Ridesharing has become a popular mode of transportation for millions of North Carolinians. People in North Carolina and around the United States rely on ridesharing applications like Uber and Lyft to travel about the city and commute.
Over the last decade or so, ride-hailing services such as Lyft and Uber have grown in popularity. They are handy, simple to use, easy to clean, and frequently reasonably inexpensive. Being a passenger in a vehicle accident is usually a difficult scenario, especially if the automobile was part of a service you paid for. It is critical to understand your rights and legal alternatives if you are involved in an automobile accident involving a Lyft or other ride-sharing program.
Criteria to obtain compensation after Lyft accident:
It might be difficult to obtain compensation after a ridesharing accident. While ride-hailing firms are obliged by law to hold liability insurance that covers anybody harmed in a car accident involving their cars, they are not obligated to do so. Because of the numerous conditions and exclusions, the process of seeking compensation is arduous.
A rideshare accident’s circumstances are extremely important. It decides whether the ridesharing company’s insurance coverage covers both the driver and the passenger.
Can you charge the company?
Many accident victims may first worry if they may sue the ridesharing firm directly because of the company’s profitability and extensive resources. These drivers, on the other hand, are often classified as independent contractors, which shields the ridesharing firm from liability in the event of an accident.
If someone is sued in these circumstances, it is generally the driver, not the ridesharing firm. Most of the time, the ridesharing provider is not held legally liable for the accident.
What are their policies?
You’ve probably read about Uber’s $1 million insurance coverage. That doesn’t mean you’ll earn $1 million if you’re in an accident with one of the company’s drivers. Uber and Lyft have insurance plans that are similar in that they give varying types and quantities of coverage based on where the driver is in the process.
In certain cases, these plans may include the following coverage:
Not active on app – There is no ridesharing insurance, and the driver should be protected under his or her own personal policy.
Waiting to receive – There may be contingent insurance at this time. During this time, Lyft and Uber give up to $50,000 per person in bodily injury coverage and up to $100,000 total bodily injury coverage per accident, as well as up to $25,000 in property damage.
On the go — During this time, the $1 million liability coverage normally kicks in.
Hire a Lyft lawyer:
Rideshare incidents are sometimes far more difficult than other sorts of mishaps. The driver’s own insurance may initially refuse the claim, as may the ridesharing app insurance. Meanwhile, you’re dealing with injuries, growing medical expenditures, and the possibility of a major injury that keeps you from returning to work. When faced with such challenges, it is critical to seek the assistance of a personal injury lawyer who has handled a wide range of automobile accident cases.
Without the assistance of a qualified Lyft accident attorney, managing the legal procedure with a rideshare vehicle service may be confusing and difficult. An expert accident attorney can assist you in understanding policies and investigating the ridesharing company’s coverage. A personal injury legal company can assist you in determining your choices and the best course of action. If you decide to sue Lyft or Uber, legal counsel is essential to guarantee you have the best chance of winning and putting the stress of the accident behind you.
Final thoughts:
It is crucial to note, however, that rideshare drivers are only protected by their employer when they are on the clock. If they are not working and are in an accident, their personal insurance coverage will be considered. One key factor to evaluate is whether or not the driver was working at the time of the accident. It is often unclear whether the car is still in operation because there may be no passengers but the driver may still be working.