In this modern world, you and your loved ones have most likely downloaded an Uber or Lyft App. Leveraging technology to make life easier is one of the conveniences that this digital environment now provides. With these ridesharing apps, they have literally revolutionized the whole public transportation market.
Now, you no longer have to wait by the side of the road on a cold, rainy morning to hail a taxi cab. All that you need to do now is open your mobile device and open the app, engage the ridesharing app to book a ride, and then wait for the driver to pick you up. The best part about this service is you feel as if you have your own private chauffeur at your disposal.
Thus, it is not surprising that Uber now has 75 million registered users all around the world. Lyft is a pretty close competitor. With these ridesharing apps now a part of a commuter’s daily life, you all have to prepare for one thing that all the people in the world don’t want to happen, but is, unfortunately, an inevitable part of life, an accident.
A Los Angles Lyft accident attorney noted that Los Angeles has the highest rate of injury-causing and fatal traffic accidents in the country. Thus, it is important to touch on the basics so that those who use these ridesharing apps will know what to do and what their coverage is in case an accident occurs. Read about 5homestyle.com
Things to Consider if You are the Passenger
A ridesharing accident attorney said that passengers have the best coverage when they are an in a car collision because Uber and Lyft will cover their accident. Of course, as a passenger, you are not at fault. The incident may be traumatic for you, it may have caused you to miss work, reducing your pay, or it may have caused you some injury. Thus, it is your right to sue Uber or Lyft for damages.
There is some bit of good news for passengers because Uber has a one million dollar policy in place for their drivers that figure in an accident while carrying a passenger. In the same token a Los Angeles Lyft accident attorney noted that the Lyft company also offers the same one million dollar liability that covers injuries and even damages to property.
To take full advantage of these insurance policies and to get the full maximum coverage, you have to do your part to ensure that you have all the details of the accident because these will help you when the time comes for you to sue. It is highly recommended that you get a personal injury lawyer who are experienced to help you with the process because they understand the law and can best layout your case to get you the just and fair compensation you deserve.
What to Consider if You are a Just an Unfortunate By Stander
Unfortunately, a ridesharing accident attorney said details can become hazy if you just happen to be a bystander that was injured in the collision. As bystander, you can be a pedestrian sharing the road, a homeowner whose property was damaged by the crash, or another car owner which was bumped by the Uber or Lyft car. There are several parameters that are considered by these ridesharing companies if you are a bystander. Here they are:
If the Driver Did Not Have The App Turned On
Unfortunately, if you get into an accident and the driver did not have the app turned on, Uber and Lyft both have no liability. They do not see their drivers as their employees. They are only akin to a freelancer that have no workman’s compensation or benefits. Thus, in this scenario, the burden falls on the driver and his insurance policy because ridesharing companies have a hands-off policy when the driver is off duty. If the driver is underinsured or has no insurance, you may have to turn into your own insurance policy to cover your health injuries or damages to your property if they hit your house fencing or mailbox.
If the App is Turned on and The Driver is Waiting for a Ride Request
If the app is turned on and the driver is just waiting for a ride request, a personal injury lawyer said that driver’s will receive a limited liability coverage for both Uber and Lyft. Both companies more or less have the same contingent liability coverage for accidents that happen when the app is on but there is no passenger yet or ride request.
The policy of Uber states that there is $50,00 injury per person up to $100,000 and $25,000 in property damage.
If the Driver Was Already on the Way to Pick Up a Passenger
If the driver already has a confirmed booking and is on the way to pick up a passenger and he collides with your vehicle or sideswipes you or crashes into your fence, then the one million dollar coverage of these ridesharing apps will set in. This can be easily proven because the GPS on the phone and the app itself is tracking the driver’s progress. As an innocent bystander, you will have to gather evidence that the driver is indeed on the way to pick up the passenger to collect damages that you deserve. You may need to seek the help of an experience personal injury lawyer to facilitate this process, especially of both Uber and Lyft deny that the driver is on the way. Read more at Activemyhome.com
If the Driver has a Passenger
It is pretty clear in this period that the driver is fully working for Uber and Lyft. Because of this, it is evident that you can claim against the company. This scenario is the easiest to prove and should receive no objections from Uber or Lyft. The one million dollar policy coverage will engage for you. To make sure you can take full advantage of this, it would be wise to contact a lawyer, so you will have an experienced professional fighting for your rights.
Basic Car Accident Tips
It is critical to know some basic things you must do post-car accident. Being informed will help you stay calm during these trying times. Here are some of things you must remember:
- Make sure that everyone is safe. Call 911 for emergency services if necessary. It is also critical for the police to be there to document the situation, which you may use for your insurance.
- Take photos and videos of the accident. Zero in on the license plates, the car model, and the drivers involved. Take note of any important highway markers.
- Get their names and information including phone numbers. Do the same for the police that did the report. You will eventually need to pass this onto your lawyer.
- Interview witnesses and ask if you can record their statement.
- Take down your own thoughts immediately after the accident while they are still fresh in your mind.
- Inform you insurance agency.
Final Word
As you can see, you can sue both Uber and Lyft if you happen to be involved in an accident with these ridesharing vehicles. However, there are certain considerations you must take note of because their one million dollar coverage policy is limited to a few instances only. If you are unsure, call a ridesharing accident attorney to help sort our the details of your case. In any accident, prevent any escalations and potential aggravations by staying calm and maintaining presence of mind. Read about Arkconsolecommands.com
