If you’ve suffered injury or loss in an Uber accident or a Lyft accident, you may have questions about filing an accident claim. Both Uber or Lyft provide their drivers with enough insurance to cover just about any accident. But so far, they’ve leveraged the status of their drivers as “independent contractors” to shift as many accident settlements as possible to the driver’s personal carrier. As a result, you may not find it easy to negotiate a decent settlement with either company. For questions about ride share accidents and how you may be able to receive compensation, contact Brylak Law today.
Steps to Take After a Lyft or Uber Accident
Treat an Uber and Lyft accident just like any other accident. First, exchange insurance information with the at-fault driver, then wait for the police to arrive and handle the accident. Afterward, obtain a police report as soon as you can.
Expect the ride-share company to try to wiggle out of paying for your injuries or damages.
Don’t Uber and Lift Provide Plenty of Insurance for Their Drivers?
Yes, they do. Both companies brag about the million-dollar insurance policy they provide for each driver, at least for accidents that happen when carrying a passenger. In addition to that and their personal insurance coverage, Uber and Lyft drivers may also have 50/100/25 company if they’re working but not carrying a passenger. That breaks down to up to $50,000 per injured individual, with a $100,000 maximum, and up to $25,000 for property damage.
The twist is that the driver has to ask for the extra coverage when they’re hired, or they don’t get it. Not all know to ask.
Here’s where it gets tricky. Uber and Lyft drivers are independent contractors. Uber also requires its drivers to pledge to accept the responsibility if someone sues them. So rest assured; the company will do its level best to divert the accident to the driver’s personal insurance, one way or the other.
Would Uber or Lyft Be More Likely to Pay Out a Larger Settlement?
Yes, which is why they want you to make do with the driver’s settlement. But let’s be real: most people wouldn’t be driving for Uber or Lyft if they had better job opportunities, so their personal coverage will probably be the minimum possible.
If the driver was driving for the company when they hit you, the company ought to pay. Period. That’s how it works for everyone else. But Uber and Lyft hope you’ll just sit back and take whatever meager settlement you can get.
The Company’s Insurance and the Driver’s Insurance Have Both Refused to Pay. Can They Gt Away With That?
It depends on how much the insurance companies are willing to spend on fighting the settlement, and what they’re willing to try. The ride-share company’s insurance will always use the “independent contractor” card against you, and Uber will use their driver’s pledge, too. But mandatory pledges like that don’t always stand up in court.
As for the driver’s insurance, most carriers routinely exclude accidents while at work, even if the driver is using their own vehicle. This exclusion is standard, and may pass legal muster. Which means it’s time to get tough and go after the ride-share company.
If You Have Questions About a Lyft or Uber Accident, Contact Brylak Law
If you are faced with insurance denial from either of these huge companies, you’ll need an experienced car accident attorney to fight for your settlement. Call Brylak Law today for a consultation.