Rideshare (Uber/Lyft) Accidents in Pasadena, South Pasadena, and Eagle Rock: Whose Insurance Pays First?
If you’ve been injured in a rideshare accident in Pasadena, South Pasadena, or Eagle Rock, you may not know where to turn first. Even if you’ve been involved in an accident before, rideshare accidents are different in many key ways. There may be multiple insurance companies involved, and figuring out who actually pays for your losses can be a challenge. That’s why we recommend talking to a Pasadena car accident attorney early in the process.
When you’ve been involved in a crash and no one wants to accept liability, having the right legal team matters. At DeWitt Algorri & Algorri, LLP, we’ve helped countless clients throughout Southern California fight for fair compensation—even when insurance companies refused to cooperate. Attorney Patrick Nolan has built a reputation based on his multimillion-dollar verdicts, and his commitment to his clients has resulted in many successful settlements and court verdicts. To discuss your case with our team, call our car accident law firm at 855-WINNING (946-6464).
How the Driver’s App Status Controls Coverage
Uber, Lyft, and other rideshare apps divide insurance coverage into multiple zones or stages. In the first stage, the driver is not using the app. They are not looking for a ride at all. In the second stage, the driver is logged onto the app and is actively waiting for a ride request. In the third stage, the driver has accepted a request from a driver and is en route to pick them up. In the fourth stage, the driver is transporting a passenger.
Different levels of coverage from rideshare apps apply at each stage of a ride. When you speak with a car accident lawyer about your case, one of the first things they’ll do is figure out exactly what stage applies to your case, as that determines which insurance applies and how much coverage is available.
When the Rideshare Driver’s Personal Insurance May Apply
First, note that a driver’s insurance can technically apply at any time if they have the right rider on their plan. This is an optional add-on that covers their commercial driving. However, many drivers do not add this, and so their insurance is only applicable in certain circumstances.
If a driver does not have a commercial or rideshare add-on on their insurance policy, their insurance generally only applies when they are completely logged off of the app and not engaged in any rideshare activity.
When Uber or Lyft Insurance May Pay
If an accident occurs at any other stage of a ride, it’s likely that Uber or Lyft insurance will come into play. When a driver is logged onto the app and is waiting for a ride, California requires the company—referred to as a “transportation network company”—to provide insurance of at least $50,000 for injury or death to one person, $100,000 for injury and death per incident, and $30,000 for property damage. Uber and Lyft, as transportation network companies, are obligated to meet or exceed this minimum.
If a driver has accepted a ride or is currently transporting a passenger, more coverage is available. Both Uber and Lyft offer at least $1,000,000 in liability insurance on behalf of drivers.
What Happens When Another Driver is at Fault
In addition to the driver’s insurance policy and the transportation network company’s insurance, another insurance provider may be involved if a different driver is at fault. For example, if you are taking an Uber home and you’re struck by a driver running a red light, your claim may actually be against their insurance—not Uber. However, issues may arise if the at-fault driver flees the scene, is uninsured, or has minimal coverage. Both Uber and Lyft offer first-party coverage, which may include uninsured/underinsured coverage and Personal Injury Protection.
Evidence Needed to Identify the Correct Insurance Policy
This is where having an experienced car accident attorney can make a significant difference. When there are multiple insurance policies and multiple potential liable parties, it’s common for all involved parties to refuse liability and try to pin liability on someone else. Your lawyer can investigate the crash, determine which stage of the ride you were in, and figure out who should be responsible for your expenses.
Call Our Pasadena Car Accident Law Firm Today
If you’ve been injured in a rideshare crash, our team of car accidents lawyers is ready to fight for you. Schedule your consultation now by calling us at 855-WINNING or contacting us online.
Mark Algorri has successfully represented individuals and their families in matters involving serious and catastrophic injuries, insurance claims denials, and wrongful deaths, achieving a success rate of 99 percent for our clients.
