Who would compensate you for injuries?

Different scenarios apply for accident victims involved in Uber or Lyft ridesharing accidents. Were you a passenger picked up by a Lyft or Uber Driver, or were you driving your car and an Uber or Lyft driver crashed into you?

The following are some possible situations along with information about your rights.

Passengers Injured in Uber or Lyft Ridesharing Accidents

Uber and Lyft both provide insurance that covers up to $1 million in damages for passengers who suffer from injury in an accident. However, there are further rules that apply due to the fact that drivers are independent contractors.

App on and picking up or driving passengers

For Lyft or Uber accident insurance to cover damages up to $1 million, the driver must have their app turned on and have accepted the trip and be picking up or transporting riders.

App on but waiting for ride request

If the app is on and the driver is waiting for a ride request, Lyft and Uber have liability insurance that covers:

  • Up to $50,000 in bodily injury per person
  • A maximum of $100,000 in bodily injury per accident
  • $25,000 in property damages

App is off

If the driver has the app turned off, then the driver’s personal auto coverage applies and Lyft/Uber insurance does not apply.

(Reference: Nolo)

Examples of accident situations

Texas is an at-fault accident state regarding car insurance. This means that a driver, who is 50 percent or more at fault for causing an accident is responsible for covering damages. The minimum coverage that Texas drivers must carry are $30,000 in bodily injury insurance per person and up to $60,000 per accident. In addition, insurance must cover up to $25,000 in property damages.

If another driver was at fault for causing the accident and crashes into a Lyft/Uber driven vehicle, the at-fault driver must pay for damages. If the Lyft/Uber driver was at fault, coverage would apply as described above.

Seek legal help if you or your loved one was seriously injured in a ridesharing car accident

The Law Office of Michael R. De La Paz has extensive experience, which can help you recover compensation in car crash cases. We assist clients in Port Aransas, Corpus Christi, South Padre Island and other areas statewide. Arrange a free consultation today to evaluate your potential case.