Starting on July 1, 2017, ride sharing companies such as Uber and Lyft are required to maintain auto insurance for personal injury protection while any of their drivers are logged on to their digital networks. Under the newly signed Uber/Lyft law, the insurance coverage must apply whether or not the ride sharing driver is engaged in a prearranged ride.
Minimum Coverage for Personal Injury
- When Uber/Lyft driver engaged in pre-arranged ride: The minimum automobile coverage for death, bodily injury, and property damage is $1 million. The ride-sharing company or its driver must also obtain coverage for uninsured and underinsured vehicles
- When Uber/Lyft driver not engaged in pre-arranged ride: For as long as the ride-sharing driver is logged on to the company’s digital network, the minimum automobile liability coverage for death and bodily injury per person is $50,000 and the minimum coverage per incident is $100,000
What to Do After a Crash Involving Uber/Lyft
- Seek immediate treatment: After a vehicular incident, it’s important to get medical treatment and care and to see one’s attending physician for a thorough medical checkup. Some serious injuries often do not manifest external signs immediately or inflict physical harm internally
- Gather important information: Ride-sharing drivers are now required by law to carry proof of their insurance coverage at all times while driving in connection with a ride sharing network. Take note of the driver’s name, contact information, name of the driver’s insurance company and contact information, whether or not the driver was logged on to the digital network at the time of the crash, as well as names and contact details of eyewitnesses
- Take pictures: Using a smartphone camera or other mobile device with camera features, take as many pictures of the site of the accident, the vehicle or vehicles involved in the crash, and other details relevant to the incident
Contact a Personal Injury Attorney
Dealing directly with insurance companies can be a challenge. Insurance company personnel ordinarily look for ways to minimize their payout or deny a claim entirely. Considering the complexity of the language used in insurance contracts and the law governing the mandatory coverage of ride-sharing networks, having an experienced personal injury attorney by your side to guide you and handle the insurance claims process can bring favorable outcomes.
In Las Vegas, Nevada, the personal injury lawyers at Bertoldo Carter Smith & Cullen are dedicated to helping injured clients recover compensation that they truly deserve. If you or someone you know suffered serious injuries in a crash involving an Uber or Lyft, let our skilled and experienced Las Vegas attorneys help you.
We invite you to call us today at (702) 505-8115 for a free evaluation of your case.