If you’re injured in an Uber accident, you might wonder who’s responsible for your injuries and whether you can pursue compensation. Rideshare accidents can get complicated, especially when insurance coverage depends on the driver’s status at the time of the crash.
Our New York personal injury lawyers explain how Uber’s insurance works and what determines liability below.
Is Uber Liable for Accidents?
Whether Uber is responsible for an accident depends on the driver’s status at the time and the circumstances of the crash.
When Uber May Be Liable
Uber can be responsible if the driver is logged into the app and either transporting a passenger or on the way to pick one up. In these situations, Uber’s insurance usually applies, and the company may be liable for damages resulting from an accident.
When Uber Is Not Liable
If the driver is off-duty or not logged into the app, Uber generally isn’t responsible. The driver’s personal insurance would cover any damages. Likewise, if the driver is acting independently or breaking company rules, Uber may argue that it’s not liable.
Who Could Be Responsible in an Uber Accident?
In at-fault states, the driver who caused the accident is liable, and their insurance typically covers the damages. For no-fault states, like New York, each driver’s insurance covers their own damages, even if the Uber driver wasn’t at fault.
How Does Uber's Auto Insurance Work?
Uber provides insurance for its drivers, but the amount of coverage depends on what the driver was doing at the time of the accident.
- Off the App: As mentioned above, Uber's insurance doesn't apply if the driver isn’t logged into the app.
- Logged In but No Passengers: When the driver is logged into the app but not carrying a passenger, Uber offers limited liability coverage. This includes up to $50,000 for bodily injury per person, $100,000 per accident, and $25,000 for property damage.
- En Route with a Passenger: If the driver is actively transporting a passenger or on the way to pick one up, Uber provides up to $1 million in liability coverage. This also covers protection for uninsured or underinsured motorists.
Can You Sue Lyft for an Accident?
Similar to Uber, Lyft operates under a rideshare model, and the liability rules are comparable. If you’re injured in an accident involving a Lyft driver, you may also have grounds to sue.
When Can You Sue Lyft?
You can sue Lyft if the driver was at fault while actively using the app. If the driver was en route to pick up a passenger or transporting one, Lyft’s insurance coverage would apply. However, if the driver was off-duty or using the app for personal reasons, their personal insurance would be responsible.
What Kind of Damages Can You Claim?
If you’re involved in an accident involving an Uber or Lyft, you may be entitled to several types of compensation, including:
- Medical Expenses: Coverage for hospital visits, surgeries, rehabilitation, and ongoing treatment.
- Lost Wages: Compensation for income lost due to your injuries, including potential future earnings.
- Pain and Suffering: Damages for physical pain, emotional distress, and mental anguish caused by the accident.
- Property Damage: Reimbursement for repairs or replacement of your vehicle and personal belongings.
- Wrongful Death Damages: In fatal accidents, families may recover funeral costs and compensation for loss of companionship.
Is Uber Liable for Accidents?
Whether Uber is responsible for an accident depends on the driver’s status at the time and the circumstances of the crash.
When Uber May Be Liable
Uber can be responsible if the driver is logged into the app and either transporting a passenger or on the way to pick one up. In these situations, Uber’s insurance usually applies, and the company may be liable for damages resulting from an accident.
When Uber Is Not Liable
If the driver is off-duty or not logged into the app, Uber generally isn’t responsible. The driver’s personal insurance would cover any damages. Likewise, if the driver is acting independently or breaking company rules, Uber may argue that it’s not liable.
Who Could Be Responsible in an Uber Accident?
In at-fault states, the driver who caused the accident is liable, and their insurance typically covers the damages. For no-fault states, like New York, each driver’s insurance covers their own damages, even if the Uber driver wasn’t at fault.
How Does Uber's Auto Insurance Work?
Uber provides insurance for its drivers, but the amount of coverage depends on what the driver was doing at the time of the accident.
- Off the App: As mentioned above, Uber's insurance doesn't apply if the driver isn’t logged into the app.
- Logged In but No Passengers: When the driver is logged into the app but not carrying a passenger, Uber offers limited liability coverage. This includes up to $50,000 for bodily injury per person, $100,000 per accident, and $25,000 for property damage.
- En Route with a Passenger: If the driver is actively transporting a passenger or on the way to pick one up, Uber provides up to $1 million in liability coverage. This also covers protection for uninsured or underinsured motorists.
Can You Sue Lyft for an Accident?
Similar to Uber, Lyft operates under a rideshare model, and the liability rules are comparable. If you’re injured in an accident involving a Lyft driver, you may also have grounds to sue.
When Can You Sue Lyft?
You can sue Lyft if the driver was at fault while actively using the app. If the driver was en route to pick up a passenger or transporting one, Lyft’s insurance coverage would apply. However, if the driver was off-duty or using the app for personal reasons, their personal insurance would be responsible.
What Kind of Damages Can You Claim?
If you’re involved in an accident involving an Uber or Lyft, you may be entitled to several types of compensation, including:
- Medical Expenses: Coverage for hospital visits, surgeries, rehabilitation, and ongoing treatment.
- Lost Wages: Compensation for income lost due to your injuries, including potential future earnings.
- Pain and Suffering: Damages for physical pain, emotional distress, and mental anguish caused by the accident.
- Property Damage: Reimbursement for repairs or replacement of your vehicle and personal belongings.
- Wrongful Death Damages: In fatal accidents, families may recover funeral costs and compensation for loss of companionship.
What Should You Do If You’re Injured in an Uber or Lyft Accident?
Start by seeking medical attention, even if you think your injuries are minor. Make sure the accident is officially reported to the police, and gather as much evidence as you can from the scene, including photos, witness statements, and the driver’s insurance information. You also notify the rideshare company through their app to properly document the incident.
Finally, consulting with an experienced personal injury attorney can help you navigate the process and ensure your rights are fully protected.
Frequently Asked Questions
How Long Do You Have to Sue for Rideshare Accident Damages in New York?
In New York, the statute of limitations for personal injury claims is generally three years from the date of the accident. However, if you are filing a wrongful death claim, you typically have two years from the date of the deceased’s passing.
What If Multiple Passengers Are Injured in the Same Rideshare Accident?
If several passengers are hurt in a single rideshare accident, each person can file their own claim for damages. The process can be more complicated, though, as insurance companies may question who’s at fault and how much each person is owed.
What Should You Do If You’re Injured in an Uber or Lyft Accident?
Start by seeking medical attention, even if you think your injuries are minor. Make sure the accident is officially reported to the police, and gather as much evidence as you can from the scene, including photos, witness statements, and the driver’s insurance information. You also notify the rideshare company through their app to properly document the incident.
Finally, consulting with an experienced personal injury attorney can help you navigate the process and ensure your rights are fully protected.
Frequently Asked Questions
How Long Do You Have to Sue for Rideshare Accident Damages in New York?
In New York, the statute of limitations for personal injury claims is generally three years from the date of the accident. However, if you are filing a wrongful death claim, you typically have two years from the date of the deceased’s passing.
What If Multiple Passengers Are Injured in the Same Rideshare Accident?
If several passengers are hurt in a single rideshare accident, each person can file their own claim for damages. The process can be more complicated, though, as insurance companies may question who’s at fault and how much each person is owed.
Key Takeaways
- Uber and Lyft liability depends on the driver’s app status.
- Rideshare insurance coverage can vary from no coverage at all to up to $1 million, depending on the situation.
- A personal injury attorney can help you determine who’s responsible and pursue full compensation for your injuries.
Not Sure If Uber or Lyft Is Responsible for Your Accident?
If you’re unsure who’s liable for your rideshare accident, our New York personal injury attorneys can review your case and help make sure you get the compensation you’re entitled to.
At Field Law Group, we’re dedicated to protecting your rights! Contact us or call 212-739-7278 today for a FREE, no-obligation consultation.
✓ Content checked by the experienced attorneys at Field Law Group.
About the Firm: With over a decade of experience, Field Law Group has been helping personal injury victims across New York since 2013. We’re dedicated to protecting the rights of accident victims and fighting to get them the compensation they deserve.
Not Sure If Uber or Lyft Is Responsible for Your Accident?
If you’re unsure who’s liable for your rideshare accident, our New York personal injury attorneys can review your case and help make sure you get the compensation you’re entitled to.
At Field Law Group, we’re dedicated to protecting your rights! Contact us or call 212-739-7278 today for a FREE, no-obligation consultation.
✓ Content checked by the experienced attorneys at Field Law Group.
About the Firm: With over a decade of experience, Field Law Group has been helping personal injury victims across New York since 2013. We’re dedicated to protecting the rights of accident victims and fighting to get them the compensation they deserve.
Field Law Group, P.C.
17 State Street, 40th Floor
New York, New York 10004
This website contains attorney advertising. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome, see Disclaimer.
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Field Law Group, P.C.
17 State Street, 40th Floor
New York, New York 10004
This website contains attorney advertising. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome, see Disclaimer.
Designed by PostcardMania
Field Law Group, P.C.
17 State Street, 40th Floor
New York, New York 10004
This website contains attorney advertising. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome, see Disclaimer.
Designed by PostcardMania