Posted in Wisconsin Workers Compensation Related News
Rideshare services can be a source of convenience in busy cities, whether you need to get to an appointment or want to visit local landmarks as a tourist. They might also be dangerous, as Forbes reports services like Lyft and Uber have increased accident rates at least four percent each year in areas where rideshares are used. If you are involved in an accident with your vehicle or as a passenger of a Lyft or Uber car, you may want to be aware of how these wrecks can differ from a typical auto incident.
Insurance Coverage May Vary
Lyft and Uber drivers often drive quickly and maybe reckless in their hurry to make as many fares as possible when they are on duty. If one of these drivers struck your car on the way to pick up a passenger, the amount of insurance coverage may depend on a variety of factors, including:
- Whether the driver was signed into the rideshare app
- Whether there were other passengers in the car
- The amount of property damage coverage for your vehicle
If there were other vehicles involved in the crash, the total sum of insurance offered may be split among all the drivers.
You Are Protected By Passenger Coverage
When you are riding in a Lyft or Uber vehicle, you are typically covered by their passenger insurance, which usually totals up to one million dollars if you are injured in an accident where your driver was negligent. However, you may want to protect yourself by looking into the policies of each individual company before you use their services.
A Driver’s Personal Insurance May Not Apply
When rideshare drivers are on duty and have the driving app open, their everyday car insurance may be canceled out by the company’s insurance if they get into a wreck. This may mean a loss for you as a driver who is struck by one of these vehicles, especially when you consider the limitations of property damage you may encounter.
Injuries May Differ
As a passenger in a rideshare car that becomes involved in an accident, your injuries may be more severe than if you were driving your own vehicle. For example, if you are riding in an older vehicle that does not have multiple safety features, such as rear-passenger airbags, you may suffer multiple injuries, including those that damage your neck or spinal cord.
Rideshare services can be a convenient way to travel when you do not have access to your own vehicle, but negligent drivers may cause accidents that can change your life forever. Contact an auto accident lawyer in Memphis, TN by phone or online today for more information.
Thanks to Patterson Bray for their insight into personal injury claims and car wrecks involving Uber or Lyft.
