Being involved in a Lyft or Uber accident can leave you with not only physical injuries, but significant financial burdens. Understanding how much compensation you can acquire after getting into a collision is important as such information can help you settle for what you deserve.

Compensation will vary on a case-by-case basis, but to receive in-person guidance on the legal process, you can get in touch with West Coast Uber and Lyft Accident Lawyers by scheduling a FREE consultation with one of our knowledgeable rideshare accident lawyers. Our team will review the information provided and determine what would be the best approach to take to ensure we get you maximum compensation.

We run on a contingency-fee basis, meaning that you owe us nothing unless we settle your case. To get started on your lawsuit, you can contact us by calling (213) 465-8682 or completing our easy online contact form.

Factors That Affect Rideshare Accident Compensation

Several factors can affect rideshare accident compensation. Let’s take a look at each one below.

Severity of Your Injury

The severity of your injury can play a significant role in determining compensation you may receive in a rideshare accident. Severe injuries often require prolonged recovery periods, leading to higher medical costs due to:

• Hospital stays
• Rehabilitation
• Ongoing treatments 

However, even minor injuries can justify compensation, especially if you are receiving medical treatments that will impact your daily life or create lasting discomfort. The extent of damages will ultimately influence the amount you may be awarded. 

Insurance Coverage

The amount of compensation you are owed can largely depend on what insurance policy will apply in your case. Uber and Lyft offer coverage, but it is limited. Availability will depend on the driver’s status at the time of the impact.

For instance, if the driver was not logged into the app when the crash occurred, Lyft or Uber’s insurance company will not cover the cost of damages presented, instead personal auto insurance will be the source of coverage. 

Now, let’s say that the accident happened while the driver was waiting for a ride request. In this case, limited liability insurance coverage will be provided. This includes:

• $50,000 per person for bodily injury
• $100,000 per accident for bodily injury
• $25,000 in property damage

This is only applicable if the driver’s personal insurance denies the claim or does not provide adequate coverage.

If the collision happened en route or during a trip, the following may apply:

• Insurance that covers at least $1,000,000 for property damage and injuries
• Personal injury protection (PIP), including medical expenses and lost wages regardless of fault
• Medical payments (MedPay) coverage no matter who is at fault 

If other parties are involved, their insurance could also come into play.

How Liable Are You

If the Lyft or Uber driver caused the crash while actively on duty, whether it be en route or on a trip, Uber or Lyft’s $1 million liability policy will apply, meaning that higher coverage will be available for the injuries sustained. Now, if the driver was logged into the app but waiting for a ride request, lower coverage will be available.

Since California follows pure comparative negligence law, shared liability is possible in an Uber or Lyft accident settlement. So, if you partially contributed to the rideshare accident, compensation will be reduced according to your degree of fault. 

For example, if total damages accumulated to $30,000 and you are 20 percent responsible, you may be given an estimate of $24,000.

If a third party was at fault for the crash, their insurance policy may apply. But, if they are uninsured or underinsured, UM/UIM coverage will make up for your losses. And if multiple parties are involved, liability may be distributed among each individual or entity. When this happens, the amount you acquire will depend on how fault is allocated and what insurance policies are effective.

Strength of Evidence

Strong evidence can help clear liability and prove the extent of damages you incurred. It can also prevent an insurance company from undervaluing or denying your accident claim.

We heavily encourage victims to gather evidence as soon as possible to be ahead of the legal process. This includes acquiring the following:

• Photos or video footage of your injury, damages, and the accident scene
• CCTV footage
• Witness statements
• A copy of the police report and your medical records

If wrongful death is involved, be sure to include the financial and emotional losses you suffered, such as

• Hospital fees
• Funeral and burial costs
• Lost income and benefits

Legal Representation

Legal representation is important in a Lyft or Uber accident settlement. Since these types of cases typically involve multiple insurance policies, an attorney can pursue compensation from the appropriate ones and ensure you do not settle less than what you are entitled to.

They will help gather and present evidence to prove liability and the full extent of damages you suffered as a result of the defendant’s negligence. Your legal representative will also handle negotiations made with the insurance company to prevent lowball offers. And if there is a dispute over the settlement amount, they can file a lawsuit and represent you in court.

Without such services, you could put yourself at risk of acquiring far less than what your case is worth. Having a rideshare accident attorney on your side can help ensure you are not being taken advantage of and that all damages are accounted for.

Types of Damages You Can Recover

In Lyft or Uber accident claims, you can recover economic damages, non-economic damages, and in rare cases, punitive damages. Let’s go over each one below.

Economic Damages

Economic damages are tangible losses you sustained as a result of the Uber or Lyft accident. This includes the following:

• Medical bills
• Lost wages
• Property damage

These can be easily calculated by referring to bills, receipts, and financial records.

Non-Economic Damages

Non-economic damages refer to intangible losses that are difficult to put a price on, such as:

• Emotional distress
• Loss of enjoyment of life
• Pain and suffering

Punitive Damages

In California, punitive damages are intended to punish the wrongdoer and prevent others from engaging in similar behavior. It is awarded if you can prove that the defendant’s actions were reckless, malicious, or fraudulent. These are more commonly awarded in situations where gross negligence, intentional harm, or extreme misconduct are present.

Average Settlement Amounts for Rideshare Accidents

The average settlement amount for a Lyft or Uber accident will vary depending on what factors are involved, like:

• The extent of your injury
• Percentage of fault
• Current and future medical expenses
• Lost income and earning capacity

After these factors have been carefully reviewed, the settlement value will be calculated and distributed appropriately. It can range anywhere from a few thousand dollars to more than a million. To get an idea of what you could be entitled to, you can request a case evaluation by a knowledgeable Lyft or Uber accident lawyer.

Schedule a FREE Consultation with West Coast Uber and Lyft Lawyers Today

If you were involved in a rideshare accident with a Lyft or Uber vehicle, you may pursue legal action against the at fault party to recover damages. At West Coast Uber and Lyft Accident Lawyers, we will protect your rights and advocate on your behalf to make sure you receive fair compensation for the losses you incurred.

To schedule a FREE consultation, you can get in touch with us by calling (213) 465-8682 or filling out our quick online contact form.