You put your life and health in the driver’s hands when you get into a Lyft or Uber vehicle. You probably expect them to drive as safely as possible, and you expect the rideshare companies to deliver what they promised—drivers who have been thoroughly vetted.
If you are involved in an accident in which a Lyft or Uber driver was to blame, you have some options for recovering your damages—whether you were a rideshare passenger or another driver who was hit.
If your driver caused the crash, their personal injury protection (PIP) benefits should be enough to cover your damages. If they aren’t enough, you may be able to go after the rideshare company for compensation.
When Are Uber and Lyft Liable for Your Losses?
In most vehicle crash cases involving a rideshare driver, the driver will be the one who is legally responsible for your damages. The driver’s insurance may be used to cover any serious injuries suffered in the accident.
But what if your injuries are so serious that your driver’s policy doesn’t cover all your damages? What if Uber or Lyft hired a driver who doesn’t have insurance?
You can file a claim against the Uber or Lyft insurance policies, but you will need to be able to prove the extent of your damages. Uber and Lyft both carry insurance policies to act as secondary insurance when a driver’s insurance coverage isn’t enough to cover all the losses caused by an accident.
If Uber or Lyft have broken the law or been negligent in some way, such as not performing background checks or not ensuring that their drivers’ insurance policies are up to date, you may be able to sue them for your damages.
Damages You Could Receive for a Rideshare Crash
Car accidents cause a lot of damages—no surprise there. The Uber of Lyft driver’s insurance coverage should pay for all of your damages. Again, if your damages exceed the limits of the driver’s policy, you may be able to file a claim with the rideshare company.
Here are some common damages paid out in injury claims involving Uber or Lyft:
- Pain and suffering
- Lost work wages and lost future wages
- Permanent injury, scarring, disfigurement
- Lost enjoyment of life
- Medical care costs
- Physical therapy
- Mental trauma
Get in Touch with Lopez & Humphries, PA
When Uber or Lyft were responsible for causing your wreck, you have the right to hold the driver or the rideshare company accountable.
Accidents involving a third party can get confusing when you try to determine liability, so it’s a good idea to speak with an attorney for help with your case. Your attorney can help you prove your damages and injuries and determine who’s truly at fault.
To reach Lopez & Humphries, PA and obtain a free case review, call (863) 774-3573. You can also get in touch with an attorney at our firm through the online contact form below.