Rideshare services like Uber and Lyft are very popular in Las Vegas. They help people get around the city quickly and easily.
But what happens if you get hurt in an accident while riding in an Uber or Lyft? Learn more about your rights as a rideshare passenger and how to stay safe.
Understanding Your Rights as a Rideshare Passenger
When you ride in an Uber or Lyft, you are protected by their insurance. This means that if you get hurt in an accident, you can get money to help pay for your injuries. The type of coverage depends on the driver’s status.
If the driver is off-duty, their personal car insurance is the only coverage.
When the driver is logged into the app but hasn’t accepted a ride, Uber and Lyft provide some insurance, which includes $50,000 per person and $100,000 per accident for injuries, plus $25,000 for property damage.
When the driver has accepted a ride or during your ride, Uber and Lyft offer more insurance, providing up to $1 million in coverage for injuries and damage.
What Should I Do Immediately After a Rideshare Accident?
First, make sure you are safe. Check yourself and others for injuries and call 911 if someone is hurt. If possible, move to a safe place away from traffic.
After ensuring safety, document the scene by taking photos of the accident, the cars involved, and any injuries.
Get contact information from witnesses and everyone involved in the accident. Also, use the Uber or Lyft app to report the accident, and if the police come, ask for a copy of the police report.
Finally, you should contact a Las Vegas personal injury lawyer to review your claim. Trying to get compensation from a rideshare company can be challenging, and a lawyer will be able to help you evaluate your claim and start building you case.
How to File a Claim: Pursing Compensation
To get compensation, you need to identify who caused the accident.
Find out if it was your Uber or Lyft driver or another driver. Understanding the insurance process is crucial. You need to file a claim with the right insurance company.
If your Uber or Lyft driver is at fault, their $1 million insurance will cover your injuries.
If another driver is at fault, their insurance should pay for your damages. Sometimes, more than one driver is at fault, and you might need to file multiple claims.
Consulting with a personal injury attorney is critical. A lawyer can guide you through the process, handle the complicated insurance claims, and fight for the most money you can get.
What Kind of Challenges Are There if I Sue Uber or Lyft Directly?
Uber and Lyft drivers are not employees; they are defined as independent contractors. This means it’s hard to sue Uber or Lyft directly for an accident.
However, you can sue if you have proof that Uber or Lyft did something wrong, like hiring a bad driver. A lawyer can help you find out if you can sue Uber or Lyft.
Compensation You Could Be Entitled to in a Rideshare Accident
If you are hurt in a rideshare accident, you may get money for various reasons.
You can get compensation for economic losses. That includes your medical expenses, hospital bills, doctor visits, and medicine. You can also get money for damaged property.
If you can’t work because of your injuries, you can get money to make up for lost income. Additionally, if your belongings were damaged in the accident, you can get money to replace them.
You can also get money for non-economic losses. That’s the pain and suffering, the pain and discomfort you feel because of your injuries.
Tips for Staying Safe as a Rideshare Passenger
Everyone wants to give their drivers the benefit of the doubt, but there’s still a need to be cautious.
Before getting into the car, check the driver’s name, photo, and vehicle details on the app to make sure everything matches. Check a driver’s rating in the app to see if they have complaints about their driving, and if you feel comfortable with their record.
Use the app to share your trip details with a friend or family member so they can see where you are and make sure you arrive safely.
Pay attention to your surroundings and don’t get distracted by your phone. If something feels wrong, trust your instincts and speak up. Ask the driver to stop in a safe place if necessary.
It’s also a good idea to sit in the back seat and keep your seatbelt on at all times. This adds an extra layer of safety and distance from the driver.
Call a Rideshare Injury Lawyer For Help Now
Riding in an Uber or Lyft is usually safe and convenient, but accidents can happen. It’s important to know your rights and be prepared.
If you are hurt in a rideshare accident, a lawyer can help you get the money you need to recover. For more help, contact Oronoz & Ericsson, LLC for a free consultation. We know how disruptive an injury caused by a car accident is. We’re ready to hear your story and get started on fighting for your compensation.
Call 702-878-2889 or use our contact form to schedule a consultation.