Inflation, cost of living, and many other factors have led to a major increase in the number of drivers for rideshare companies like Uber and Lyft. In the Sacramento area alone, Uber recently saw a 50 percent increase in its driver numbers, KRCA reports. Unfortunately, not all these drivers are safe and responsible.
Rideshare drivers are everyday people. They are not specially trained or certified. And many of them drive while feeling tired from working a shift at another job. They can make careless mistakes and dangerous decisions that lead to crashes.
If you were injured in a crash caused by an Uber or Lyft driver in Sacramento, an experienced car accident attorney at Demas Law Group can help you. Pursuing an Uber or Lyft insurance settlement can be a complicated process. We know how to identify all sources of compensation and navigate the special laws that apply to these types of cases.
What is an Uber/Lyft Accident Settlement?
Uber, Lyft, and other rideshare drivers can cause accidents through negligent conduct such as:
- Distracted driving
- Drunk or drugged driving
- Drowsy driving
- Speeding
- Tailgating
- Failing to yield
- Failing to maintain their vehicle properly
If another driver causes a crash, that driver should be held responsible for the full amount of physical, emotional, and financial losses they cause. Typically, you seek to recover those damages through a settlement with the driver’s insurance company. However, Uber and Lyft accidents are slightly different. Often, they involve seeking compensation through multiple insurance policies.
How Does Insurance Coverage Work for Uber/Lyft Accidents in Sacramento?
If an Uber or Lyft driver causes an injury to you in a crash — regardless of whether you are a driver, passenger, pedestrian, cyclist, or motorcycle rider — your options for seeking an insurance settlement will depend on the circumstances. The three basic scenarios are:
Driver is not working — If the Uber or Lyft driver was not logged into the app, it means they were not working. Neither rideshare company will provide any insurance that covers the harm caused by one of their drivers while the driver was using their car for personal reasons. As a result, you must turn to the at-fault driver’s insurance company. In California, drivers must carry the following minimum amounts of liability insurance:
- $15,000 per person for bodily injury
- $30,000 per accident for bodily injury
- $5,000 for property damage
If the Uber or Lyft driver lacks auto insurance or has insurance that falls short of covering all your damages, you may be able to file a claim through your own uninsured motorist/underinsured motorist policy (UM/UIM).
Driver is waiting for a ride request — If the rideshare driver was logged into the app and waiting for a passenger, they were working. If the driver caused the crash, Uber and Lyft will provide contingent liability coverage. You must still file a claim through the at-fault driver’s personal insurance coverage. However, if the driver’s insurance fails to cover all your damages, you can turn to the rideshare company’s coverage. Uber and Lyft insure drivers in this scenario in the following amounts:
- $50,000 per person for bodily injury
- $100,000 per accident for bodily injury
- $25,000 for property damage
Driver is carrying or picking up a passenger — In this situation, both Uber and Lyft will provide up to $1 million in liability coverage for any bodily injury or property damage their driver causes.
What Compensation is Available for Uber & Lyft Accidents in California?
The amount you seek in an Uber or Lyft insurance settlement will depend on the amount of harm you have suffered. Like other types of car accident claims, the damages that the settlement covers could include:
- Past and future medical expenses
- Lost wages
- Loss of earning capacity
- Physical pain and suffering
- Emotional or mental distress
- Property damage
Large corporations and insurance companies do not like to pay insurance claims. If an Uber or Lyft driver injured you in a crash, it will be vital for you to work with an attorney who will stand up for you and work tirelessly to pursue full and fair compensation for all your losses.
What Should You Do After an Uber or Lyft Crash in Sacramento?
If you are hurt in a crash caused by an Uber or Lyft driver, you should take immediate steps to protect your health and your ability to seek damages through an insurance settlement. Those steps include:
- Get medical attention — See a doctor as soon as possible after a crash. It will also be important to timely document your injuries for the purpose of an insurance settlement.
- Report the crash to Uber or Lyft — Put the rideshare company on notice about the accident and your injuries by reporting it. You can use the Uber or Lyft rideshare apps or websites to file the report.
- Obtain a copy of the police report — Within a few days after the accident, the police accident report should be available. The report can provide helpful information about how the crash occurred and who should be held accountable.
- Save everything related to the crash — You should keep all your medical bills and receipts from all other expenses you incur due to the wreck and your injuries.
How Can an Experienced Sacramento Uber & Lyft Accident Lawyer Help You?
Rideshare companies like Uber and Lyft count on you not knowing the full amount of your damages. Their goal is to settle insurance claims for as little as possible. When you work with Demas Law Group, we can use our extensive experience with rideshare accident cases to determine the true value of your claim, identify all sources of available insurance coverage, and work aggressively to pursue an Uber or Lyft settlement that provides the maximum amount of compensation for you. To learn more about Uber/Lyft accident settlements and how we can assist you, contact us today for a free consultation.
