Posted in Car Accident on April 6, 2020
In a world of tough parking, traffic congestion, and the desire to travel safely, ridesharing has become a popular way to get from place to place. With options that allow for easy pickup and simple payment, people of all ages turn to apps like Uber and Lyft to get from “point A” to “Point B” with the expectation of arriving quickly and safely.
But, as the number of rides that happen on these apps rises exponentially, there are also some potential dangers when it comes to rideshare.
While generally, using these services to get around is fairly safe, like any other time you take a car out into the open road, the chances of an accident are certainly there. While these can range from fairly minor dings and fender benders to large scale, multi-car accidents, there is always a certain amount of risk when riding in someone else’s vehicle.
This can be for a multitude of reasons, including the fact that you probably won’t know how someone’s car is truly being cared for (and the maintenance they’re putting into it). It’s also very probable that you won’t know how safe someone actually drives until you’re in their passenger seat and see them live behind the wheel.
If an accident does happen, what kind of protection does an Uber Driver have for themselves and their passengers?
The insurance coverage that an Uber driver has depends on where the Uber driver falls in terms of work phases. Below is a brief breakdown of what each work phase actually entails as far as insurance protection goes.
— Offline
If a driver is not signed into the app and is not currently working, they are considered to be “offline.” When this happens, the driver’s personal insurance is what covers them and their passengers in case any accidents or damages occur.
— Available or Waiting
If a driver is signed into the app, but is still waiting on a ride request to come through, they’re considered “available” or “waiting.”
In this case, there is a third-party liability if the driver’s personal insurance doesn’t apply.
— Picking Up
If a driver is currently on the way to fulfill a ride request that came through on the app, they’re in the “picking up” phase. The insurance required while actually executing a request for a ride is typically the following:
So, what should I do if an accident actually happens?
If you’re in an Uber or Lyft car as a passenger when an accident occurs, you’ll want to remember a few simple tips for getting through the ordeal:
Anytime an accident occurs, potential damages could be awarded, making it that much more important to call a lawyer immediately. These damages can range from economic, including medical bills and lost income, to non-economic, like pain and suffering.
While any awarded damages may not make up for the event that occurred, they can certainly help with bills and fees that must be paid as a result of the accident. This makes it even more imperative to know who to turn to should an accident occur.
Rideshare accidents can be scary and difficult to navigate. In short, any rideshare accident that you’re involved in deserves a call to a lawyer to ensure you’re not missing any opportunities to protect yourself, and to get the help that you deserve.
Remember, even though you’re in a car that isn’t your own, you have a number of options and rights to help protect you, and others involved.