Transportation services offered by Uber and Lyft have become a part of everyday life for many Indiana residents. People use these services daily for both commuting to work and traveling for personal reasons. Just like other cars, they are also prone to accidents on the road. Therefore, it is important to know what to do after being involved in an Uber or Lyft accident.
Facts About Uber Insurance Policy Coverage
- If the Uber car driver was commercially licensed and insured, then the car driver is required to contact his or her commercial automobile insurance.
- Uber also maintains underinsured/ uninsured motorist bodily injury coverage to cover situations where the at-fault party does not have adequate insurance and for hit-and-run car accidents.
- If the driver working with Uber was at fault, the insurance coverage will depend on when the accident occurred.
- Uber maintains a third-party liability coverage of up to $1 million per accident after a driver accepts a ride request and drives to pick up the passenger and during the trip.
Who Is Liable for an Uber/Lyft Car Accident in Indiana?
Compensation claims in Uber and Lyft car accidents may involve multiple parties. These include the Uber driver’s insurance company, the other car driver’s insurance company, and Uber/Lyft’s insurance company. Thus, determining who is at fault may depend on various factors.
Uber’s $1 million insurance coverage kicks in only after the driver is in “driver mode” and has the application switched on and has accepted a ride. In other situations where the driver has driver mode on but does not have a passenger, lesser insurance policy coverage limits apply.
The victim may be required to file a claim with the driver’s insurance company if the driver was not in “driver mode” at the time of the accident. These accidents involve complex compensation claims and it is advisable to contact an Indiana Uber/Lyft Car Accident Attorney.
Steps to Take After an Uber/Lyft Car Accident
Seek Immediate Medical Attention
It is important to get medical attention as soon as possible even if there are no visible injuries. Sometimes, internal injuries may not show immediate symptoms.
Inform the Police
Whether you’re a rider or a driver involved in an Uber or Lyft car accident, it is a good idea to inform the police. A police report forms an important part of the negotiations with the insurance companies and personal injury lawsuits.
Collect and Preserve Evidence
Pictures of the car accident, the date and location of the accident, medical bills and reports, and other bills for out-of-pocket expenses are important pieces of evidence that help in claiming compensation. The injured person has a better claim if the evidence is in place.
Collect Information
If you’re a rider, you should collect information about the driver and the insurance company. One must also collect information about the other driver involved in the accident and other details including the license plate number of the other vehicle involved.
Contact an Indiana Uber/ Lyft Car Accident Attorney
Big companies like Uber and Lyft are resourceful organizations. Furthermore, multiple parties may be involved in an Uber or Lyft Car Accident. It is important that the injured persons have access to experienced lawyers to ensure proper negotiation with their insurance companies and skilled legal representation in a lawsuit.
At Stewart & Stewart, we have years of experience dealing with victims of Uber/ Lyft car accidents. Contact our legal team today for a free consultation and learn how our attorneys can help you negotiate a settlement or file a lawsuit after an Uber or Lyft car accident.