Whose insurance pays if you’re struck by an Uber/Lyft driver?

On Behalf of | Sep 11, 2023 | Car Accidents

Drivers working for rideshare companies like Uber and Lyft are everywhere these days. Unfortunately, even though these drivers are screened to determine that they don’t have problematic driving records, that certainly doesn’t mean they don’t sometimes drive recklessly, negligently or even while under the influence.

So, if an Uber or Lyft driver causes a collision that injures those in another vehicle, someone on a bike or a pedestrian, does the driver’s personal auto insurance cover their liability or the rideshare company’s insurance?

Is the driver working at the time?

It depends on just where they are in the process of doing their job (or if they are). If a driver is logged in to the Uber or Lyft app, which means they’re available to accept ride requests, those companies’ insurance will cover accidents for which their driver is at fault if the driver’s personal insurance isn’t enough to cover it. Both rideshare companies’ insurance cover $50,000 in injury liability per person, $100,000 total bodily injury coverage per accident and $25,000 in property damage liability.

Once a driver has accepted a trip, they are covered by the rideshare company’s $1 million umbrella insurance coverage for any liability to a third party. If a driver has dropped on a passenger, logs out of the app and is on their own time, their personal insurance is responsible for any collision they might cause.

What if the rideshare company and the driver disagree on the facts?

Of course, there might be times when a driver and the rideshare company can’t agree on whether the driver was signed into the app or not when the crash occurred. You shouldn’t have to be in the middle of their dispute, nor should you have to spend your time and energy fighting with any insurance company. You should focus on your recovery. That’s why it’s wise to have experienced legal guidance to help ensure that you get the compensation to which you’re entitled.

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