Car Accident – Rideshare Accident

Over the last few years, rideshare services like Uber, Lyft or Sidecar have become very popular.  These services certainly make travel more convenient for some; however, car accidents involving a rideshare service can be very complex. One of the main challenges in such cases is finding who was responsible for the accident and establishing liability.    

Are you a passenger?

As a passenger, in a rideshare vehicle involved in a car accident, you have several options. An injured passenger can make claims against the driver of the rideshare vehicle, the driver of the other vehicle, or both, depending on who was at fault. With respect to Uber, for example, drivers carry $1 million in liability coverage if the accident happens while they are carrying a passenger. This includes accidents with drivers who have insufficient or no coverage of their own, also known as uninsured/underinsured motorists. However, if the Uber was on the job but did not have a passenger, they have a $50,000 per person liability coverage.  

Is the rideshare driver at fault?

Things are a little more complicated if a rideshare driver is at fault. The main difficulty is getting in contact with their insurance company. Much like any insurance providers, rideshare companies like Uber, Lyft, or Sidecar do not want to extend coverage for an accident that involves one of their drivers. They save money by having the driver’s personal liability insurance cover the accident. To accomplish this, rideshare companies make speaking to a live person nearly impossible and prefer to communicate through email.

What does this mean for you?

The most common liability coverage of the everyday person is $15,000 per person / $30,000 total per incident. If you suffered serious injuries, the driver’s personal liability insurance may not compensate you for all your losses. This is where an experienced rideshare accident attorney can be useful. Experienced personal injury lawyers know how to go up against Uber, Lyft and Saidecar. They can help you hold both the negligent driver and his rideshare service accountable for your losses.

A Rideshare Accident Attorney Can Help

If you or a loved one have been involved in a rideshare accident with an a rideshare service driver, whether as a passenger or another driver, you should contact a personal injury attorney. Our experienced attorneys can help you. They will explore all your options and will advocate for the compensation you deserve from the negligent driver. Regardless whether that’s an rideshare driver or a driver who struck a rideshare vehicle. Schedule a free initial consultation with experienced car accident attorneys from the Law Offices of Eslamboly Hakim in Los Angeles County. Call 800-LAW-TALK (529-8255) or contact us online.