Just been in a rideshare accident and don’t know what to do next?
Don’t worry, we’ve got your back. We know first hand it’s overwhelming. It’s easy to feel helpless and confused. We’ve been there, and we know what’s up next.
The fact is rideshare accidents are going to happen.
In the U.S. alone over 5 billion trips are completed each year. And with billions of miles driven every year, collisions will continue to occur.
What’s so frustrating is there’s a lot of conflicting information and misinformation out there. Many accident victims are confused, unaware of their rights, and end up paying thousands in medical bills.
Sound familiar?
We’ve got the good news, the bad news, and the simple solution.
In this article, we’ll explain:
- Why Rideshare Accidents Are Different From Regular Car Crashes
- The Three Critical Insurance Periods That Determine Your Rights
- What To Do Immediately After a Rideshare Accident
- When You Need a Rideshare Accident Lawyer
- How To Maximize Your Compensation
Let’s get into it…
Why Rideshare Accidents Are Different From Regular Car Crashes
First, do you know why rideshare accidents can be so confusing?
It’s because there are multiple insurance policies that could potentially apply… or none at all.
In a normal car accident you’re looking at two insurance companies. Two policies. Two sets of rights. But rideshare accidents can involve up to four different policies.
- The rideshare driver’s personal insurance
- The rideshare company’s commercial insurance
- Your own insurance
- The other driver’s insurance (if applicable)
And here’s where it gets tricky…
Which insurance company pays out depends entirely on what the rideshare driver was doing at the time of the accident.
This is called the “period” system.
The right period has huge implications for your rights. It’s fundamental to protecting your rights. And understanding which period applies often requires the expertise of a rideshare accident attorney who knows these complex regulations inside and out.
But here’s the thing. According to recent statistics only 99.9% of rideshare trips are completed safely. The problem is when there’s a collision, victims are confused and under-compensated by insurance companies.
For this reason, there is also an app you can download so you can track your ride in real time with GPS called Ride Track for Cars.
The Three Critical Insurance Periods That Determine Your Rights
Now here’s what most accident victims don’t realize…
Rideshare insurance doesn’t work like regular car insurance. It’s much more complex and operates in three distinct periods. And each period comes with different levels of coverage and different rules about who pays for what.
Mistake which period the accident occurred in and you could lose thousands.
Let’s look at the three periods…
Period 1: App On, Waiting for a Ride Request
This is the riskiest period for rideshare drivers.
The driver has the app on, but hasn’t accepted a ride yet. During this period:
- Personal auto insurance often doesn’t cover the driver
- Rideshare companies provide very little liability coverage
- Collision coverage for driver’s vehicle is typically non-existent
If you’re a passenger injured in a Period 1 accident, your rights are limited. The rideshare company’s insurance typically only provides basic liability coverage.
Period 2: En Route to Pick Up Passenger
Once the driver has accepted your ride request, much better insurance coverage kicks in.
During Period 2:
- Rideshare companies provide $1 million in liability coverage
- Comprehensive and collision coverage applies
- Uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage is available
Period 3: Passenger in Vehicle
This is where you have the most protection.
Pickup to drop-off:
- Full $1 million liability coverage applies
- Maximum collision and comprehensive coverage
- Rideshare company’s insurance is primary
What To Do Immediately After a Rideshare Accident
Ok now you just been in a rideshare accident. What exactly do you do?
Get Medical Attention First
Step one should always be getting medical help.
Even if you think you’re fine, get checked out. Adrenaline can mask serious injuries and you need medical documentation for any insurance claim.
Just because you don’t feel hurt or have any visible injuries doesn’t mean you are not. Some common injuries can take time to show symptoms:
- Concussions and other brain injuries
- Soft tissue damage
- Internal bleeding
- Spinal cord injuries
Document Everything
Protection of your rights starts with documentation. Start now.
Photograph:
- All vehicles involved
- The accident scene
- Your injuries
- Property damage
- Road conditions
- Street signs
Get Driver and Insurance Information
Gather as much info as you can from all parties involved:
- Rideshare driver’s personal insurance
- Rideshare company (Uber or Lyft)
- Other drivers involved
- Police report number
Remember, don’t rely on the rideshare company to handle everything. They’re not in it for you.
Contact Your Insurance Company
It’s a good idea to contact your own insurance company too. Even as a passenger you may have policy provisions that can help, especially if the rideshare driver was uninsured or underinsured.
When You Need a Rideshare Accident Lawyer
So now you might be wondering…should you hire a lawyer or not?
The simple answer is yes if you suffered serious injuries. The more serious the injuries, the more complex the insurance issues become. A specialized attorney will know how to navigate the myriad of insurance policies to maximize your compensation.
Insurance companies also often try to deny rideshare accident claims by arguing about which period the accident occurred in. And as you can guess, the insurance company is going to make a note on your medical records that the accident was not the cause.
Bottom line. If you are not 100% then you need to get a legal representation. You only get one chance to make a first impression with an insurance company, so be smart.
And here are 3 more instances where you should consider a lawyer…
- If there are multiple parties. Multi-vehicle accidents with rideshare drivers are a legal mess. You need an attorney who knows rideshare law inside out.
- If the accident occurred during Period 1. Period 1 accidents are some of the most difficult to prove coverage. An experienced attorney can help identify all sources of compensation.
- According to a recent University of Illinois Chicago study, one-third of rideshare drivers have been in a crash while working as a driver. With those odds you need to be fully informed and properly represented.
How To Maximize Your Compensation
Ok now the final question…
How do I get every dollar I deserve?
Simple…
Understand all available insurance policies
Most accident victims only pursue one insurance claim.
Smart accident victims know to pursue multiple insurance claims against every available policy:
- Rideshare company’s policy
- Driver’s personal insurance
- Victim’s own uninsured/underinsured coverage
- Umbrella policies
Document Your Damages Thoroughly
Keep meticulous records of:
- Medical expenses
- Lost wages
- Property damage
- Pain and suffering
- Future medical needs
Don’t Accept The First Offer
Insurance companies always lowball you. They hope you don’t know your rights.
Don’t let them bully you. Initial offers are typically much lower than what you are entitled to.
Negotiate! You have a right to fair compensation.
Consider Future Costs
Serious injuries often require ongoing care:
- Physical therapy
- Follow up surgeries
- Long-term disability
- Reduced earning capacity
Make sure your settlement includes these future costs.
Wrapping It Up
Ok now that’s it on your rights after a rideshare accident.
The reality is rideshare accidents are going to happen. They are complex. But your rights don’t have to be a mystery.
The key is understanding that rideshare accidents are fundamentally different from other car accidents. Insurance coverage varies dramatically based on what the driver was doing when the accident occurred.
We can’t stress this enough.
If you’ve been in a rideshare accident, take the time to understand which period it occurred during. Protect your rights. Document everything and consider legal representation if you’ve been seriously injured.
If you’ve been in a rideshare accident, don’t let insurance companies take advantage of your confusion. Stay informed, take the proper steps, and get the compensation you deserve.
Bottom line? If you’ve been in a rideshare accident, get a lawyer, protect yourself, and get every single dollar you deserve.