As ride-sharing companies have become increasingly popular throughout Nevada, determining legal responsibility for injuries sustained in accidents involving Uber or Lyft vehicles can be confusing for motorists.
Lyft Ride-Sharing Insurance
Who may be responsible for injury and property damage involving a Lyft vehicle will depend on whether the ride-sharing vehicle was logged onto the app or had accepted a ride through the app.
- Driver mode off: When an incident occurs while a ride-sharing vehicle is not logged on to the app, the driver’s personal motor insurance coverage will be responsible for all claims arising from the incident.
- Driver mode on but ride not yet accepted: During this period, Lyft’s policy is a contingent one, i.e., it may cover the incident if the drivers do not have their own personal auto insurance coverage. Lyft’s coverage is limited to $50,000 per person, $100,000 per accident, and $25,000 for property damage.
- Ride request accepted: At this period, Lyft provides primary insurance coverage until the end of the ride as indicated in the app. This coverage has a higher maximum of $1,000,000 per accident.
Uninsured or Underinsured Motorist Coverage
Lyft also provides coverage for crashes involving another vehicle whose driver or owner is at fault and who does not carry auto insurance. The uninsured or underinsured coverage applies only to accidents while the ride has been accepted in the app or while the ride-sharing vehicle is in the process of transporting the passenger.
What to Do in Case of Accident Involving a Ride-Sharing Vehicle
If you sustained injuries while on board a ride-sharing vehicle such as Lyft or Uber, you may be able to claim compensation from the ride-sharing company’s insurance company. Not all accident claims, however, are straightforward transactions. First, you have to determine which insurance coverage applies to your situation. And then there’s the challenge of dealing with the insurance adjusters and similar personnel who may deny your claim or offer inadequate compensation for your injuries.
After seeking medical attention for any injuries suffered in a crash involving a Lyft or Uber, it’s important to contact an experienced Las Vegas auto accident attorney who can provide valuable legal advice on recovering compensation. Your lawyer can also represent you before the insurance company and if necessary, in court, in order for you to receive the full value of compensation that you legally deserve.
