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The popularity of ridesharing services like Uber and Lyft has rapidly increased in the past few years. Unfortunately, there are no real training requirements to be a rideshare driver. As long as you have a valid driver’s license and your own personal auto insurance policy, you can transport individuals far and wide. If you are in an auto accident caused by a rideshare driver, there can be complicated legal questions as to who will pay the cost of your injuries and other damages. In some cases, the rideshare driver’s insurance may be the only one on the hook, but in other cases the insurance company for the rideshare company itself may have to pay out as well. Questions of liability and claim payment are just some of several legal complications that can come up in a personal injury claim. Attorney Michael LoGiudice has the knowledge and skills to efficiently navigate the personal injury claim process and get you the monetary compensation you deserve.
Who Will Pay My Claim If I am injured by A Ridesharing Driver?
First and foremost, if you carry the minimum insurance required for New York drivers, you will have $50,000 in personal injury protection to help you pay your medical expenses regardless of who caused the crash. Above and beyond that, you may be able to recover compensation from the rideshare driver’s personal insurance policy if he or she is found to be at fault for the accident.
In order to become a driver for Uber or Lyft, it is required that the driver carry their own personal auto insurance. If you are injured due to the negligence of a rideshare driver, you may at least have this policy to file a claim against. Be aware, however, that some insurance companies may deny your claim because the rideshare driver was using his or her personal vehicle for commercial use. This can be contested, but it is definitely an issue to keep in mind.
In some cases, insurance coverage for the rideshare company itself may come into play. Companies like Uber and Lyft designate their drivers as independent contractors, not employees, but there are certain instances where they may still be required to pay on an injury claim that was due to an accident caused by one of their drivers. It all depends on certain specifics related to the accident. For example, if an Uber driver caused an accident:
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When his Uber app was off, Uber’s policy would not come into play.
When his Uber app was on and he was listed as “available” to pick up a ride, Uber’s insurance policy may be available
When he had an Uber rider in the vehicle, Uber’s insurance coverage will most likely be available.
This list does not cover all possible circumstances, but gives you a good idea of how things could work out.
Fighting for Full and Fair Compensation.
Where to find available insurance coverage to cover your injury claim after an accident is one of the many hurdles in a personal injury action. It takes a thorough understanding of personal injury law to ensure you are properly compensated by any responsible party. Attorney Michael LoGiudice has the experience and knowledge base needed to get your injury claim paid.