If you live in or around a big city like Los Angeles, you may know that ridesharing services like Uber and Lyft have quickly become a popular way for passengers to conveniently travel from one destination to another at a relatively low cost, all while easily using an app on a smartphone. However, despite the convenience, ridesharing services can come with their own risks to passengers and rideshare drivers alike.
According to a safety report published in 2019, there were a significant number of deaths attributed to rideshare companies in the last five years. Many of the deaths were caused by collisions between rideshare vehicles and other motor vehicles. The rest were a result of collisions between pedestrians or bikers and rideshare drivers.
Don’t they have insurance for that?
The answer is yes! Here’s how it works. When an Uber driver is off duty, the driver is covered by their own personal car insurance. When the Uber driver is actively on the app Uber insurance is turned on. This means that the liability coverage will be triggered by any accident where the Uber driver is at fault. Whether it be with another vehicle or a pedestrian.
What should I do after being in a ride share accident?
Regardless of the circumstances, it is critical to remember the following actions if you were involved in an accident with a ridesharing vehicle:
- Call the police and file a report
- Seek medical attention
- Contact an injury lawyer
Understanding your legal rights and the compensation you may be entitled to after being injured in a ride share accident can all be navigated with the help of an experienced injury lawyer. If you’ve been hurt in an accident, contact our office today for a free consultation.