Many of us use Uber and Lyft ridesharing services to get around. They are convenient and easy to use. Despite their popularity, you can still get into an unexpected collision while in a rideshare vehicle. If you suffered injuries in an accident while riding in an Uber or Lyft, you might be curious about Uber accident claims or the Lyft accident policy. Read on to learn more about car accidents while in an Uber or Lyft and what compensation you may be entitled to receive.
Factors Impacting Settlement Amounts
Potential Lyft and Uber passenger accident settlement amounts vary from case to case. While common factors impact possible settlement values, the degree to which these factors affect your potential payout requires an analysis of your case by an experienced Uber and Lyft accident attorney in Sacramento. But let’s discuss some of the factors your lawyer will weigh when assessing your case’s value.
Severity of Injury
Generally, when injuries are particularly severe or catastrophic, your Uber and Lyft accident settlement amounts increase significantly. Catastrophic injuries include paralysis, spinal cord injuries, traumatic brain injuries, and amputation. Retaining all copies of your medical records to prove how much your injuries have impacted your life dramatically assists in getting you a larger settlement.
Damages
The losses you suffer impact the value of your settlement. Recoverable damages in a personal injury lawsuit include the following:
- Past and future medical expenses related to your injuries, including medications, physical therapy, rehabilitation, and counseling;
- Lost wages;
- Loss of future earnings;
- Property damage;
- Pain and suffering;
- Emotional distress;
- Loss of enjoyment of life;
- Loss of consortium; and
- Permanent disability or disfigurement.
Without an attorney, proving your damages is challenging. Insurance companies, like those representing Uber and Lyft, will likely try to minimize your losses to avoid paying out the total value of your injuries. An experienced attorney knows how to combat the tactics and strategies used by these companies to get you the compensation you need and deserve.
Insurance Coverage
Uber and Lyft both carry comprehensive insurance policies in the event of an accident. However, the terms and conditions in which these insurance policies come into play depend on the situation. For example, Uber carries a one-million-dollar insurance coverage policy. Still, a victim may only recover from this policy if they were a passenger in an Uber vehicle when the accident occurred. In situations where an Uber driver is working but not on their way to pick up a passenger and has no passengers in their vehicle, the insurance policy coverage limits are different. Lyft’s insurance policy mirrors Uber’s policy limits. If Lyft provides an accident report, this can assist your lawyer in determining which policy applies to your situation.
Common Injuries Suffered in Ridesharing Accidents
Injuries in an Uber or Lyft collision are similar to those of other car crashes. These common injuries include the following:
- Head or brain injuries,
- Neck injuries,
- Concussions,
- Broken bones,
- Amputations,
- Paralysis, and
- Cuts and bruises.
Successful Uber accident claims rely on accurate medical records detailing your injuries and expenses to recover the compensation you deserve. Maintain a record of your treatments and prognosis to provide to your attorney so you can get the total value of your losses.
FAQS
How Safe Are Uber and Lyft?
All Uber and Lyft drivers must abide by specific requirements, including a background check and vehicle inspection that helps ensure their vehicles are safe to transport passengers. However, these precautions don’t guarantee safety. As we all know, accidents happen even to the best drivers, and no rideshare drivers are not immune to collisions. Here are some factors to consider regarding the safety of Uber and Lyft:
- GPS Tracking and Trip Sharing: Uber and Lyft provide GPS tracking of rides, allowing passengers to share their trip details with family or friends. This feature enhances passenger safety by allowing others to monitor the journey.
- Rating and Feedback System: Both platforms offer a rating and feedback system that enables passengers to rate their drivers and provide feedback. This mechanism encourages accountability and helps in maintaining a level of quality and safety in the service.
- Community Guidelines and Reporting: Uber and Lyft have established community guidelines that outline acceptable behavior for both drivers and passengers. They encourage users to report any safety issues or incidents that occur during a ride, allowing the companies to take appropriate actions.
- Insurance Coverage: Uber and Lyft provide liability insurance coverage for their drivers and passengers during the duration of the ride. This insurance coverage can help protect individuals in the event of an accident or injury.
Does Uber Care About Accidents?
Uber has implemented requirements intended to help ensure their drivers provide a safe ride to customers. Uber also carries a one million dollar insurance policy to assist passengers injured while riding with an Uber driver. Here are some additional ways Uber demonstrates its concern for accidents:
- Support and Claims Process: In the event of an accident, Uber provides support and guidance to passengers and drivers through its customer service channels. Uber also has a claims process to handle insurance-related matters and assist individuals in recovering from any damages or injuries resulting from accidents.
- Incident Reporting: Uber encourages both drivers and passengers to report accidents or safety concerns that occur during a ride. By reporting incidents, Uber can investigate and take appropriate actions, which may include suspending drivers involved in accidents pending investigations.
- Emergency Assistance: Uber’s app includes features for emergency assistance. Passengers can access emergency services directly through the app if they find themselves in a critical situation during a ride.
I Was a Passenger in a Lyft Accident. Is Uber Safer Than Lyft?
There’s no guarantee that you’re safer in an Uber than in a Lyft vehicle. However, you can take steps to keep yourself safe, including always wearing your seatbelt and carrying a charged cell phone, credit card, and cash.
Does Uber Give You Money When You’re in an Accident?
Uber passenger accident settlement amounts vary from case to case. And while Uber doesn’t pay this settlement themselves, their insurance company will compensate you if the accident meets certain requirements.
How Much Will I Get from an Uber Settlement?
The value of an Uber accident claim depends on your injuries and Uber’s liability coverage policy at the time of your accident. If an Uber driver is working but is not picking up a passenger and has no passengers in their car, Uber’s liability coverage is as follows:
- $50,000 for bodily injury per person,
- $100,000 for bodily injury per accident, and
- $25,000 for property damage.
However, if you are a passenger in an Uber ride when the crash occurs, you are covered by Uber’s one million dollar policy.
How Much Does Uber Pay in Settlements?
If in an Uber car accident, a passenger might receive up to Uber’s one million dollars in coverage. Whether you receive the full value of this insurance policy depends on the facts of your case. A Sacramento Uber & Lyft accident lawyer provides the best opportunity of getting the compensation you need.
What is the Difference Between a Rideshare Company and a Taxi Company?
Summoning a rideshare driver through a smartphone app notifies all local drivers. Each driver functions as an independent contractor, operating their own small business. Rideshare companies like Uber and Lyft hire drivers on this basis, allowing them to deny fault in accidents. Uber drivers carry a maximum $1 million insurance policy for on-duty bodily harm, with specific terms based on factors like passengers and driver status.
Since rideshare drivers are independent contractors, if your driver is at fault in an accident, you must make a claim through their insurance. Not all personal insurance policies cover rideshare drivers, so Uber provides a $1 million policy for their drivers.
In contrast, traditional taxi companies must protect drivers with a company-wide insurance policy. This commercial insurance solely focuses on insuring taxi drivers. When a taxi driver causes an accident, claims can be made against the entire company. This is why taxi companies need comprehensive insurance for all drivers, leading to increased business overhead and slightly higher fares. However, it provides protection in case of accidents.
Contact Our Uber & Lyft Accident Attorney in Sacramento
At the Law Offices of Ali Yousefi, P.C., we help clients achieve the best possible outcome for their situation. We support and work closely with you to help you make the right decisions about your legal goals. Our attorneys zealously advocate for your interests at every stage of your case.
We work to keep the process as amicable and straightforward as possible. While we try to resolve cases without litigation, we understand this may not always be possible and are fully prepared to fight for positive results at trial. Our lawyers have earned a reputation for a commitment to excellence and for providing superior client results. We understand that each case is unique and requires a tailored approach. We take the time to work closely with you to create a fine-tuned legal strategy that meets your individual needs. Contact our firm today for a free consultation to find out how we can assist you!