Rideshare accidents are crashes that involve vehicles from services like Uber or Lyft. Just like any other car accident, they can leave people injured, shaken, and dealing with serious consequences. It can feel overwhelming to be a victim of this, but there’s one bit of good news: you may be able to get compensation to help cover your losses.
With rideshare accidents, there are a lot of factors that can make things tricky. Unlike regular car accidents, where there are usually just two insurance companies involved, rideshare accidents bring in multiple parties. You’ve got the rideshare company, their insurance, the driver’s insurance, and maybe even more.
The process can get messy. That’s why many people turn to rideshare accident lawyers for help.
Factors that Make Rideshare Accidents Harder than Necessary
Here are some of the different factors that complicate rideshare accident claims.
Gaps in the Insurance Coverage
One of the biggest challenges is the gaps in insurance coverage. Rideshare companies like Uber and Lyft only provide full coverage when the driver has a passenger or is on their way to pick one up.
But if the driver is just waiting for a ride request, the coverage isn’t as strong. If you get into an accident during that time, it can be confusing to figure out which insurance is responsible for paying. Well, at least for you, and not for your competent lawyer.
Shared Liability
Another complication is shared liability. In rideshare accidents, there could be multiple people who share the blame for the crash. In many cases, more than one person could be at fault, and that makes it harder to decide who should pay for what.
When liability is shared, getting compensation can turn into a back-and-forth battle between insurance companies, and it can leave you feeling stuck in the middle.
Statute of Limitations
The statute of limitations is the time limit you have to file a claim or lawsuit after the accident. It can vary depending on where you live, and if you miss this deadline, you might lose your chance to get compensation.
For example, in some states, you might only have two years to file your claim. If you wait too long, the insurance companies can refuse to pay, even if you’re entitled to compensation.
Complex State Laws
Rideshare accidents are also complicated by complex state laws. Different states have different rules when it comes to rideshare insurance and liability.
For example, in California, drivers are required to carry more insurance when they’re using the rideshare app. In Florida, however, the rules are different, and the amount of coverage you can get might depend on whether the driver was on the clock.
These differences make it harder to know what to expect and can make the claims process more stressful than it needs to be. However, in such a situation, the most reasonable thing to do is turn to your lawyer, who is well-versed in the accident laws of your state.
They’ll guide you during this time and ensure that every move you make leads to the goal of maximum compensation.
