Uber Lyft Accidents: Expert Legal Representation
Uber and Lyft have a global presence in over 70 countries in more than 400 cities around the world. They provide a business model where normal, everyday people can use their own personal motor vehicles as a means for bringing in an income as a public transportation service. The two companies maintain mobile apps that can be used to call for personal or car pool rides to and from any destination.
That can be a very complicated web of confusion to untangle because Uber and Lyft do not operate as traditional transportation companies, they are technology companies who claim they are merely designers and providers of the app software used for the purposes of what is basically an army of independent contractors. They do provide some modicum of liability insurance to protect riders but it only applies when a driver working for Uber or Lyft has a passenger in their vehicle. When they are not carrying a paying customer, the companies’ insurance is essentially switched off.
Therefore, figuring out which insurance company is expected to cover any loss or injury in the event of an accident involving an Uber or Lyft driver can be difficult to ascertain. It all comes down to what is called “rideshare insurance periods”.
How Rideshare Insurance Periods Work
As Uber and Lyft drivers are using their own personal automobiles to provide a service, car insurance can be a challenge. Both companies highly recommend that drivers who work for the respective companies carry specific rideshare accident insurance, which has become a recently new type of coverage in the industry.
This is due to the “periods” that exist dictating when Uber or Lyft’s insurance coverage is valid and invalid to cover any loss or injury in an accident with one of their drivers. These are periods 0 through 3.
Period 0 is when a driver is operating his or her motor vehicle for personal reasons. Essentially whenever a driver is behind the wheel of his or her own car operating that vehicle for normal, personal use. Since we are all expected to carry car insurance in order to legally drive on public roads, the driver’s personal car policy is in effect should an accident occur.
Period 1 is when a driver has logged into the Uber or Lyft app and is driving around waiting for a pickup request from a rider. During this time, the driver is technically “on the clock” but is not yet working for the company. Therefore, the driver’s personal car insurance is still the valid applicable coverage.
Period 2 is when a driver has accepted a ride request, and driving to that rider’s current location to pick them up. For all intents and purposes, the driver is now working for Uber or Lyft and the company’s liability insurance has been triggered into effect.
Period 3 is when the driver has the passenger in his or her vehicle and they are en route to the rider’s chosen destination. The company’s insurance coverage is still in effect until the rider exits the vehicle at drop-off, after which the period reverts back to 0 once again.
Sounds somewhat simple, but there can be plenty of gray areas and confusion in the claim process as to file a claim and who can be held liable in the event of an accident during an Uber or Lyft ride or with a driver who does not have a passenger in the vehicle at the time of the incident.
It comes down to sufficient coverage as well as Uber and Lyft’s respective liability insurance policies and the limits and exemptions that exist.
Uber or Lyft Driver At-fault For an Accident
Being involved in an Uber Lyft accident presents unique challenges, particularly when determining which insurer is responsible for covering your losses and injuries. If you are a passenger injured in the vehicle or another driver struck by an Uber or Lyft driver with a rider on board, typically Uber or Lyft’s corporate rideshare insurance laws should apply to your personal injury claim.
However, the situation becomes much more complicated during “Period 1″—the time when an Uber or Lyft driver is logged into the app and available to accept a ride, but has not yet accepted a request or picked up a passenger. During this critical interval, the companies’ primary insurance policies are generally not in effect. This means your ability to recover compensation hinges on whether the individual driver has obtained a specific “rideshare endorsement” or commercial policy as part of their personal auto insurance.
Most standard car insurance providers require drivers working for Uber or Lyft to purchase these additional riders. Insurers view rideshare driving as a business use of a personal vehicle, significantly increasing their risk exposure due to the extended time drivers spend on the road. Consequently, they charge extra premiums for this coverage. If you are involved in an Uber Lyft accident during Period 1 with a driver who lacks this crucial rideshare insurance, it could effectively be the same as dealing with an uninsured driver, even if they have standard personal car insurance.
In such a scenario, who do you turn to for compensation for injuries, loss, and pain and suffering? Do not expect Uber or Lyft to readily provide a payout. Both companies categorize their drivers as independent contractors, which attempts to shift all liability onto the drivers should an incident occur.
Adding to the difficulty is the notorious challenge of contacting Uber or Lyft directly after an accident. Their communication channels are typically limited to their apps, email, or social media accounts. Unfortunately, these venues are often unreliable and designed to be difficult to navigate, leaving injured parties struggling to get answers or advance their personal injury claim. This is where a knowledgeable rideshare accident lawyer becomes invaluable in advocating for your rights.
Pursuing Compensation
Our team of legal experts are also skilled at knowing how to deal with the insurance companies despite the rideshare periods that might apply, so you’re not left wondering who will pay for your medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
Uber and Lyft provide comparable protection for their riders in the event of an accident, but how can you collect if you are pedestrian, a cyclist, a driver and passenger in another vehicle? These cases are where things can get complicated, but we know how to cut through all of these complexities to get you paid what you deserve.
Should any of these situations apply to the facts in your case, you may be able to prove clear negligence on the part of a property owner and/or employees, agents, or other individuals who have some connection to the property and its condition.
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