What You Need to Know About Liability in Rideshare Accidents
Whether you’re hitching a ride at the airport, heading home after a night out with friends, or trying to avoid high parking fees, rideshare apps make it much easier to get around in Southern California. But ridesharing has raised questions regarding liability in accidents. Luckily, ridesharing is now so mainstream that the legal issues have been ironed out. If you use rideshare services, it’s important to know what your rights are if you are involved in a car accident. That’s where DeWitt Algorri & Algorri, LLP can help.
Should an accident happen, protect your rights. The team at DeWitt Algorri & Algorri works with victims like you to pursue the fair and full compensation they deserve after an accident. We have secured multimillion-dollar settlements for car accident victims throughout Southern California. Find out how we can help you by calling us at 855-WINNING (946-6464).
How California Views Rideshare Companies
In the state of California, rideshare companies are viewed as transportation network companies. Unlike taxi drivers, rideshare drivers do not need a taxi driver’s license. They simply use their own personal vehicle to provide rides to customers. These companies originally intended for drivers to earn extra money during their free time, but now, many Uber and Lyft drivers use this as their primary source of income.
Rideshare drivers are considered independent contractors. Though they partner with companies like Lyft and Uber, they are not technically employees of these companies. They set their own hours. However, they are covered under the rideshare company’s insurance policy when they are driving for the company. Their personal insurance generally pays out first, but once it hits its limits, Uber or Lyft kicks in. Note, too, that many insurance companies do not pay for car crashes that occur when drivers are driving for commercial purposes. In those circumstances, it’s possible that all compensation will come from the rideshare company’s insurance.
Different Levels of Coverage Apply
The amount of coverage provided by the insurance company depends on what the driver is doing for the company at the time of the auto collision. There are three levels of coverage:
- Period 1: The driver has the app open and is waiting for a ride request. They have not yet accepted a rider. During this stage, they have coverage of $50,000 of bodily injury per person, up to a maximum of $100,000 per incident. They also have $30,000 for property damage.
- Periods 2 and 3: Periods 2 and 3 covers the time when a driver has accepted a rider and is on their way to pick them up, as well as when they actually have a rider in the vehicle. Uber and Lyft both provide at least $1 million in commercial liability coverage and $1 million in uninsured/underinsured coverage.
What to Do If You’re Involved in an Accident
If you are injured in a rideshare accident as a rider or as an occupant of another vehicle, it’s important to protect yourself and cover your bases. You will need to get the driver’s contact information and insurance information. Even if they are driving for a rideshare company, you still need their personal information—remember, rideshare companies require drivers to max out their own insurance policies before utilizing the company’s coverage. You should also get the driver’s rideshare information. If you are their rider, this is fairly easy—it will be in your app, so get screenshots. If you are in the other vehicle involved in the crash, you will need to get that information directly from the driver.
From there, you should seek medical care at a local hospital or urgent care center. Keep copies of any medical documentation you receive and receipts for anything you have to pay out-of-pocket. Your next step: talk to a personal injury attorney in Southern California.
Start Your Personal Injury Claim With an Experience Car Accident Lawyer
After a car crash, plan on fighting for the compensation you deserve. The insurance company won’t pay what you deserve unless they are forced to. That’s where our car accident attorneys come in. Our team of trial-tested attorneys will build your case and advocate for you. Set up your free consultation right now by calling us at 855-WINNING (946-6464) or sending us a message 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.
