Ridesharing services like Uber and Lyft have greatly grown in popularity in recent years. In many ways, they are an affordable alternative to traditional taxis, and more convenient than public transit. But if you get involved in an accident while using a ridesharing service, the costs and legal difficulties you could incur may be anything but affordable.
Just as ridesharing services disrupted the transportation industry, they have also caused a lot of controversy in the legal community. Thankfully, there are now attorneys with considerable experience and knowledge in this subset of personal injury law who can help you navigate ridesharing accident litigation.
Insurance Coverage Is Confusing
Drivers for ridesharing services like Uber and Lyft have their own auto insurance policies. But these are usually individual, non-commercial policies. In fact, some insurers specifically deny coverage for accidents that occur when the driver is engaged in “livery services,” or driving passengers for pay.
Uber and Lyft provide supplemental insurance, but coverage can literally change minute to minute. There are different rates for:
- The time between turning on the app and accepting a fare
- The time between matching with a rider and dropping that rider off at his or her destination
The fluctuating insurance rates include specific coverage for things like bodily injury, damaged property, primary liability and uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage. If the rideshare company intervenes to dispute when an accident actually occurred, insurance coverage may not be enough to compensate all your costs.
When you are injured in a ridesharing accident, you are forced to navigate three insurance policies and, in many cases, three different insurance companies: The rideshare company’s coverage, your driver’s personal policy and the other driver’s personal policy. No matter which insurer you deal with, that company will likely not have your best interests in mind and may give you a lowball offer to settle the claim.
How an Attorney Can Help
With so many parties involved (and so much money at stake), it is easy for the average accident victim to get lost in the shuffle. You may not be taken seriously unless you have an attorney advocating for you with these other parties. A skilled and aggressive lawyer can help you seek compensation for medical costs, lost wages, pain and suffering and more.
Most of the time, you can reach a fair and favorable settlement without the need for a trial. But if trial does become necessary, your attorney is ready to fight for the damages and justice you deserve.
Contact a Law Firm Today to Discuss Your Case for Free
If you’ve been injured in a car accident caused by or involving a rideshare driver, you have the right to seek compensation from all liable parties. This emerging area of personal injury law can be somewhat confusing, so it is important to work with an auto accident attorney in Indianapolis, IN who understands the nuances and can help you build a strong case. When you contact our firm, that’s exactly what you can expect.
To discuss your case with an attorney for free, call us to schedule your initial consultation.
Thanks to Ward & Ward Law Firm for their insight into personal injury claims and what you need to know as a rideshare accident victim.