Missing a flight can be stressful in itself, but what if the cause was due to an Uber or Lyft accident? That frustration will quickly turn into financial worry. You may soon begin to wonder, will I get reimbursed for my missed flight? There is no exact answer as multiple factors will need to be considered before determining whether or not you will be compensated.
Determining Liability Is the First Step
Before a reimbursement is initiated, there needs to be a clear determination of liability, as in, who the at-fault party is. If the Uber or Lyft driver triggered the accident, you could seek compensation through the rideshare company’s insurance, depending on the driver’s status at the time of the crash. If a third party driver was responsible, their own personal auto insurance may be liable for the losses you incurred.
If you are a passenger, you are rarely ever at fault for a rideshare crash. This will better your position when seeking reimbursement for damages, including missed flights.
What Damages Can You Claim?
Personal injury claims do not just cover your medical expenses. If the incident caused you to miss your flight, you may be entitled to secure compensation for economic losses, like:
- The cost of the missed flight
- Rebooking fees
- Missed hotel reservations
- Lost income if the trip was work-related
To recover damages, you will need to gather evidence. The first thing you should do is report the date in which you initially booked your flight. You should also include any receipts, cancellation fees, or rebooking charges you faced, proving that the accident prevented you from attending your flight.
Uber and Lyft Insurance Coverage
Uber and Lyft offer up to $1 million in liability insurance. But, it only applies in cases where a rideshare driver was involved in an accident while en route or on a trip. However, as stated before, if another driver caused the crash, their personal auto insurance would apply.
If there is a dispute over who contributed to the incident, both insurers will insert themselves into the situation to sort out liability. This can further complicate the legal process and contribute to delays in reimbursement. But, with the right legal support, you will still be given the opportunity to recover the compensation you deserve.
What if the Rideshare Accident Was Minor?
Even if the rideshare accident was minor, a fender bender can still contribute to delays that can prevent you from catching your flight. Under these circumstances, the severity of the crash does not matter as much as timing. If it happened close to the plane’s departure, waiting around for police and exchanging information will cost you your flight.
For instance, if you were rear-ended while on an Uber or Lyft trip on the way to the airport and you had to wait 30 minutes to an hour for police to arrive at the scene, that delay could be enough to cause you to miss your check-in time or to board the plane.
How an Uber and Lyft Accident Lawyer Can Help
The process of reimbursement is not always so straightforward. Insurance companies may argue that the missed flight is not their responsibility or that you could have made it in time another way. This is why it helps to have a skilled Uber and Lyft accident lawyer on your side who specializes in rideshare accident claims, along with travel-related damages.
Specific actions that may be included in the legal services provided by your lawyer include the following:
- Gather evidence to prove that the rideshare accident caused you to miss your flight
- Determine which insurance policy will apply in your case
- Ensure all documents are filed in a timely manner
- Handle negotiations with insurance companies to recover full reimbursement
- Help calculate damages, such as missed hotel reservations or work-related losses
Missed Your Flight After a Rideshare Accident? Get Legal Assistance with West Coast Uber and Lyft Accident Lawyers Today
If you were a rideshare passenger and missed your flight due to an accident, you may be entitled to compensation that is not only focused on your injuries, but also for costs associated with your disrupted travel plans.
At West Coast Uber and Lyft Accident Lawyers, we understand the domino effect that may come with a motor vehicle collision. A missed flight can lead to non-refundable ticket costs and unattended events. Our skilled legal team will ensure the at-fault party is held accountable for their actions. We will also work diligently to help you recover compensation for:
- Medical bills
- Lost wages
- Flight cancellation fees
- Emotional distress
We provide FREE consultations and operate under a contingency-fee basis, meaning we do not charge a fee unless we win your case. To get started on the legal process, we welcome you to connect with us by calling (213) 465-8682 or filling out our easy online contact form.
