Ridesharing has transformed how we get around Chicago. Apps like Uber and Lyft make it simple to request a ride with just a few taps. But when accidents happen, rideshare cases are more complicated than a typical car crash. The biggest question is usually who pays? Understanding insurance coverage and what insurance coverage is in effect at the time of the crash is important in these cases. The personal injury lawyers Zneimer & Zneimer P.C. have handled many such cases and know that if you have been involved in a crash, it is important to speak with an attorney before speaking with the insurance company.
When You Are a Passenger in an Uber or Lyft
If you are riding in an Uber or Lyft and the driver causes an accident, both Uber and Lyft provide up to $1 million in liability coverage and uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage. One million dollars of coverage is more coverage than a vast majority of vehicles have on the road.
When You Are Hit by an Uber or Lyft Driver With a Passenger
If an Uber or Lyft driver has a passenger in the car and causes a collision, the same $1 million liability policy applies. This protects not just the passenger but also other motorists, pedestrians, or cyclists injured in the crash.
This coverage is usually stronger than the personal auto policy the driver carries, but we may still need to file claims with both insurers just in case there is an issue as to whether the Uber driver was logged into the rideshare app at the time of the accident.
When You Are Hit by an Uber or Lyft Driver on the Way to Pick Up a Passenger
When a rideshare driver is logged into the app and on the way to pick up a rider, Uber and Lyft provide liability coverage in the following amounts:
- $50,000 per person
- $100,000 per accident
- $25,000 for property damage
It is important in these cases to establish that the driver was
When You Are Hit by an Uber or Lyft Driver Who Is Not Logged Into the App
If the driver is not logged into the Uber or Lyft app at the time of the accident, then only the driver’s personal auto insurance applies. Uber and Lyft have no responsibility for accidents when their app is off. In this case the driver’s personal auto policy will kick in.
Making a Claim With Uber or Lyft
Filing a claim against Uber or Lyft is not as simple as it sounds. These companies have teams of adjusters and legal staff working to minimize payouts. Common challenges include:
- Delayed responses or communication
- Disputes over whether the driver was “active” on the app
- Attempts to push claims back onto the driver’s personal insurance
An attorney can help by gathering evidence, determining the driver’s status at the time of the crash, and pressing the rideshare company for accountability.
Why Legal Help Matters in Rideshare Cases
Rideshare accident cases in Chicago can involve multiple insurance companies, overlapping coverages, and issues as to whether the Uber or Lyft driver was on the app or off the app at the time of the accident. Without legal help, all the potential insurance coverages may not be uncovered and you may have to accept less money than you are entitled to.
The rideshare lawyers of Zneimer & Zneimer P.C. have experience handling these types of cases and are happy to provide a free consultation to discuss the issues in your case.