If you are involved in a car accident with a driver that is employed by a rideshare service like Uber or Lyft, there are special factors to keep in mind. Stickers, lights, or badges with the rideshare company logo will alert you that the other vehicle is being used for a rideshare service.
How Does Uber or Lyft Car Insurance Work?
Uber and Lyft are considered public or livery transportation services, similar to some delivery, taxicabs, or limousine companies. However, rather than using a company-owned vehicle, Uber or Lyft drivers usually use their own vehicles to drive customers. Uber and Lyft drivers are also usually considered independent contractors rather than employees of a parent company.
Uber and Lyft have many rules for their drivers, some of which involve insurance. Drivers are required to carry their own car insurance to drive for Uber or Lyft. In Wisconsin drivers are required to have vehicle insurance anyway, so this just provides another entity requiring the driver to be covered.
Unfortunately, many insurance companies do not provide coverage for those using personal vehicles to drive for Uber or Lyft. This means that even though the driver may have insurance, it might not provide any coverage.
Uber and Lyft do have general business automobile coverage for their drivers. However, there are many requirements and exceptions that may apply. Even if an Uber or Lyft driver tells you there is coverage after an accident, that should be confirmed with the rideshare company itself.
Which Insurance Company Will I Be Working With After An Uber or Lyft Accident?
Uber or Lyft driver’s insurance will only be in effect when there is a passenger in the car. In other words, if you are hit by an Uber or Lyft driver that is carrying a passenger, you will be dealing with the Uber or Lyft business insurance company when making a claim.
If the Uber or Lyft vehicle was empty during the accident, then you will work with the driver’s personal insurance company. Keep in mind that the driver’s insurance company may deny the claim because even though there was no passenger on board, the driver was still using the vehicle to pick up a customer.
If that happens, then you may need to make a claim with your own insurance company. If you have uninsured (UM) or underinsured (UIM) on your car insurance policy, you may have coverage even if the Uber or Lyft policy or the other driver’s personal policy do not apply.
What Should I Do After A Car Accident With An Uber Or Lyft Driver?
If you are in a car accident with an Uber or Lyft driver it’s important to take these steps to preserve your claim:
1. Call the police or 911 if anyone involved was injured or there is a risk of fire or further injury.
2. Take photos of the license plates, vehicle damage, and accident scene if possible.
3. Get information about the witnesses. You can share their contact information with the police if witnesses cannot stay at the scene.
4. Gather information about the Uber or Lyft driver. Ask to take a photo of his/her driver’s license. Get a phone number, insurance information, and email address.
5. Cooperate with the police and ask for a copy of the police report. Be sure to let the officer know if you have been injured, even if you hope the injury will be minor. Sometimes the shock of a crash masks serious physical injuries.
6. Contact your insurance company and report what happened. This can be important if you later need to make a UM or UIM claim with your own insurance company.
7. Call one of the lawyers at Habush Habush & Rottier SC. Car accidents involving Uber or Lyft can have complex insurance coverage issues, especially if the insurance companies try to deny coverage for the crash. It is far better to consult with a lawyer early, rather than wait until your claims may have already been compromised.
Let us help you find an Uber and Lyft accident lawyer that knows the ins-and-outs of these complicated cases. Contact us today.
Attorney Jason J. Knutson
Jason Knutson is a shareholder with the firm. His practice features complex litigation, such as major environmental and industrial accidents, and class action claims. He also handles cases of medical malpractice, products liability, and personal injury. Jason has had personal injury cases at every level of Wisconsin’s justice system from jury trials in county circuit courts to arguing before the Wisconsin Supreme Court. Additionally, Jason is an Adjunct Professor at the University of Wisconsin Law School where he has taught courses in trial advocacy, negotiation, legal writing, and lawyering skills.
Jason graduated cum laude from the University of Wisconsin Law School. When not in the office or courtroom, his interests include art history, movies and aviation.