Uber & Lyft Auto Accidents, Who Pays?

If you are injured in a rideshare accident, you may be wondering who will pay for your injuries and other losses. Unfortunately, it can be challenging to figure out who is liable and how to go about filing a claim.

Who Is Liable in an Uber or Lyft Accident

After a rideshare accident, Uber or Lyft is not automatically liable. Who is liable for damages will depend on the cause of the collision. Uber or Lyft can only be held responsible in certain scenarios. Here is how it works:

Period 0: The Uber/Lyft Driver Is Liable

If an Uber or Lyft driver crashes into your vehicle when their rideshare app is off, their personal auto insurance will be liable for your injuries and property damage. This is because they were not considered working at the time. On the other hand, if you have collision insurance coverage, you can also file a claim under your policy regardless of who was at fault. Your insurer will then pursue reimbursement for any benefits they pay from the at-fault driver’s insurer.

Period 1: The Rideshare Driver and/or Uber or Lyft Is Liable

Suppose an Uber or Lyft driver hits you while they had their app on and were available for rides but had not accepted one yet. In that case, their personal insurance and Uber or Lyft’s “contingent” liability coverage will apply. The rideshare companies’ contingent policies will only cover an accident if their driver was at fault, and their driver’s personal auto insurance will not pay for the collision. The contingent policies will pay up to $50,000 per person injured in an accident, $100,000 for total bodily injury per accident, and $25,000 for property damage.

Period 2 and 3: Uber or Lyft Is Liable

When an Uber or Lyft driver has their application on, and they have accepted a ride or have a customer in their vehicle, and they crash, the rideshare company will be liable. Uber or Lyft’s $1 million insurance policy will cover the collision.

What to Do After an Uber or Lyft Accident

The steps you take after an Uber or Lyft accident are critical to your health and claim for compensation:

• Stay at the scene and try to remain calm. Call 911 if you or anyone else involved requires emergency medical care.
• If injuries seem minor, still notify the police. A police report can be vital in proving liability and is heavily considered when an insurance company is deciding fault.
• If you are not transported to the hospital, take photos and videos of the scene, the vehicles, their damage, and your injuries for evidence.
• Exchange information with all drivers involved, ask which company they are driving for, and ask any witnesses for their contact information.
• Seek medical care as soon as possible. You must have medical records immediately after the accident to link any injuries and potential injuries to the collision.
• Contact your auto insurer to report the accident.

Lastly, speak to a St. Louis Rideshare Accident Lawyer as soon as possible. They will immediately investigate to help you determine fault, gather evidence, and navigate the claims process.