Over the past several years, rideshare apps like Uber and Lyft have revolutionized the personal transportation industry in the United States. Its contractor-based employment model has significantly impacted numerous other industries as well. Unfortunately, not every person contracted to drive for a rideshare app is responsible at all times behind the wheel, and because they are not technically employees of the apps they work for, you generally cannot sue those employers directly for damages after a wreck.
However, that does not mean you have no options for seeking financial restitution after this kind of incident, especially when you have help from a knowledgeable car collision attorney. While Uber/Lyft/rideshare accidents in Leander can make for uniquely complex cases, it is still possible to recover compensation when you know what to do and have professional legal support.
Both Uber and Lyft have insurance policies that provide coverage to people injured in wrecks caused by one of their contracted drivers, whether the injured person was a passenger in the contracted driver’s car, in their own vehicle also involved in the wreck, or a pedestrian or bicyclist struck during the collision. The amount of insurance provided, though, can change substantially depending on the circumstances, as a Leander attorney experienced with handling rideshare crashes can explain in further detail.
When a rideshare driver is transporting a paying rider or is traveling towards a ride request they have already accepted, both Uber and Lyft provide up to $1,000,000 of insurance coverage per accident in the event that a rideshare driver gets involved in a crash. When the driver is logged into the app but has not yet accepted a ride request, both services provide up to $50,000 of coverage for any single person’s injuries, $100,000 for all injuries, and $25,000 for property damage in the event of a wreck.
The insurance policies held by rideshare companies do not cover drivers who are not actively working. When someone who works for a rideshare app gets into a car crash while not actively working for that app, anyone injured as a result would need to pursue compensation through the at-fault driver’s insurance coverage or a lawsuit directly against that driver.
Additionally, when someone riding in an Uber or Lyft in Leander gets hurt in a car accident caused by someone other than their rideshare driver, that third party may be liable for damages. A knowledgeable legal professional can provide custom-tailored guidance about what recovery options may be available and the best way to pursue them.
Rideshare drivers are no more or less likely to cause car accidents than anyone else. While these apps employ many good drivers, there are also many reckless and careless employee drivers. When an Uber driver causes you harm in a crash, you may be able to seek restitution through insurance held by the company they work for and potentially through other options.
Either way, assistance from a dedicated lawyer will be crucial to getting the best possible case result after an Uber/Lyft/rideshare accident in Leander. Call today to schedule a consultation.