Since companies like Uber and Lyft first arrived on the transportation scene, there have been growing pains, including confusion when it comes to how rideshare passengers could seek compensation if they were injured in a rideshare vehicle accident, and how rideshare companies should classify their drivers. In this article, we'll cover something of a hybrid topic: Rideshare drivers' options after an accident while driving for Lyft or Uber; including:
This factor is important in the wake of any car accident involving a rideshare vehicle, because it determines whether the rideshare company's policy is in effect and if so, what car insurance coverage applies. Generally speaking, there are three phases at play.
In phase one, the rideshare app is off. During this time, the rideshare driver's personal car insurance policy will apply to any accident the rideshare driver is involved in.
In phase two, the rideshare driver is on the rideshare app, but is waiting for a passenger to request a ride. The rideshare company's policy will provide third-party liability protection up to what's required under applicable state law. These typically add up to:
One thing to keep in mind is that this is third-party liability coverage. That means it does not cover the rideshare driver's own car accident injuries or vehicle damage. Also, this coverage only goes into effect if the rideshare driver's personal car insurance policy does not apply or is insufficient. Learn more about different types of car insurance coverage.
In phase three, the rideshare driver is in the process of transporting a passenger or is on the way to pick up a passenger. The rideshare car insurance policy will usually provide:
Unlike most of the coverage offered by a rideshare company, UM/UIM will apply to the rideshare driver. However, this is only if the accident is the result of another driver's fault, and the other driver does not have sufficient car insurance coverage.
The contingent collision and comprehensive coverages also apply regardless of who is at fault for the car accident, and will pay for the damage to the rideshare driver's vehicle. But the rideshare driver must already have comprehensive and collision coverage under their personal car insurance policy.
Get more details on what Uber and Lyft drivers need to know about car insurance coverage.
Different states might impose their own specific car insurance coverage requirements on rideshare companies. For example, Uber drivers in California enjoy expansive car insurance coverage through injury protection insurance at no additional charge. But drivers in most states must purchase this coverage themselves.
This determines how the claims process following an accident will work. If the other driver is at fault, the rideshare driver will likely file a claim with the at-fault driver's car insurance company.
Even if the rideshare driver is in a no-fault car insurance state and has personal injury protection coverage under their own car insurance policy, they may still need to file a claim with the at-fault driver's car insurance company. The reason for this is that most garden-variety car insurance policies will not offer any coverage if the insured gets into an accident while engaging in commercial driving activity, such as driving for a rideshare company.
If after filing a claim with the at-fault driver's car insurance company, any payout is insufficient to fully compensate the rideshare driver, then the rideshare driver can submit a UM/UIM claim under the rideshare company's insurance policy.
If the rideshare driver is at fault for the accident and seeks compensation for injuries or property damage, they can first file a claim with their own car insurance company. Unless they have a rideshare policy or purchased a rideshare endorsement, the claim will likely get denied based on the rideshare driver's engaging in commercial activity (driving for hire) at the time of the accident.
But if the rideshare driver needs compensation only for damage to their vehicle, they can file a claim under the contingent collision and comprehensive coverage offered by the rideshare company. But remember, they must also have collision and comprehensive coverage under a personal car insurance policy.
The above discussion makes it clear that if you're a rideshare driver, you're likely at serious risk of having limited avenues of recovery if involved in a car accident. So before you take the next trip for Lyft or Uber, consider the following options to make sure your rights are protected after an accident.
First, consider purchasing rideshare coverage for your personal car insurance policy. This might mean acquiring a rideshare car insurance policy or adding on a rideshare endorsement to your existing car insurance policy.
Second, think about purchasing additional coverage from the rideshare company. For instance, Uber sells Optional Injury Protection insurance that's designed to compensate Uber drivers in select states if they get injured while driving to pick up a passenger, or are in the process of transporting a passenger.
Specifically, benefits include disability payments up to $500 per week, medical expense reimbursement up to $1,000,000 with no deductible or copay, and survivor benefits up to $150,000.
This optional protection is available in most states for an additional cost paid for on a per-mile basis. However, Uber drivers in California get this coverage automatically, as it's paid for by the company.
In case you're wondering, workers' compensation almost certainly won't be an option if you get hurt while driving for Uber or Lyft. That's because workers' comp benefits are only available to employees, not independent contractors. Rideshare companies categorize their drivers as independent contractors, and so far, states have honored that classification.
If you're involved in a car accident as a rideshare driver, and you have questions about your options and your best path forward, an attorney will have the answers. Get tips on finding the right lawyer for you and your case.