With the unprecedented growth of ride-sharing apps such as Lyft and Uber, you can find cars in almost every place you visit in Los Angeles. While most people tend to request Lyft or Uber rides without thinking about the safety, they can sustain profound injuries when they are involved in an accident. However, if you have been injured in an accident, you should not delay consulting with a law firm that specializes in auto accidents, or ideally rideshare accidents.
When are rideshare drivers liable?
In case you are injured in an accident, you should handle the Uber or Lyft accident like other personal injury cases. This means that you should prove that the defendant owed you a duty of care, violated that duty, and directly contributed to your injuries or damages. In this case, the vicarious liability does not apply to a rideshare accident since Lyft and Uber drivers are independent contractors and not employees for these companies. That provides a convenient way for the companies to avoid liabilities when drivers get involved in accidents. When involved in an accident, both companies should assess and provide insurance coverage. However, such coverage can be limited.
What coverage can you receive?
In case you are injured in Lyft or Uber accident, you should know that the company provides coverage in the following periods for the drivers.
Period 0: If the driver is not logged into the app, the company will not offer ant coverage.
Period 1: If the driver is logged onto the Lyft or Uber app but has not accepted any ride request, the company offers liability coverage if the driver’s insurance does not cover the claim amount fully. In particular, Uber or Lift provides coverage of up to $50,000 for every injured person, $25 000 total property damage, and $100,000 for injury liability for every accident.
Period 2: refers to when a driver has accepted a trip and is heading to pick a customer. The company provides liability of $1 million.
Period 3: period 3 is when a driver has already picked a client, and they are heading to the requested destination. In this case, the Lyft and Uber company provides liability of $1 million and limited Coverage for uninsured motorist’s coverage and damage to the driver’s car.
How can a law firm help?
The experienced and dedicated Uber and Lyft accident lawyers at a reputable law firm can help gather the evidence required to prove the negligent party who contributed to your injuries. They can also navigate any confusing cases to determine the associated insurance coverages. Further, they can help in negotiating so that you receive the settlement that you deserve for your:
- Lost wages
- Pain suffering
- Medical costs
- Other damages such as disability and disfigurement
- Wrongful death
These types of lawyers are knowledgeable in auto accident laws. When a lawyer works with insurance firms, they realize that they have an in-depth understanding of their business and are serious about filing a lawsuit. That alone enhances the success rate for their clients. The law firm should be confident that they can assist you in winning your case. Such a case explains why many law firms provide free consultations with 100 percent satisfaction.
