It’s late. You made the responsible decision not to drive yourself to and from drinks with friends. You open an app on your phone and hail a ride home. Everything seems normal until another vehicle collides with the car you’re riding in.
Millions of people use rideshare apps every day to get to work as well as home from the bar. However, what happens if you are involved in a crash during the ride?
When the rideshare driver is at fault for the accident
Both Uber and Lyft maintain insurance that covers their drivers during rides and includes “third-party liability.” These policies provide up to $1,000,000 in coverage for injured riders – if the driver is at fault in the accident. If another driver causes the crash, things are a little more complicated.
When another driver collides with your Uber or Lyft
If a rideshare passenger sustains an injury or property damage in an accident caused by another driver, generally they would recover damages from the other driver’s insurance company.
But, what if the other driver does not have insurance or their coverage is not enough?
Uber’s insurance also includes “uninsured” and “underinsured” motorist coverage, meaning if the other driver’s insurance cannot cover your injuries, the rideshare’s insurance will fill in the gaps.
Dealing with the aftermath of an accident
Like any other car accident, if you are in an accident while using a rideshare app, the first step is ensuring everyone involved is all right. Call the police and seek medical attention if necessary. Then, it helps to consult with a personal injury attorney experienced in motor vehicle accidents. They can help you determine the best way to recover.
