Legal Rights in a Rideshare Accident

Ridesharing services like Uber and Lyft have revolutionized travel, and made it easier for people to get where they need to be. These services are great for those living in big cities, and for those without a vehicle. The popularity of ridesharing services has been on the rise since their inception, and more people use these services now than ever. 

Ridesharing is great, but what happens when your driver gets into an accident? Most users don’t ask this question, but it is important to consider before you get in the passenger seat. Below is a brief synopsis of your options when involved in a ridesharing accident.  

If you are in an accident while riding with a rideshare driver, there are several things you need to be aware of. Ridesharing services have various stages for every pickup. For example, if your uber driver has agreed to give you a ride, they are considered “en route”, but if that uber driver is waiting for requests, they are considered “available”. The stage that the driver is at in the process will affect your options for receiving compensation. If you are in the vehicle with the driver on the way to your destination, you have the best chance of receiving compensation.

Uber and Lyft both offer one million dollars for liability and underinsured/uninsured motorists. This is only available to you if the driver is on the way to get someone or on the way to drop someone off. If the driver is waiting for a job, both Uber and Lyft offer compensation. The compensation for an accident with a driver that is waiting for jobs is far less than that offered to passengers that are on the way to their destination. 

Claims get complicated when you are driving a car that is struck by a rideshare driver. Different services handle this situation differently, so you’ll want to contact both the service, your insurance, and your attorney as soon as possible. 

If you or a loved one are involved in any type of automotive accident, call Esposito Law Firm, P. A. as soon as possible. We will fight diligently for the legal compensation you deserve.