In some regards, rideshare crashes are similar to any other motor vehicle collision. Fault determines liability. If the other driver was the party to blame for a collision involving a rideshare vehicle, that motorist may need to provide the rideshare driver and their passenger with insurance coverage or compensation.
However, in cases where the rideshare driver is at fault, compensation claims may become much more complicated. There may be a policy carried by the rideshare company and also a separate policy carried by the driver.
The timing of when the crash occurs generally determines what policy applies.
Crashes may occur before or after a trip
Many collisions occur while vehicles are in motion, which generally means that they occur during the purchased ride. So long as the rideshare drivers started the trip in the app, the corporate policy indemnifying the rideshare company likely applies if the driver is at fault for a crash.
Collisions can also occur when a driver stops to load a passenger or drop them off at their destination. In that scenario, where the driver has not started the trip or has already ended it, their own rideshare policy may apply.
Rideshare drivers must add supplemental rideshare policies for their standard insurance coverage. These policies expand traditional car insurance to protect against the liability generated by using a vehicle for commercial purposes. In scenarios where there is a dispute about what policy should apply or where a rideshare driver does not have the necessary coverage, securing adequate compensation can be a legitimate challenge.
Those hurt during an Uber or Lyft ride may need help evaluating insurance coverage and negotiating for an appropriate settlement. A lawyer familiar with the challenges of rideshare collision claims can help passengers pursue the compensation they require.