If you frequently use one or both of Uber’s ridesharing apps or Lyft, you might wonder what you should do if you ever get into a crash while using one of these apps. The thing about Uber or Lyft crashes is that these are very different types of crashes than the standard car crashes.
The reason why these crashes are different is in terms of how the insurance works involving these apps.
Ridesharing Apps and Car Crashes
The thing about Uber or Lyft is that these are great ridesharing apps, as these make traveling so much easier. Using these apps can make it more convenient to get to places instead of trying to find a taxi or even using a bus.
But – the question is, what happens after a crash happens while you are on one of these rides? The answer is that it depends on a couple of things. For instance, was the Uber or Lyft driver the one responsible for the crash?
If your Uber driver is the one responsible for causing the crash, there is potentially a claim against Uber and the driver for the crash. The thing is that Uber and Lyft have insurance for their drivers when they are using the apps.
Start to Document the Scene
There are a few things that you should do after you have been in a crash when in an Uber or Lyft. Now, this is the same thing that you should do after any car crash, which is to document the scene. To document the scene, you should take pictures of the Uber car and the other car that was involved in the crash.
But also, what you should do is to screenshot your Uber or Lyft ride so you can prove that the app was being used at the time of the accident. Uber and Lyft have technology that can prove that, as well. But you should know that at this point, you are the passenger who has been involved in a car crash while using the ridesharing app.
On that note, if Lyft or Uber is responsible for causing the crash, they are kind of against you at that point. So, we recommend taking screenshots as proof that you were in Uber or Lyft at the time and doing whatever you can do to prove that you were indeed using the rideshare app.
Make Pictures and Videos of the Scene
Again, you should be mindful of documenting the scene. If there are witnesses, record their statements and contact details. Technology has made documentation so much easier, so you can take pictures or videos while using your phone.
Also, if you have passengers who were with you in Uber or Lyft at the time of the crash, take their videos and pictures as well. Taking pictures or videos and documenting the entire crash scene is incredibly important here.
Call An Uber Accident Attorney
Depending on which state you are in, you should know that there are laws that have eliminated liability for these transportation companies. But – you can still sue the driver of the vehicle. If you live in Alpharetta, and your car has crashed while on a ride, get in touch with the Alpharetta Uber and Lyft Accident Attorneys and allow these professional attorneys to negotiate with the rideshare company and settle for fair compensation for the lost wages, medical bills, and whatnot. It is important that you go to an attorney who handles these types of cases.
As laws keep changing, there might be issues about fighting the case, and your lawyer will know how to take up the matter and help you settle at a fair price.
Understand How Insurance Companies Protect their Interest
The thing about Uber and Lyft is that these companies usually take the stance that when their driver is out on the road, they are really not an employee. These companies state that the driver is known as an independent contractor. Now, this is also the fight that the attorney will actually have to fight with the respective company in court.
So, if you find yourself in a crash and you are injured in an Uber or Lyft accident, we cannot stress enough the importance of getting an attorney who specializes in the cases of how to handle Uber, Lyft, and other ride-sharing companies. As we mentioned before, Uber, Lyft, and other ride sharing accidents are much different than regular motor vehicle accidents.
Get to Know the Insurance Policies of All Involved People
If you are involved in a crash and the driver is driving for Uber or Lyft – most of the time, if not all the time, the insurance company for their personal vehicles is not going to cover them for that crash. Why, you might ask. Well, the answer is as simple as this: if you look at your insurance policy over the last few years, you will see that there has been a language that is put into every insurance policy that they will not cover you while you are doing any kind of ride-sharing.
This aspect perfectly indicates why you should know that there is other coverage for Uber or Lyft while the app is being used. For instance, if you are in an Uber and someone else causes the crash. In this case, your claim is against the other driver for causing the crash. This is pretty similar to if you were driving your own vehicle.
Now, if you are a passenger in that Uber or Lyft, there are issues about whether the driver may have also been comparatively at fault for the crash, and that is something that will need to be looked into. But – as a passenger, you will be making a claim against that other driver.
What may also be important is that Uber cars may have what is called underinsured motorist coverage. So, they might actually be stepping up and paying additional benefits to you for that accident. So, it is incredibly important to talk to an attorney about getting the proper insurance policies and information to find out whether there is enough insurance from the other driver.
If not – your lawyer will find out about other potential insurances involved that can cover you.
