Ridesharing services like Uber and Lyft have become a staple in California’s transportation landscape, offering a convenient alternative to traditional taxis and public transportation. However, as the number of rideshare vehicles on the road increases, so does the potential for accidents.
If you are involved in a rideshare accident, you may wonder how to recover compensation, especially given the unique considerations that apply to Uber and Lyft incidents. Here is what you need to know about financial liability following a California rideshare collision.
Liability in Uber or Lyft Accidents in California
Determining liability in rideshare accidents can be complex due to the multi-layered Uber and Lyft insurance policies that Uber and Lyft carry. California is a fault-based accident state, meaning that any driver who causes an accident is liable. If another driver caused the collision, they would be at fault and you would pursue a claim against their insurance policy.
When the rideshare driver causes the accident, your options become more complicated. The key factor in establishing liability and insurance coverage is the status of the rideshare driver’s app at the time of the accident. This status not only affects who is deemed responsible for the crash but also dictates which insurance policy is applicable—whether it’s the driver’s insurance, the rideshare company’s insurance, or a combination of both.
Insurance Coverage Provided by Uber or Lyft
Uber and Lyft offer similar insurance policies to their drivers, and their financial responsibility will vary depending on what the driver was doing at the time of the collision.
- If the Uber or Lyft Driver’s App is Switched Off: The driver is considered to be driving for personal reasons, and their auto insurance is the primary coverage. California law mandates drivers to have minimum insurance coverage, which includes bodily injury and property damage liability.
- If the Uber or Lyft App is Active, But No Rides Have Been Accepted: This intermediate status triggers both the driver’s insurance and additional coverage provided by Uber or Lyft. This supplemental coverage acts as a safety net if the personal insurance is insufficient, offering up to $100,000 in bodily injury liability per accident, $50,000 in bodily injury liability per person, and $25,000 in property damage per accident.
- If the Uber or Lyft Driver Has Accepted a Ride or Has a Passenger: The highest level of coverage kicks in. Both Uber and Lyft offer up to $1 million in liability coverage, including uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage and collision and comprehensive coverage. This comprehensive coverage is designed to protect not only passengers but also third parties injured in an accident involving a rideshare vehicle.
Work with a California Rideshare Accident Lawyer Today
Given the complexities surrounding rideshare accidents, securing compensation can be a challenging endeavor. You may need to determine the driver’s app status, navigate through multiple insurance policies, and potentially deal with personal injury litigation. In these situations, you need an attorney on your side.
A Bakersfield rideshare accident lawyer can guide you through the intricacies of your case, from investigating the accident and determining liability to negotiating with insurance companies and, if necessary, representing you in court. After your accident, contact a personal injury attorney as soon as possible to discuss your case and embark on the path to recovery.