Ride-sharing companies like Lyft and Uber have made transportation much easier for millions of people. However, they have also brought additional complications to car accident cases.
If you're injured in a rideshare crash, you may wonder what to do next. In this post, Texas ride-sharing accident lawyers answer common questions about rideshare collisions, including whose insurance applies and what to do when you're involved in one.
Whose Insurance Applies in a Ride-Sharing Accident?
In a typical car accident case, the at-fault driver's insurer pays for any resulting injuries or property damage. As all ride-sharing accident lawyers know, however, Uber and Lyft crashes have an additional layer of complexity.
Rideshare drivers use their own vehicles but perform services for the ride-sharing company. Whose insurance pays for accident costs depends on when the accident happens.
- App not on: The driver's personal auto insurance applies to any accidents when the rideshare app is not turned on.
- App on, no match: If the app is on but the driver hasn't matched with a passenger, the rideshare company provides insurance coverage of $50,000 per person for bodily injury and $25,000 for property damage.
- Match accepted: From when a driver accepts a ride request until the passenger leaves the vehicle, the rideshare platform's insurance coverage is $1 million for injury or property damage.
What Should I Do at the Scene of a Ride-Sharing Accident?
After a car accident involving a rideshare, the following steps can protect your health and your legal rights.
- Ensure your safety: Report the accident to the police. Let the dispatcher know you need medical personnel if anyone is seriously injured. Uber has an in-app emergency button that lets you call 911 quickly.
- Screenshot the app: A screenshot of your ride in the app can help prove that you were a rideshare passenger when the accident occurred.
- Collect driver information: Get the driver's contact information, insurance details, and license number. Also take note of the make, model, and license plate number of their vehicle.
- Document the scene: Take photos or video of your injuries, the vehicles and damages, road conditions and debris, and any other relevant information.
- Get witness information: Ask for the names and contact information of anyone who witnessed the collision so your ride-sharing accident lawyer can interview them later.
What Should I Do After a Ride-Sharing Accident?
Once you have navigated the immediate aftermath of an accident, take the following steps:
- Seek medical attention: Even if you aren't obviously hurt, see a medical provider after the accident. Car accident injuries don't always show up right away. If you fail to get immediate medical attention, it may be harder to prove your injuries came from the accident.
- Report the accident to the rideshare company: While you may assume your driver will report the crash to their employer, that's not always the case. You can typically use the rideshare app to report the accident to the company.
- Report the accident to your insurance company: Even though you were not driving, you should report the accident to your insurer. Don't agree to a recorded statement or accept any money without consulting a ride-sharing accident lawyer.
- Contact an attorney: Lyft and Uber accidents are complicated legal matters with multiple parties and insurance companies. An attorney can protect your rights, provide legal advice, and help you pursue personal injury damages.
Need a Ride-Sharing Accident Lawyer in Texas? Call Today!
If you've been hurt in a Lyft, Uber, or other rideshare collision, contact McLaurin Law, PLLC. Our experienced Houston personal injury attorneys are committed to protecting the rights of car accident victims.
Call us today at 713-804-7598 or contact us online to schedule a consultation with a knowledgeable ride-sharing accident lawyer.
