Millions of Americans use rideshare applications like Uber every day. While the explosive popularity of these services leads many to assume that they are always safe, people don’t always consider that rideshare drivers are just regular people with no specialized training or skill behind the wheel. This means that they are just as likely to be involved in an accident as any other driver.
In fact, because rideshare drivers are required to use the apps while driving to pick up fares and navigate to their destination, these drivers may be forced to deal with additional distractions that other drivers do not.
In the event of an accident, passengers in an Uber or Lyft may have many questions. “Who is responsible for my injuries?” “How will I pay for my medical bills?” While only an experienced attorney can help you understand your rights in a specific case, below is a breakdown of how insurance works in the event of a rideshare accident in California.
How Does Auto Insurance Work for Uber Drivers?
Car accidents that involve Uber drivers can be complex when it comes to liability and insurance coverage, especially when Uber accident victims are looking for compensation for their injuries and damages.
Rideshare companies like Uber carry commercial insurance which determines coverage depending on the situation involving the driver and the vehicle during an Uber accident. California Vehicle Code Section 5430 states that rideshare companies must carry at least $1 million in insurance for personal injury, property damage, or wrongful death caused by an Uber driver.
The vehicle code also states that the insurance shall be the primary insurance policy. In most instances, the injured passenger can sue Uber and collect on the Uber accident policy, but not sue the driver personally.
Insurance Coverage for an Uber Driver During Personal Use
An Uber driver’s personal liability insurance is the only policy that applies to accidents when the Uber driver is not “on the clock.” The California Insurance Code requires that the driver carry 15/30/5 liability insurance, which means the Uber driver’s policy can cover as little as $15,000 per person per accident up to a maximum of $30,000 for an accident. This also includes $5,000 for any property damage caused by the driver.
If You Have Been Injured as an Uber Car Accident Passenger
If an Uber driver is determined to be at fault, it may be difficult to communicate with the insurance company by phone. Most ridesharing services communicate strictly through email and make it impossible for you to speak to a real person. Uber may be hesitant to extend insurance coverage for an accident that involves one of their drivers, and they may want the driver’s personal auto insurance carrier to cover the Uber accident claim.
What does this mean for you? If you are suffering from serious injury, you need to seek experienced personal injury attorneys with the ability to stand up for your rights against Uber and the insurance companies. You need a legal team who knows how to prove liability in an Uber or Lyft accident and hold the driver accountable for compensation and damages.
You are likely suffering following a serious accident. You have medical bills, household expenses, and lost wages that need to be paid. You deserve to be treated fairly and with compassion, and not held at the mercy of a big corporation.
With more than 25 years of experience, the car accident attorneys at the Demas Law Group in Sacramento are diligent litigators and negotiators who will protect your rights. Whether you are a passenger involved in an accident caused by an Uber driver, or if you have been injured by an Uber driver who has hit your vehicle, we want to help. Our personal injury attorneys have a 99% success rate in getting settlements for our clients.
Contact us now by phone or online for a free consultation.
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