Rideshare services have completely transformed transportation. Within a few minutes, you can have a driver at your doorstep ready to take you wherever you need to go. But what happens when an accident occurs in a rideshare vehicle? Who handles the insurance claims, and which insurance policies are involved? By understanding how to navigate this process, you’ll be better equipped to protect your rights and receive the right amount of financial compensation if you are ever involved in a rideshare accident.

Who May All Be Involved in a Rideshare Accident?

Rideshare accidents may impact a lot of people, including:

  • Passengers riding in the vehicle
  • Rideshare drivers
  • Drivers and occupants in another vehicle
  • Cyclists or pedestrians who are hit by a rideshare vehicle

Each person affected brings about their own legal complexities. Understanding your role in the collision is your first step towards filing a claim.

Which Insurance Agencies Are Involved in a Rideshare Accident?

Following an accident in a rideshare vehicle, you may need to file multiple insurance claims to receive full compensation for your injuries. The insurance companies involved in a rideshare accident depend on who was involved in the incident. The key insurance policies usually involved are:

  • The rideshare driver’s personal auto policy – This applies if the app is switched “off” at the time of the incident.
  • The rideshare company’s contingent liability coverage – If the driver is logged on, but has not yet accepted a ride, some rideshare companies (like Uber or Lyft) will provide contingency coverage.
  • The rideshare company’s commercial policy – This coverage activates when a driver is on their way to pick up a passenger or during the length of the trip.
  • Uninsured or underinsured motorist coverage – This coverage is provided by the rideshare company if the driver is on a trip, but another driver is at fault and doesn’t have insurance coverage.
  • The other driver’s insurance company – If another driver causes the accident, their own coverage is the main source of financial compensation.

The rideshare driver’s status in their app at the moment the accident occurs will help determine which insurance policies may be applied to your claim.

 

What Steps Should You Take After a Rideshare Wreck?

The steps you take in the days following an accident with a rideshare vehicle will significantly influence your insurance claim. As soon as you can, report the incident through the rideshare app and gather as much evidence as possible. By securing the right types of evidence, you can lay the groundwork to build a successful claim. This evidence includes:

  • Digital ride record – Taking a screenshot of your trip provides detailed evidence of your location and the time you were in the rideshare vehicle.
  • Photographic evidence – Pictures taken of the scene, including vehicle damage and injuries, can create a visual account of the incident.
  • Contact information – The names and phone numbers of the rideshare driver, independent witnesses and other drivers or passengers involved help create a narrative of the event.
  • Official police report – The report number assigned to your wreck and the name of the police officer who responded can give your lawyer additional information for their investigation.

Make sure to seek medical care. Even if you feel okay, some injuries are not immediately apparent.

Navigating the insurance claims process can be challenging after a rideshare accident. When working with the insurance companies involved, be sure not to settle too quickly. It’s best to consider seeking legal advice before agreeing to or signing anything. It’s often best to work with a lawyer who can provide you with the guidance necessary to make sure you receive the compensation you are entitled to.