Introduction

Rideshare platforms are popular for a good reason. You can book a ride and be reasonably sure of reaching your destination without any incidents. For travelers, not having to rent a vehicle they may only use once or twice, the savings can be significant. 

However, the increased popularity of rideshare vehicles has a downside, it’s resulted in a 3% increase in nationwide traffic accidents. So, what should you do if you’re injured in a traffic accident involving a rideshare vehicle? Can you recover compensation for your damages?

The Driver’s Status Can Affect Your Accident Claim

Rideshare platforms like Uber and Lyft provide coverage for their drivers. Uber provides up to $1,000,000 in property damage for accident victims, and this typically covers damage to the rideshare driver’s vehicle and others involved in the accident.

While it’s nice knowing that rideshare platforms provide accident coverage, there are exceptions and this can impact your ability to file a claim. If the rideshare driver is offline, meaning they’re not currently working for the platform, their insurance usually doesn’t kick in. 

In this instance, you file a claim with the driver’s insurance instead of with the rideshare platform. So, what about when a rideshare driver is waiting to give a passenger a ride or is transporting someone? This usually means you can file a claim against the platform’s insurance. 

However, there are also insurance caps to be aware of since this can affect the value of your claim. Most rideshare platforms cover up to $100,000 per person injured in the accident. Property damage can be capped at $25,000. 

Even though the insurance policy may cover up to $1,000,000 in property damages, it doesn’t mean it applies to your accident claim. This only reflects the platform’s maximum allowed insurance payout for everyone involved in the accident, and not the potential settlement for an individual.

Damages You May Be Able to Recover After a Rideshare Accident

Whether you’re a passenger or another motorist, you may be able to recover the following damages after a rideshare accident.

Medical Expenses

If you’re injured in an accident involving a rideshare driver, your medical expenses may be covered by the platform’s insurance. 

However, before listing your medical costs you’ll need to provide proof of your injuries. Your medical records typically provide proof of your injuries. You may need to sign a release form to allow the insurance adjuster to review your records.

Save all of your receipts, bills, and other expenses relating to your diagnosis and treatment. If your injuries are severe and require long-term care, be ready to provide supporting proof. This may mean bringing in medical experts to testify to the severity of your injuries.

Property Repair/Replacement Costs

Rideshare passengers can sustain property damage if their driver is involved in an accident. Other motorists also typically suffer some type of property damage, usually to their vehicles. Regardless of whether you’re a passenger or another motorist, you should be able to file a claim for your damages.

Save all receipts and estimates relating to your property damage. If your vehicle is totaled, refer to the Kelley Blue Book for the estimated value, which is also the reference most insurance providers use. 

Going with the vehicle’s Blue Book value instead of what you think it’s worth can help simplify the claim process. You’re getting rid of at least one item that may send your insurance claim into negotiations.

Lost Current and Potential Future Income

Depending on the severity of your injuries, you may be able to file a claim for your lost income. This type of damage is usually included in an insurance claim when your injuries are preventing you from returning to work.

If your injuries are permanent or prevent you from returning to your previous job, you may be able to claim lost income. Before this can be included in your insurance claim, you’ll need to provide proof of your earnings, which is usually done by supplying past pay stubs and financial statements.

Non-Economic Damages

Your rideshare accident claim may also include non-economic damages like pain, suffering, and mental anguish. These types of damages are a little harder to calculate since they have an intrinsic value. In other words, you don’t have bills and receipts to add up.

Your personal injury attorney can help you calculate your non-economic damages. They can also address any other questions you have about filing an insurance claim against a rideshare driver. 

Whether it’s helping to file the claim or negotiate a settlement, your attorney can help ensure your legal rights are protected. 

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