Injured in an Uber or Lyft?

Posted Friday, January 17, 2020 by Chris Thayer

Most people jump into a ridesharing car such as Uber or Lyft without much thought. In fact, these types of ridesharing services are utilized by millions in the United States every day. For the average rider, an Uber or Lyft ride is a simple way to get somewhere without the hassle of driving and oftentimes is done to prevent accidents due to drinking and driving. However, as ridesharing services become more and more popular, crashes and injuries occur more frequently. These drivers are just as likely to be in a car accident as any other driver. However, if you are injured in an Uber or Lyft, you may wonder who has the responsibility to pay for your injuries or damages. The following is a brief overview of many of the questions you may have after experiencing a ridesharing accident as a passenger.

*What Should I do Following a Ridesharing Accident? *If you were a passenger in an Uber or Lyft and suffered any kind of injuries, follow these steps after your accident:

• Call 911.
• Obtain a copy of the official police report.
• Obtain all witness contact information and the other driver’s contact information.
• Seek medical treatment immediately.
• Keep detailed records of your medical treatments, lost wages, a diary of your pain and suffering, photographs of any injuries or damages to property, and all documentation related to the accident.

*Can I Sue Uber or Lyft? *If you were involved in a car accident, as in any other accident on the roadways, there must be a determination regarding fault. The person or persons responsible for the accident will be considered liable and responsible for any injuries or damages suffered.

Your Uber or Lyft driver may have secured a special type of car insurance that specifically covers ridesharing drivers. If the accident was your driver’s fault, you may be able to seek compensation from the driver’s insurance company. However, in other cases, the driver will not have this specialized insurance, but rather the ridesharing company will provide insurance coverage on behalf of the driver. If your driver is at fault, your two options are to file a claim against the driver’s personal insurance policy, or file a claim directly with the ridesharing company. For example, if you were a passenger in an Uber, you may be able to file a claim with Uber’s insurance policy, as their company does cover its drivers.

If the other driver was determined to be at-fault for the accident, the process is simpler and is the same as a typical car accident. You would file a claim with the other driver’s insurance policy, and negotiate a settlement with them.

*Contact an Experienced Car Attorney Today *Making a determination of who is at fault and who is responsible for your injuries, medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering or property damage can be a legally complex issue. After experiencing a car accident in an Uber or Lyft, contact our experienced legal team at the Pivotal Law Group at 206-340-2008. You may have the right to receive compensation. We proudly serve the Seattle, Bellevue, Kent, Renton, Burien, Mercer Island and Issaquah areas.