How do Rideshare accidents happen?

 

Like any other drivers on the road, Uber and Lyft drivers are required to abide by all traffic laws. However, with so many Ubers and Lyfts on the road it is not uncommon for Uber/Lyft vehicles to get into accidents. Some types of accidents involving Uber and Lyft vehicles are:

· Uber/Lyft Auto v. Other Vehicle

· Injury to Uber/Lyft Passengers while in Uber/Lyft Vehicle

· Uber/Lyft Auto v. Bicycle

· Uber/Lyft Auto v. Pedestrian

· Uber/Lyft Auto v. Motorcycle

· Uber/Lyft Auto v. Uber/Lyft Auto

 

Other Claims Against Uber/Lyft and Rideshare Companies?

· Sexual Assault by Rideshare Driver

· Physical Assault by Rideshare Driver

· Physical Assault by Other Passenger

· Employment Cases

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Are Rideshare Companies Insured?

Under California Law, rideshare companies are required to provide coverage to their drivers, but the amount of coverage may be different depending on when the accident occurs. The phases of coverage are governed under three different phases:

 

Phase 1: During this phase when a driver does not have a passenger, nor on his/her way to pick up a passenger, Rideshare companies must provide primary coverage of $50,000 for death and personal injury per person and $100,000 of death and personal injury per incident.

 

Phase 2: While a driver is on his/her way to pick up a passenger, Rideshare companies must provide primary insurance coverage of $1 million.

 

Phase 3: When passengers are in the vehicle Rideshare companies must provide $1 million in primary insurance coverage as well as $1 million in uninsured/undersinsured motorist coverage.

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What are the differences between Rideshare and Taxi Cab Companies?

 

Rideshare (or Transportation Network Companies) typically:

· Drivers set their own schedules

· Drivers never have to accept a specific ride or rider

· Have less prominent visual displays and signage

· And, drivers often drive their own cars and are responsible for maintenance and fuel

 

Taxi Companies:

· Drivers must have a commercial insurance policy regardless of whether the driver is on duty

· Taxis are considered common carriers like bus companies which means they must act with the “utmost care and diligence” to provide safe passage to customers

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What types of Damages might you be entitled to?

· Medical Bills – You are entitled to compensation for both your past and expected future medical care. Understanding your future medical needs is one of the most important aspects of ensuring that you are fully compensated for your injuries.

· Loss of Earnings – You are entitled to compensation for time you have missed from work and for time you will miss from work in the future. Additionally, you are entitled to compensated for your loss of earning potential in the future if any of your injuries may inhibit you from advancing in your profession.

· Pain, Suffering and Emotional Distress – You are entitled to be compensated for the physical pain, suffering, humiliation, inconvenience, anxiety, disfigurement and emotional distress caused by the collision.

· Property Damage - You are entitle to be compensated for the damage to your vehicle.

· Wrongful Death

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If you or someone you know has been seriously injured in a rideshare collision, or in another manner in which Uber/Lyft may be responsible, our attorneys can help. At Coughlan and Vinel our attorneys have years of experience handling major cases against Uber/Lyft. We have recovered millions of dollars on behalf of injury victims in cases against Uber and Lyft.