What To Do If You’re Injured in a Rideshare Accident as a Passenger

January 6, 2022
By Nathan Murawsky

If you are injured in an accident as a passenger in a rideshare vehicle like Uber or Lyft, you may be able to file a lawsuit against the parent company for compensation. With rideshare accidents comprising about 2-3% of auto accidents, they are becoming increasingly more common.

Uber and Lyft have advertised that they carry a $1 million insurance policy, and generally, that $1 million policy almost always covers the rideshare passenger. But it is essential to understand when this policy might or might not apply. Because drivers are not employees of the parent company — they are considered contractors — Uber and Lyft do not claim responsibility for driver behavior. Passengers may have a difficult time claiming damages if the accident was caused because of driver behavior; like distraction, inebriation, or recklessness. If driver behavior is a factor in the accident, passengers can sue the driver. But if this is the case, damages may be limited, especially if the driver does not have commercial vehicle insurance.

rideshare-accident

What Damages Could You Claim in a Rideshare Car Accident?

You could receive compensation for:

Physical pain and suffering, mental anguish and physical impairment – past or future
Medical, rehab, disability, or other healthcare-related costs – past or future
Economic losses including lost wages, salary or income, and property damage
Future loss of income due to any long-term disability and permanent diminished earnings capacity
Punitive damages
Wrongful death when the lawsuit is brought by the family of the loved one who died

Just because the parent company holds a $1 million dollar insurance policy, does not mean receiving compensation for your accident and subsequent injuries will be easy. In fact, the goal of insurance companies is to pay as little as possible. By working with experienced accident attorneys, you could be compensated much more than originally offered, if you have been offered any settlement by the parent company or their insurance. Schedule a consultation today.