Rideshare services like Uber and Lyft have become a common mode of transportation across California. While these services are convenient, passengers face the same risks as any other motorist on the road. When a rideshare vehicle is involved in a crash, passengers may be unsure about their rights and legal options, which is understandable. For better and for worse, however, there have been enough of these crash scenarios over time that these rights and options are now relatively clear.
With that said, determining liability in a rideshare accident can be complex because multiple parties may be responsible, including:
- The rideshare driver
- Another driver who caused the accident
- The rideshare company (Uber, Lyft, etc.)
- Third parties, such as vehicle manufacturers or municipalities responsible for road conditions
California follows a fault-based system, meaning the party responsible for causing the accident is liable for damages. However, rideshare passengers are rarely at fault, making them eligible to seek compensation regardless of which driver caused the crash.
Insurance coverage for injured rideshare passengers
Uber and Lyft provide insurance coverage for passengers, but the amount of coverage depends on what stage of the ride the driver was in at the time of the accident.
- App Is Off: If the driver is not logged into the rideshare app, their personal auto insurance applies, and the rideshare company is not responsible.
- Driver Is Available but No Passenger: If the driver is logged in and waiting for a ride request, Uber and Lyft provide limited liability coverage:
- $50,000 per person for injuries
- $100,000 per accident for injuries
- $25,000 for property damage
- Passenger Is in the Vehicle: From the time a passenger enters the car until they are dropped off, Uber and Lyft provide up to $1 million in liability coverage.
This means that if a passenger is injured in an accident while in a rideshare vehicle, they can file a claim under the company’s policy. If another driver was at fault, a claim may also be filed against their insurance.
Filing a claim against a rideshare company or an insurance provider can be challenging, as they often attempt to minimize payouts. Thankfully, skilled legal advocates understand how to respond to such tactics effectively to better ensure that their clients receive the damages that they deserve.