Rideshare services like Uber and Lyft have grown in popularity. While convenient, it brings up a lot of legal questions. If you are in an accident while in a Lyft or Uber, what can you do? Do your rights change? Here is what you need to know about filing a claim after a rideshare accident.
Can You Still File a Claim?
No matter the type of vehicle you are in when an accident occurs, you can file a claim if another party is responsible for your injuries. When it comes to filing a claim, the biggest difference is what insurance company you file the claim with.
Those who drive for Uber or Lyft may be covered under business-coverage, rather than personal coverage. If they drive for a rideshare company, they generally have to inform the insurer that they provide these services. If a driver does not tell the company and is in an accident while transporting a passenger, their insurance might be canceled.
Sometimes, commercial insurance can be expensive and this might lead to the driver foregoing commercial insurance. If they do not know about rideshare add-ons, then they may not have the coverage necessary to cover your injuries or damages. This is why Uber and Lyft also have insurance coverage for drivers and passengers. No matter what type of insurance the driver has, you still can legally file a claim if you were injured in the accident.
Was the Driver At-Fault?
Of course, if you want to file a claim against the driver, you have to consider whether the driver was at fault. If he or she was not at-fault, you may have to find the information about the other driver. Then, you would file a claim with their insurer instead of the Uber or Lyft driver. You can still file a claim against a driver if you are a passenger in a vehicle.
Your best option after an accident is to gather as much information and evidence as possible. Present that information to an attorney to find out if you have a case. When it comes to rideshares, while convenient, there are a lot of legal questions that passengers have when there is an accident. The truth is that your rights after an Uber accident are the same as they would be if you were in an accident with any other vehicle. You still have the right to file a claim against the other driver. For assistance with your case, contact a car accident lawyer, like from the Morales Law Firm, as soon as possible for a consultation.