Injured in an Uber or Lyft Accident? Here’s What You Need to Know

Ridesharing apps make it easy to get a ride to where you need to go. However, this new mode of transportation presents unique challenges for people who have been injured in an accident involving an Uber or Lyft driver. If you have been injured in a ridesharing accident, a Billings car accident attorney can help you navigate the claim process so that you can get the compensation you deserve. 

Whose Insurance Will Cover the Claim?

Uber and Lyft used to take the position that they were software companies – they provided the platform by which drivers connect with riders. As a result, they denied any obligation to provide insurance coverage for their drivers and would take the position that the driver’s insurance should cover the claim. This created a huge problem for people who were injured when the driver’s insurance would deny the claim because the driver didn’t have commercial coverage. 

Because of intense pressure from multiple states, Uber and Lyft now provide insurance coverage for their drivers. That said, their coverage applies only in certain situations. An experienced Billings car accident attorney will know when you need to pursue your claim under Uber or Lyft’s coverage and when you need to pursue it under the driver’s policy. 

Coverage Will Depend on What the Driver Was Doing

Uber and Lyft provide insurance coverage only in the following situations: 

• The driver’s app is on and they are awaiting a ride request – Uber and Lyft provide coverage only if the driver’s insurance does not
• The driver is en-route to pick up a passenger or is driving a passenger – Uber and Lyft provides primary insurance coverage
• The driver’s app is off: Uber and Lyft do not provide coverage

The first scenario can be complicated as you have to first determine whether the driver’s insurance will provide coverage. Regardless of the situation, you may need a Billings car accident attorney to untangle the coverage and get you the compensation you deserve. 

Were You Injured as a Passenger or By Another Driver? 

Your relationship to the rideshare driver may also affect how you proceed with your claim. As a passenger, you may have a claim against your driver or the other driver, depending on who was at fault in causing the accident. It should be noted that Uber or Lyft’s coverage is primarily intended to protect passengers, which may facilitate your claim. However, payment of your claim may be delayed if the other driver’s insurance denies liability. 

If you were involved in an accident with a rideshare driver as a driver, you can pursue a claim against either the rideshare driver’s individual policy or Uber or Lyft’s coverage as described above. However, they may claim that you were at least partly responsible for the accident or otherwise deny any liability whatsoever. 

Regardless of your role in the accident, you have the same challenge as anyone else injured in a car accident: getting the insurance company to pay fair compensation for all of your losses. A Billings car accident attorney can make sure you get the compensation you deserve. 

Contact Billings Car Accident Attorney Jim Ragain if You Have Been Injured in an Uber or Lyft Accident

Rideshare accidents are undoubtedly complicated, but we can help you navigate the claim process successfully. To discuss your claim and how we can help, contact us today at 406-651-8888 to schedule your free consultation.  We have office locations for your convenience in Montana and Wyoming.