Rideshare companies like Uber and Lyft offer a simple, convenient way to travel from one location to another. But what happens when accidents occur along the way? In that case, you might have questions like, “Who is at fault for injuries in an Uber accident?” and “Whose insurance will pay my bills?”
Potentially Liable Parties in Rideshare Accidents
Who is at fault for an accident depends on the circumstances. However, the following parties may have legal liability:
- The rideshare driver: Like any driver, rideshare drivers sometimes drive too fast, fail to follow the rules of the road, or otherwise engage in dangerous behaviors.
- Another driver: Even if rideshare drivers do everything right, distracted or impaired drivers of other vehicles may collide with rideshare vehicles.
- The rideshare company: While drivers bear the brunt of the responsibility for accidents, the rideshare companies are sometimes liable. For example, if the accident is due to negligent hiring, training, or supervising practices, Uber or Lyft may be responsible.
In short, whoever’s negligence contributed to damages or injuries in an Uber accident may be liable. The legal system defines negligence as failing to act the way a reasonably careful person would in the same situation.
How Insurance Works for Rideshare Accident Injuries
In at-fault auto insurance states like Texas, the party who caused the accident must pay for injuries and property damage. In the majority of cases, you will seek compensation from their insurance company.
However, rideshare drivers typically have two insurance policies: their own personal auto insurance and liability coverage provided by Uber or Lyft. The liability coverage available for rideshare accidents depends on when the crash happened.
- Not logged into the app: If the rideshare driver was driving on their own time, the company’s liability insurance does not apply.
- App on but no passenger: When the driver is logged into the app waiting for a ride request, coverage is typically $50,000 per person for bodily injury and $25,000 for property damage.
- Driving passenger (or en route): Liability coverage for Uber/Lyft car accidents increases to $1 million when a driver is actively transporting a passenger or driving to pick one up.
Compensation for Injuries in an Uber Accident
Like in any Texas car accident, you may pursue compensation for injuries in a rideshare accident. These may include the following:
- Medical expenses (past and future)
- Lost income
- Loss of earning capacity
- Property damage
- Pain and suffering
How much you qualify for depends on the circumstances of your case, such as the severity of your injuries, how long you were out of work, and whether you sustained a permanent disability.
Your compensation may also be limited by your degree of fault. For example, if you failed to use your seatbelt, the other party may argue that you contributed to your injuries.
In Texas, you can still collect compensation as long as you are not more at fault than the other party. However, you cannot collect compensation if you are more than 50% to blame for your injuries.
Injured in an Uber or Lyft Accident? Contact Us Today!
If you suffered injuries in an Uber accident, it’s important to act quickly. You have only two years from the date of an accident to file a compensation claim in Texas. Contact an experienced rideshare accident lawyer as soon as possible.
At the Moore Law Firm, we represent people hurt in Texas auto collisions. We will help investigate your case, negotiate with insurance companies, and fight for fair compensation. Call us at 504-840-5529 or contact us online for a free consultation.