{"id":13593,"date":"2019-05-09T14:18:06","date_gmt":"2019-05-09T14:18:06","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/webdemo.icu\/site\/andywins\/?p=13593"},"modified":"2019-05-09T14:18:06","modified_gmt":"2019-05-09T14:18:06","slug":"who-is-liable-when-an-uber-driver-caused-my-injuries","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/webdemo.icu\/site\/andywins\/blog\/who-is-liable-when-an-uber-driver-caused-my-injuries\/","title":{"rendered":"Who Is Liable When an Uber Driver Caused My Injuries?"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Thousands of people use ridesharing apps to get around Alabama every day. In July 2018, Uber announced a statewide expansion, allowing users to hail rides using their app outside of Alabama\u2019s major cities. Lyft, another popular rideshare company, is also available statewide. While this growth has made affordable, accessible transportation available to more Alabamians, it\u2019s not without risks.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If an Uber or Lyft driver injured you, it\u2019s important to understand your legal options and rights. Keep reading to learn about car accident liability and your options after getting in an accident with a rideshare driver.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

What Happens When a Rideshare Driver Causes an Accident?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

When you\u2019re in a car accident involving an Uber driver, as another driver, passenger, or pedestrian, you must prove negligence and damages to successfully obtain financial compensation. However, depending on the facts of your case, you may have claims against a variety of insurance companies, including those of the driver, the rideshare company, and your own carrier.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you\u2019ve suffered because of an Uber or Lyft driver\u2019s negligence, you\u2019ll be looking at these companies\u2019 $1 million liability policies for compensation, but this coverage isn\u2019t guaranteed. To identify who is financially responsible for your injuries, you\u2019ll need to determine whether the driver was logged into the rideshare company\u2019s app and working at the time of the crash.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

How Does Insurance for Uber and Lyft Drivers Work?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Uber requires all of their drivers to have personal car insurance, and they provide additional insurance coverage in the event the driver gets in an accident. This additional coverage only applies when drivers are logged into their app and accepting passengers. Without the app open, Uber and Lyft\u2019s liability policies do not apply.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

RELATED EBOOK: <\/strong>Everything You Need to Know About Alabama Car Accidents<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

When you consult with a rideshare injury lawyer, one of their first tasks will be identifying whether the at-fault driver was actively working for Uber or Lyft.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Stage One: The Driver Isn\u2019t Logged in to the App<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

If an Uber or Lyft driver is not logged into the app, their personal insurance policy applies. In Alabama, drivers must have a minimum of $25,000 in bodily injury coverage per person, capped at $50,000 per accident, and another $25,000 for property damage.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Stage Two: The Driver Is Logged in and Waiting for a Fare<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

If a driver is logged in but has not accepted a ride, Uber provides coverage for any accident that\u2019s the driver\u2019s fault up to $50,000 per person or $100,000 in total injuries and $25,000 for damaged property. However, this policy is secondary, meaning that you must file a claim with the driver\u2019s personal policy first, and Uber or Lyft should cover any unpaid damages\u2014up to these policy limits.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Stage Three: The Driver Has a Ride Request<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Once a driver accepts a ride, Uber and Lyft\u2019s policies apply, covering up to $1,000,000 in your losses. This coverage applies whether the driver is en route to pick up their passenger or are transporting someone.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Additionally, you may have claims against your personal PIP or underinsured\/uninsured motorist policy<\/a>, or the driver\u2019s own commercial driving policy (if they have one).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you experience an accident with a Lyft or Uber driver, it\u2019s in your best interests to contact a Mobile car accident attorney<\/a> who can help parse through the confusing area of rideshare insurance coverage, and get you the compensation you deserve.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

RELATED BLOG: What Is My Alabama Personal Injury Claim Worth?<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

What to Do if You Get in an Accident with an Uber Driver<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

If you get in an accident with an Uber driver, as a passenger or another motorist, first make sure you and those involved are not injured, and if you are, seek immediate medical attention. Next, call the police, or ask a bystander to call. If you can, we recommend taking these steps after your accident with an Uber or Lyft driver:<\/p>\n\n\n\n