What Happens if My Uber Driver Gets into an Accident and I Get Hurt

iStock_000000586888_Large

Using a ride sharing company is a great way of making sure you can get home safely after a night of drinking or finding a ride home if you don’t have a car. Though, sometimes accidents are bound to happen. You may be injured even if you’re not driving. If you’re injured while using a ride sharing service, you might be wondering who will cover the cost of your injuries.

Who Will Pay for My Injuries?

Most drivers only have personal insurance. This insurance only covers accidents that happen when the driver is not using his or her car for ride sharing purposes via the “business exception” clause in most insurance policies. Though, there are some drivers who will have a commercial insurance policy that covers passenger injuries. If this is not the case, the ride sharing companies have policies in place to help compensate those injured in car accidents with their drivers.

Ride sharing companies like Lyft and Uber provide their drivers with third party liability coverage. This coverage pays up to $1 million for personal injuries and property damage per accident. These policies are applied to injuries and damages after the driver’s own insurance has been paid out. These policies also cover any injuries from underinsured and uninsured drivers at fault.

Lyft and Uber drivers are normally considered independent contractors, not employees. Under this policy, ride sharing companies do not have to provide the same rights to their drivers as other businesses. This makes it less likely for ride sharing companies to be liable for the negligence of independent contractors.  With high price third party liability insurance and their policies regarding employees, it makes it hard to go after these ride sharing companies for compensation.

Questions About A Car Accident With An Uber or Lyft?

You should speak to an attorney if you or a loved one suffered injuries in a motor vehicle accident. San Diego personal injury lawyer Bonnici Law Group can help you determine whether it would be possible to seek compensation. You can reach Bonnici Law Group, APC by calling (619) 853-5101 or by using our online case review form.



Tags: ,