Ride-hailing companies such as Uber and Lyft are renowned for upholding high safety standards. Their drivers are highly trained, and they are required to observe strict rules to protect passengers from harm. With this in mind, you can rest assured that you will reach your destination safely. Nevertheless, accidents are almost inevitable, and they are bound to happen even if you have the best Uber driver behind the wheel.
So what should you do in case of an accident? Well, let’s find out.
Details about insurance coverage in an Uber accident
The sad truth is that your car insurance does not cover you from anything in case you are involved in an accident as a rideshare passenger. This can be extremely depressing, particularly if medical bills are involved.
Fortunately, Uber, Lyft and other rideshare companies offer insurance coverage to their passengers. This might sound great, until you file a claim for compensation. The hard truth is that the process of requesting for payment can be a long and protracted journey, especially if you decide to go solo. For this reason, it is only logical to hire an experienced Orlando personal injury attorney to help you understand your rights and make a claim.
Should Uber drivers carry car insurance that covers each passenger?
According to Uber regulations, it is mandatory for all their drivers to have a car insurance (liability insurance) that covers each passenger. This can go a long way to protect passengers from any eventualities.
Interestingly, Uber also has a supplemental insurance coverage for both drivers and passengers. However, this coverage only applies while the Uber app is active. When the app is on, the insurance covers the driver and the passenger from the time the driver accepts the ride request to the time you exit the car after reaching your destination. Conversely, when the app is off, the driver’s personal car insurance comes into effect.
What happens if both the Uber driver and the other driver are at fault?
Sometimes, you may find yourself in a sticky situation, where both the Uber driver and the other driver are at fault. When this happens, it is highly likely that either of the parties may decline to take responsibility, leaving the passenger in a state of hopelessness.
What happens if the other non-Uber driver was uninsured?
If the other driver was at fault and uninsured, you can seek compensation via Uber’s Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist (UIM) insurance coverage. This insurance coverage seeks to supplement the amount of money you can claim if you are injured in an accident involving an Uber car and another vehicle with an uninsured driver.
Seek help from a personal injury attorney
Getting involved in an accident as an Uber or Lyft passenger can be a stressful ordeal for anyone. Furthermore, understanding the various insurance terms and requirements might leave you more confused and helpless. Thankfully, with the help of an experienced personal injury lawyer in Orlando, you can navigate through this process and get what is rightfully yours as far as compensation is concerned.
