Lyft, Uber Accidents & Insurance Coverage in California
Taking a ride from Uber or Lyft driver may be a convenient way to get around, but there are obvious risks.
If you are hurt in an Uber, Lyft accident in California, for example, who will pay your medical costs? What about lost wages and property damage?
The rideshare driver may or may not be at fault for the accident, but either way there is coverage available.
The level of that coverage, however, depends on what the driver was doing at the time of the collision.
Indeed, there are three separate levels of liability in California for Uber or Lyft drivers. First, the company will want to know if the Lyft or Uber driver had picked up a rideshare passenger or was about to accept a ride. Next, was the driver logged into the app and waiting for a passenger or were they driving on their own time. Finally, liability for the collision will depends on whether or not the driver was considered an employee, independent contractor, or driving on their own personal time.
Lyft or Uber Driver Minimum Insurance Liability Limits
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It’s important to note that a driver’s personal insurance will not apply when they are working as a commercial rideshare driver. Under California Vehicle Code Section 5430, all rideshare companies are required to carry $1 million in insurance. This covers any collision where there are injuries, property damage or death caused by their drivers.
This is the highest level of insurance is available to passengers. It applies if there is a collision when a driver has a passenger in the vehicle or they are picking up a passenger. Also, the commercial liability policy also has $1 million uninsured/underinsured motorist insurance. This UMC/UIM coverage is important because many drivers are unlicensed, uninsured or have low coverage.
The next level down will apply if the rideshare driver is logged into the app and waiting for a passenger. This lower coverage provides up to $50,000 per individual; $100,000 per accident and up to $30,000 for property damage.
Finally, a driver not logged in to the app and not looking for or carrying a passenger, has minimum coverage. This is at the level of 15,000/30,000,/5,000. This means losses up to $15,00o will be covered and no more than $30,000 per collision. Additionally, property damage is capped at $5,000 per incident.
Typical auto accident damages are:
- Medical costs, rehabilitation, disability
- Lost wages and future wages
- Loss of consortium
- Property damage
- Catastrophic injury
- Wrongful death
- Punitive damages
Steps to take after an injury collision include the following:
- Report the collision to police or call 911 for medical help.
- Make a report with Uber.
- Contact a personal injury attorney as soon as possible
The information here is a general guide. If you are ever involved in an injury collision you may need professional help. It’s advisable that you call a qualified, California accident attorney to request a free case review before you contact the insurance company. The insurance companies would prefer to speak with you directly because it gives them an advantage. We are on your side and will work to get you the best settlement available. Contact Johnson Attorneys Group at 1-800-235-6801.
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