In an era where technology companies have devoted themselves to “disrupting” the stodgy old industries of yore, two of the most notable and controversial upstarts on the scene are the on-demand transportation companies Uber and Lyft.
Directly targeting established taxi businesses, Uber and Lyft ask customers to download a simple app to their phone, create an account that links to their credit card, and then conveniently use the app to request a pick-up wherever they are.
There’s real merit behind the idea. In theory, Uber and Lyft could eliminate parking hassles in New Orleans’ city core, create a safe alternative to drunk driving – always a concern in our party-heavy city, and, in theory, even reduce the total traffic flow on streets.
These are all well and good, but when you look under the surface, it turns out that both Uber and Lyft bring complications to the liability space when a car accident inevitably happens.
What do you do if you’re hurt in a car accident caused by an Uber or Lyft driver? What about if you’re a passenger in an Uber or Lyft when an accident happens and you get hurt?
The Gertler Law Firm can help make sure you get the compensation you need after an accident while in an Uber or Lyft, or you were involved in a wreck with an Uber or Lyft driver. Here is some general information to help you understand the state of play in an Uber or Lyft accident claim.
How Much Insurance Do Uber Drivers Have?
This is the first layer of complexity in Uber accident claims cases. While Uber says that its drivers and passengers are protected by a $1 million comprehensive insurance policy, this is only true in particular circumstances, so more work may need to be done to force the company to take responsibility for the damages its driver caused.
Uber drivers operate on a three-tier plan, which goes from no liability from Uber to full coverage from the company:
When an Uber driver is off-duty and just driving around on their own time, Uber accepts 0% liability, and the driver’s personal auto insurance policy would cover damages and injuries in an accident.
When an Uber driver is accepting passengers but is not actually transporting a passenger, the driver’s personal insurance is the primary coverage in an accident claim. Uber provides only “excess” coverage should the driver’s personal insurance not fully compensate the other drivers.
When an Uber driver is actually transporting an Uber customer, both the driver and the passenger are covered under Uber’s $1 million policy.
Other Uber And Lyft Accident Information
- Why Are Rideshare Accidents So Unique
- How Long Does It Take For An Uber or Lyft Lawsuit?
- Steps To Take After An Uber Accident or Lyft Accident?
How Much Insurance Do Lyft Drivers Have?
Lyft’s insurance situation is substantially similar to Uber’s. There is a $1 million comprehensive plan, but it only acts as primary insurance when a Lyft driver is actually transporting a Lyft customer.
When the Lyft driver app is off, their personal auto insurance policy will cover accident expenses.
When the Lyft driver app is on, the car becomes available to accept Lyft passengers, and therefore is subject to some coverage by Lyft’s auto insurance. Similarly to Uber, this period is subject to “Contingent Liability.” Unlike Uber’s process, Lyft says that contingent liability will provide coverage if the driver’s personal insurance “does not respond.” It’s not clear whether this represents a more comprehensive or less comprehensive arrangement than Uber. It may vary depending on the case.
When the Lyft driver accepts a new passenger through the app, Lyft’s policy comes fully into effect and provides primary coverage in case of an accident until the passenger is dropped off and the ride is marked as complete.
A Lawyer Who Works For You
Uber and Lyft are both big and well-financed companies that have a lot of incentives to limit their exposure to liability when one of their drivers gets into an accident. Whether you’re a driver for one of the companies that isn’t seeing the coverage they promised, a passenger who was hurt in an accident while riding in an Uber or Lyft, or the driver of a vehicle that was damaged in an accident with an Uber or Lyft driver, you have rights.
The Gertler Law Firm protects your rights, and with more than 30 years of experience in New Orleans, you can trust us to fight to get the compensation you deserve.
Call us today at (504) 581-6411 for a free, no-hassle consultation with an experienced Uber and Lyft Car Accident lawyer.