Right now, there’s an ample supply of Uber and Lyft drivers because they offer people a more flexible way of making money. Rideshare services are convenient for anyone who needs to get around town at a moment’s notice. However, rideshare accidents are much more common than you think, raising concerns about road safety standards.
Not many people know that they can pursue a personal injury claim for accidents involving rideshare companies. However, our Uber, Lyft and Rideshare attorneys in San Diego want to explain what everyone needs to know when it comes to recovering compensation:
Passenger Insurance
Both Uber and Lyft offer insurance that covers passengers who suffer injuries in rideshare accidents. This means that you can seek compensation through the companies. Even though Lyft and Uber require drivers to carry personal car insurance, they also offer coverage for situations where drivers are logged into the app.
Who Covers You in a Rideshare Accident?
Even though Lyft and Uber offer insurance coverage for passengers, they won’t automatically cover the damages. However, you’re entitled to compensation if you can prove that the rideshare driver is at fault. Here’s how the coverage works:
- $100,000 per accident involving bodily injury
- $25,000 for property damage
Uber and Lyft provide up to $1 million liability coverage for passengers. However, if the driver wasn’t logged into the app at the time of the accident, Lyft or Uber will try to have your claim dismissed.
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Filing Your Claim Against Lyft or Uber
As mentioned earlier, you can pursue a personal injury claim against Lyft or Uber for rideshare accidents. However, they both classify their drivers as independent contractors. Companies are often held liable for an employee’s negligence, but the legality is different for independent contractors.
You can always file a personal injury claim for damages exceeding the rideshare company’s insurance policy limits. You can also take action if either Uber or Lyft was careless during their hiring or training process. However, keep in mind that, in California, you have a two-year deadline to file your claim (this is known as the statute of limitations).
How Much Is Your Claim Worth?
The value of your personal injury claim many depends on many factors. Rideshare accidents can be severe enough to limit your ability to work and require you to undergo extensive medical treatment. Furthermore, emotional distress and trauma can also factor into the compensation you’re seeking. Ultimately, there’s a way to calculate all the damages you can recover in a personal injury claim.
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Should You Hire a Lawyer?
You should never file a personal injury claim on your own, especially when it involves a rideshare company such as Lyft or Uber. Speaking with a personal injury lawyer will go a long way in determining what kind of damages you can recover. You also want to hire someone with enough experience and legal savvy to oversee your case.
At HHJ Trial Attorneys in San Diego, we always deliver the best possible outcome for our clients. Our job is to hold the rideshare companies accountable and allow you to focus on recovering from your injuries. Schedule a consultation with us today, and we can immediately begin reviewing the details of your case.
