Arcola Rideshare Uber Lyft Accident Lawyer

The popularity of Uber and Lyft ridesharing companies has seen massive growth across Texas and other states as a reasonably-priced alternative to traditional taxicabs. However, since these companies are not subject to the same regulations that structured taxi services are, their drivers do not go through the same training and testing a taxicab company may need for its employees. One result of this is that it can be hard to gauge the ability and skills of an Uber or Lyft driver and the kind of experience they have on our roads.

Regardless, negligence in rideshare vehicle cases is punishable under Texas law, and you are permitted to seek compensation for all damages sustained in such accidents. Our Uber and Lyft accident attorneys are experts in ridesharing and automotive law and, whether you were a rideshare passenger, driver, or another road user injured by a rideshare vehicle, we will help you file and pursue a claim for all resultant damages.

Uber and Lyft Insurance Policies

Drivers are required to carry automobile insurance with them everywhere in the United States. However, Uber and Lyft insurance claims in the event of an accident are more complicated as more than one party is involved. Liability laws differ for these companies and there are plenty of disclaimers and conditions attached to each ridesharing insurance policy that can make the claim process difficult without the right legal representation.

Uber Coverage

Uber covers up to $1 million for each accident when the driver is on duty handling a customer request. This coverage starts the moment the driver agrees to take a customer’s request and starts driving toward the pickup location.

Uber’s insurance coverage applies to all property damage and third-party injuries such as those sustained by pedestrians and other road users, but only when the Uber driver is proven to have been at fault.

Uber also offers a $1 million accident coverage to Uber drivers when another driver is at fault. This applies to hit and run accidents and in the event of accidents with uninsured or underinsured drivers. Once an accident happens, regardless of whether the Uber driver was at fault or not, Uber covers up to the total monetary value of the driver’s vehicle, but only after a deductible of $1,000. This is the case for accidents that happen when the driver was on duty and on the condition that the Uber driver maintains personal auto insurance for collision coverage too.

Lyft Coverage

Lyft’s insurance program and that of Uber are very similar. There are only minor differences in when coverage applies and when it doesn’t. Both Uber and Lyft do not provide coverage for accidents that happen when drivers are off duty. In cases of off-duty accidents, the driver is required to use their personal vehicle insurance policy to cover all resulting damages.

Lyft has a number of coverage rules based on the situation. For example, if a driver was logged in and was available for a pickup but had not accepted any requests by customers, Lyft covers up to $100,000 in accident coverage per accident and up to $50,000 for personal injury. Lyft also offers up to $25,000 more with no deductible for property damages.

The primary insurance of Lyft kicks in once a driver accepts a customer’s request and stays in effect until the driver completes the ride and transports the customer to their destination. This policy covers as much as $1 million per accident.

Contingent accident coverage applies only if the driver maintains their own vehicle insurance policy. Contingent collision coverage only caters for the total value of a vehicle, but only after a $2500 deduction is made. Lyft also offers uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage when required by state law.

Who Is Liable for an Uber or Lyft Accident?

Just like taxicab drivers, Uber and Lyft drivers are the primary party involved in carrying passengers in their vehicles. That said, they are expected to exercise care, diligence, and skill when transporting passengers from one destination to another. Compensation may be sought from both the rideshare driver’s auto accident cover or the rideshare company’s insurance carrier in the event of an accident.

As much as insurance companies are tasked with offering fair compensation, they are generally reluctant to do so and try to mitigate their own liability. Steer clear of low-ball settlements and avoid signing anything or making recorded statements without legal guidance.

Talk to a Skilled Uber and Lyft Accident Lawyer

We can help you recover an array of damages from an Uber or Lyft accident. Start with a free, private, and comprehensive consultation by calling 713-677-2159. We provide contingency-based services, meaning you do not have to pay anything until your case is won. Call now.