Hurt in Lyft or Uber Car Accident?

This video features Grant Lawson, a Personal Injury attorney based in Wyoming.

Attorney Grant Lawson | 888-634-7366 | Call Now for Free Consult

If you’re hurt in a Lyft or Uber car accident, what happens next? Will the rideshare company be compensating you for your injuries? Does your own insurance matter? Is it necessary to get an attorney involved? To learn more, we spoke with attorney Grant Lawson of Metier Law Firm in Casper, Wyoming to find out what to do after a Lyft or Uber car accident. To contact attorney Grant Lawson, call 888-634-7366, or submit a contact form on this page.

How do you figure out who is liable following an Uber or Lyft car accident?

The attorney will begin by obtaining a traffic accident report, or TAR. If an Uber or Lyft driver was involved in an accident, they will have filed a report with the rideshare company, which would trigger an investigation. A lawyer will know how to obtain the necessary information from law enforcement and the rideshare companies.

Which insurance company will you need to consult?

That depends on who is at fault for the accident. There could be three sources of insurance at play for this type of accident. Your insurance as a passenger, insurance representatives from the rideshare companies, and another driver’s insurance company could all be involved in the claim.

What is the minimum insurance requirement for Uber and Lyft drivers?

Each state has different minimum insurance requirements for drivers. However, as attorney Lawson points out, these minimums are often wholly inadequate when it comes to compensating victims for their injuries and damages. Most Uber and Lyft policies have million dollar liability insurance coverage, which also applies to underinsured and uninsured coverage.

What if the rideshare driver commits a crime, like kidnapping or sexual assault?

This is entirely dependent on the facts of the case, as well as whichever state laws hold sway in your case. In Uber’s case, they are claiming that they are performing background checks on all drivers. It’s advertising that these drivers are trustworthy, meaning that it is up to them to make sure these drivers are safe. So if it turns out that there were red flags that Uber missed, or knew about the danger and still hired the driver anyway, then Uber could be liable for harm that results from driver misconduct.

What should you do if a drunk driver hits you while you’re riding in an Uber or Lyft?

Uber typically has a million dollar coverage policy for underinsured an uninsured drivers. If a drunk driver hits you and they don’t have much insurance, Uber’s insurance could provide up to a million dollars to provide compensation for what you’ve been through. As a victim, your own auto insurance might be able to help as well. Your state may allow you to “stack” insurance policies.

If you’re hurt as a rideshare passenger, does your own auto insurance help you out?

It could, depending on your own insurance policy coverage and the laws of your state. An attorney can help you figure out what your specific options are following an accident.

At what point do you contact an attorney?

As soon as possible. An attorney can notify everyone involved in the incident that there was an accident, the victim has representation, and there will be an investigation. This helps ensure that all parties preserve any and all relevant evidence for your claim.

Any advice for frequent rideshare riders?

Check your driver’s feedback and ratings before getting in the car with them. Make sure your phone is charged, and stay as alert as possible during the ride. Let someone know before you get in the car so someone knows about your situation just in case something happens. To contact attorney Grant Lawson, call 888-634-7366, or submit a contact form on this page. Disclaimer: This video is for informational purposes only. In some states, this video may be deemed Attorney Advertising. The choice of lawyer is an important decision that should not be based solely on advertisements.

Legal Disclaimer: This website is for informational purposes only. Use of this website does not constitute an attorney-client relationship. Information entered on this website is not confidential. This website has paid attorney advertising. Anyone choosing a lawyer must do their own independent research. By using this website, you agree to our additional Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy.