Ridesharing services like Lyft and Uber have a lot of benefits, including the fact that they make it easier to go home without drinking and driving. They do, however, have certain disadvantages. Getting into a car accident while riding in a Lyft or Uber is still conceivable. Continue reading to learn about the alternatives available to passengers wounded in a rideshare accident, and then call The Law Offices of Larry H. Parker at 800-333-0000 to for a free legal consultation with a Lyft accident attorney in Long Beach CA.
Your Damages Will Most Likely Be Covered by the At-Fault Driver’s Insurance Company
The at-fault party’s insurance company will most likely be liable for paying you for your injuries and property damage, as is the case in most vehicle accidents. If the rideshare driver was at fault, however, it’s unclear whether their personal insurance will cover you or if the ridesharing company’s insurance will cover you.
Insurance for Rideshare Drivers
Unless the rideshare driver has a business insurance policy or a unique clause that covers them when driving for a ridesharing firm, the accident is unlikely to be covered by their insurance. Why? Because most plans contain a business usage exclusion that excludes coverage if the motorist is driving for profit.
The only exemption is if the driver was not logged in to Uber or Lyft at the time of the accident, or if they were on their route to or from a ride. They should have been working for a ridesharing business if you were a passenger in their car. Your Lyft accident attorney in Long Beach CA can help you determine if the driver was technically working or not.
Insurance for the Rideshare Company
In most circumstances, the third-party liability insurance coverage that Uber and Lyft have on its drivers will cover your injuries. This coverage covers injuries and property damage up to $1 million per accident. If the driver’s insurance is appropriate, this policy may take effect after that insurance has been spent. This coverage will take precedence if their personal insurance does not cover them while driving.
Insurance Covered by Someone Else
Of course, in some cases, the rideshare driver may not be at fault at all; instead, a third party may be. Their insurance company would be the one to sue in such situation. If they do not have insurance, or if their insurance is insufficient to cover catastrophic injuries, the ridesharing company’s uninsured/underinsured policy of $1 million may kick in.
Contacting a Lyft accident attorney in Long Beach CA for a free legal consultation is the best method to find out who is accountable for your damages. Call The Law Offices of Larry H. Parker right immediately at 800-333-0000 to get started.
