideshare car, liability coverage is up to $1 million, plus limited coverage for damage to the driver’s car and uninsured motorists’ coverage.
If your driver was not on the clock at the time of your accident, then his or her insurance company should pay the damages.
How can I prove I was injured due to another party’s negligence?
You and your attorney can work to recover security or dashcam footage of your accident as it happened. You may also use police reports, medical documents, witness statements, and more to prove your claim.
Contact our experienced Washington D.C. firm
The experienced personal injury and medical malpractice attorneys at Trombly & Singer, PLLC are prepared to represent clients facing legal matters after being injured due to another person’s negligence. If you require strong legal representation in Washington D.C. or Maryland, contact our firm today to schedule a consultation.
