Setareh Law
April 8, 2025
Uber and Lyft have become go-to options for many individuals looking for convenient and affordable transportation, but with the rise in popularity of these services, there has also been an increase in the number of car accidents involving Uber or Lyft vehicles. If you have been involved in a rideshare accident, you may be wondering who is responsible for your injuries and damages. The answer can be complex and may depend on various factors.
At Setareh Law, we are well-versed in ridesharing accident cases and can help navigate these complexities to ensure your rights are protected and you receive the compensation you deserve. Our team of rideshare attorneys thoroughly investigates each case, considering factors such as the driver’s status at the time of the accident and the insurance policies involved.
Who Can Be Held Liable in a Rideshare Driver Accident?
Determining who can be held liable in a rideshare accident involves examining the circumstances surrounding the incident. Firstly, the rideshare driver themselves can be held accountable, especially if their negligence or violation of traffic laws led to the accident.
In instances where the driver was actively engaged in a ride or on the way to pick up a passenger, Uber or Lyft might also share in the liability due to their insurance policies covering such periods. Uber and Lyft, as companies, maintain insurance policies that can cover damages and injuries resulting from accidents caused by their drivers under specific conditions, as previously mentioned. This coverage is pivotal in ensuring victims receive compensation without navigating the complexities of individual drivers’ insurance limitations.
Understanding the role of liability insurance is crucial, as it determines the extent of coverage provided by Uber or Lyft during different phases of the ride.
Lastly, other drivers involved in the accident can also be liable, particularly if their actions contributed to the incident. In such cases, the liability falls under the at fault driver’s insurance, following the traditional fault-based system.
What Liability Insurance Coverage Is Available in Rideshare Accidents?
In rideshare accidents involving Uber or Lyft, the insurance coverage available to victims hinges significantly on the driver’s status with the app at the accident’s time. Three distinct periods define this status: when the app is off, when the app is on but without an active ride, and when the driver is engaged in a ride.
If the app is off, the driver’s personal insurance policy is solely responsible for any damages, as the driver is not considered to be working for Uber or Lyft at this time. This scenario mirrors any typical car accident situation outside of the ridesharing context. The situation changes when the driver turns on the app but hasn’t accepted a ride yet. In this case, both Uber and Lyft offer contingent coverage. This acts as a safety net if the driver’s personal insurance does not fully cover the damages. The coverage includes certain limits for liability but may not be as comprehensive as when a ride is in progress.
Liability coverage provided by Uber and Lyft varies depending on the driver’s status, and understanding these variations is essential for determining the extent of coverage.
The most significant coverage comes into play once the driver has accepted a ride and during the trip. During this period, Uber and Lyft provide commercial auto insurance coverage, which includes liability, uninsured/underinsured motorist protection, and contingent collision and comprehensive coverage. This insurance is designed to offer robust protection for both riders and third parties involved in an accident with substantial coverage limits.
California law mandates specific insurance requirements for rideshare drivers, which can impact the available coverage in the event of an accident.
Damages You Can Recover
If you’ve been injured in a ride-sharing accident, you may be entitled to recover various types of damages. These damages can help compensate you for the harm you’ve suffered and provide financial support during your recovery.
Types of Damages in a Ride-Sharing Accident
In a ride-sharing accident, you may be able to recover the following types of damages:
- Medical Expenses: You can recover the cost of medical treatment, including hospital bills, doctor visits, and rehabilitation expenses. This ensures that you are not burdened with out-of-pocket expenses for necessary medical care.
- Lost Wages: If your injuries prevent you from working, you can recover lost wages or income. This compensation helps to alleviate the financial strain caused by an inability to work.
- Pain and Suffering: Beyond the tangible costs, you can recover damages for the physical and emotional pain you’ve experienced as a result of the accident. This acknowledges the broader impact of the accident on your quality of life.
- Property Damage: If your personal property was damaged in the accident, you can recover the cost of repairs or replacement. This includes damage to your vehicle or any other personal belongings.
- Punitive Damages: In some cases, you may be able to recover punitive damages, which are intended to punish the at-fault driver for their negligence. These damages are awarded in cases where the driver’s conduct was particularly egregious.
Ride-Sharing Driver Status and Liability
The status of the ride-sharing driver can significantly impact liability in the event of an accident. Understanding whether a driver is classified as an employee or an independent contractor is crucial in determining who is responsible for damages.
Are Uber and Lyft Drivers Employees or Independent Contractors?
Uber and Lyft drivers are generally considered independent contractors rather than employees. This classification means that they are not entitled to the same benefits and protections as employees, and they are responsible for their own expenses and liabilities.
However, this distinction can impact liability in the event of an accident. If a ride-sharing driver is considered an independent contractor, the ride-sharing company may not be liable for damages. Instead, the driver’s personal insurance policy may be responsible for covering damages. This can complicate the process of seeking compensation, as the driver’s personal insurance may have different coverage limits and exclusions compared to the company’s insurance.
Comparative Negligence in Ride-Sharing Accidents
Comparative negligence is a legal doctrine that can impact the amount of damages you can recover in a ride-sharing accident. If you’re found to be partially responsible for the accident, your damages may be reduced accordingly.
Can I Get Damages if I Was Partially Responsible?
Yes, you can still recover damages even if you’re partially responsible for the accident. However, your damages will be reduced by the percentage of fault attributed to you.
For example, if you’re found to be 20% responsible for the accident, your damages will be reduced by 20%. This means that if you’re awarded $100,000 in damages, you’ll only receive $80,000. It’s essential to work with an experienced attorney who can help you navigate the complexities of comparative negligence and ensure you receive fair compensation for your injuries.
By understanding these aspects of ride-sharing accidents, you can better prepare yourself for the legal process and work toward securing the compensation you deserve.
How Setareh Law Can Assist You
Navigating the complexities of rideshare accident liability can be daunting, but Setareh Law is here to help. We understand the unique challenges posed by Uber and Lyft accidents and are committed to ensuring your rights are protected. Our experienced team of rideshare lawyers thoroughly investigates every aspect of your case, from the driver’s status at the time of the accident to the involved insurance policies, ensuring you receive the compensation you deserve.
Our team is well-versed in handling Uber or Lyft accidents, ensuring that all aspects of liability coverage are thoroughly examined to maximize your compensation.
Setareh Law prides itself on unparalleled client service and tenacious advocacy. We handle each case on a contingency fee basis, so you pay no fee unless we get results. With years of experience and a proven track record of success, we stand ready to support you every step of the way. Contact us today at (310) 659-1826 or through our contact form
