Seattle Personal Injury Attorney Chris Thayer
Seattle Personal Injury Attorney Chris Thayer
Handling Personal Injury Claims in the Seattle Area and Throughout Washington Since 1995

My name is Chris Thayer and I am a personal injury attorney practicing in downtown Seattle. I handle personal injury, medical malpractice and wrongful death claims throughout the greater Seattle area, including Issaquah, Mercer Island and Kirkland.

I am here to help you.

Call for a free consultation (206) 340-2008

Rideshare Insurance: Here is What You Need to Know

Posted Friday, July 26, 2019 by Chris Thayer

Alternative TextWe are in the midst of the height of the “gig” economy. Individuals are taking on second jobs, or gigs, that they are able to fit into their schedule to earn a little extra money. One of the biggest influxes in this so called gig economy was the introduction of rideshare applications available on any smartphone. Companies like Uber and Lyft offer the ability for a person to summon a driver to their location via smartphone and transport them somewhere else. Uber and Lyft offer a solution to those who need an affordable ride, but otherwise have no means of transport.

Even though taking an Uber or Lyft is convenient, there are still some concerns about rideshare companies, the drivers employed, and the liability the drivers or companies have for the safety of passengers. Rideshare companies often identify as technology companies rather than transportation companies. Additionally, drivers are usually independent contractors of the rideshare company, rather than employees. Because of these distinctions there can be issues that arise if an accident occurs in an Uber or Lyft vehicle.

Since their creation, Uber and Lyft have stated that they have a $1 million insurance policy that is supposed to cover damages or injuries that occur. While this may be true, there are still some caveats that determine when Uber, Lyft, or another rideshare company’s policies are in effect. There are situations in which the driver’s own personal auto policy is in effect and when the rideshare’s policy can be used:

Drivers are required to carry, at a minimum, the auto insurance required by the state of Washington:

While the above might seem like this is adequate insurance coverage, either through the driver or rideshare insurance, there are still some issues. Other motorists, pedestrians, and bicyclists are subject to the same rules regarding rideshare insurance applicability – it is not just the passengers using the service. The driver’s owner personal policy might not be enough to cover the damages you have sustained when the rideshare app’s insurance is not applicable.

The personal injury attorneys at Pivotal Law Group are here to help you if you have been injured using a rideshare service. We know it can be confusing determining liability and holding the right parties accountable. Let us help you sort through that. Contact us today for a consultation.

(image courtesy of Abdiel Ibarra)