Rideshare accidents can be stressful and confusing, especially if you are unsure of what steps to take following the event. Whether it is a minor fender-bender or a severe collision, knowing how to respond can make a big difference when it comes to protecting your safety and your rights. Understanding how to react is key to ensure you receive fair compensation for any injuries or damages you endured as a result of the at fault party’s negligence. 

At West Coast Uber and Lyft Accident Lawyers, we have created a guide to help you navigate such a situation that will allow you to undergo the legal process with confidence.

If you were in a rideshare accident, we offer FREE consultations to inform you about what you could be entitled to. Our team will provide personalized advice with no hidden or upfront fees. Contact us today to get started on your lawsuit by calling (213) 465-8682 or filling out our easy online contact form.

Uber and Lyft Accident Statistics

Assessing the statistics behind rideshare accidents can give you insight on the severity of the issue and the potential risks involved. Let’s take a quick look at the data provided by Uber and Lyft in the sections below.

Uber

According to Uber’s 2021 to 2022 safety report, rideshare-related fatalities contributed to 0.000008% of total trips, translating to one fatality in every 12 million trips. Between the periods analyzed, there were 153 motor vehicle deaths across 127 Uber crashes. Most of these involved negligent behavior by third-party drivers.

About one-third of fatalities were caused by outside drivers with alcohol impairment. Speeding was another issue that accounted for 39 percent of fatalities, with 93 percent involving other drivers. Wrong-way driving was less common, but was still a notable problem, taking part in 13 percent of deaths, with 100 percent contributed by non-affiliated drivers. 

Other additional data include the following:

• 97% of crashes occurred in urban environments
• 45% of individuals killed were using the Uber app
• 29% were riders, representing one in every 43 million trips
• 16% were drivers, representing one in every 76 million trips
• 62% of Uber rider and driver deaths involved third-party reckless driving behavior

Lyft

According to Lyft’s 2020 to 2022 safety report, crashes occurred in only 0.0002 percent of rides. During this period, there were 111 motor vehicle fatalities reported on the rideshare platform, reflecting a 14 percent increase in rate per 100 million vehicle miles traveled and a 31 percent increase in collision frequency compared to the previous report.

What to Do After an Uber or Lyft Accident?

Being involved in a motor vehicle accident while using Uber or Lyft can be frightening. Although it is easier said than done, you should try to implement the steps sectioned below to protect yourself and improve your chances at acquiring maximum compensation.

Get to Safety

If it is safe to do so, try to find a secure location nearby to avoid further complications, especially if you are in the middle of the road.

Report the Accident

Check for injuries or damages. If you notice any, you should contact local authorities and request immediate assistance. The police will arrive at the accident scene and conduct a written report. Paramedics will also be present to administer medical care to the injured parties.

You should also report the accident to Uber or Lyft using their in-app features. The customer support team will follow a structured process to ensure the situation is handled effectively.

Seek Medical Attention

Even if you feel fine, you should still seek medical attention as some injuries may not be immediately apparent following the rideshare accident. Your physician will have you undergo one or more imaging exams to detect bodily injury, and will then diagnose it. You will receive a medical treatment plan soon after to help with the recovery process.

You should request a copy of your medical records and receipts for potential reimbursement. These can also be used as evidence to prove to the opposing side that you sustained bodily injury and sought out care by a medical professional to recover.

Exchange Information with All Parties Involved

Do not forget to exchange insurance and contact details with the rideshare driver and other people involved.

Gather Information

Try to get as much evidence as you can. This includes:

• 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

Consult with a Personal Injury Lawyer

Consider consulting with a personal injury lawyer after the rideshare car accident. Benefits associated with acquiring legal representation include the following:

• Legal expertise and guidance will be provided
• Your necessary paperwork and deadlines will be handled
• Your lawyer will gather strong evidence and file a claim on your behalf
• They will prove liability and fault
• Your legal representative will then contact the insurance company directly and prevent lowball offers, and will maximize compensation
• They will represent you in court if your case heads to trial

Rideshare Accident Insurance Coverage 

Both Uber and Lyft have processes for reporting accidents through their apps, which will then apply the appropriate insurance coverage, which comes in different levels based on what phase the driver was currently in moments before the crash. Let’s take a look at each one below.

Driver Logged Off

If the rideshare accident happened while offline, the driver’s personal auto insurance will be the primary source of coverage.

Online and Waiting for a Ride Request

Uber and Lyft provide contingent liability coverage specifically when drivers are online and are not making any active deliveries. If the driver’s personal insurance is insufficient, third-party liability insurance will cover the cost of bodily injuries and damage in at least the following amounts:

• $50,000 per individual
• $100,00 per accident
• $25,000 in property damage

En route or on a Trip

Uber and Lyft offer insurance that will provide at least $1,000,000 for property damage and injuries to riders and third-parties involved in a rideshare accident. In addition, both companies cover the cost to repair your vehicle up to its actual cash value, with a $2,500 deductible. This is available if you have comprehensive and collision coverage in your personal insurance policy.

Other additional coverage that may be offered include the following:

• Uninsured or underinsured motorist (UM/UIM) coverage
• Personal injury protection (PI) for medical expenses and lost wages for the driver and rider regardless of liability
• Medical payments (MedPay) coverage for the driver and rider no matter who is at fault

Can You Sue Lyft or Uber if Your Driver Crashes?

In most cases, you cannot sue Lyft or Uber directly. This is because of Proposition 22. When this law went into effect, rideshare drivers were officially classified as independent contractors, meaning that liability will usually fall on them for collisions.

But, if they were acting within the scope of their employment or the company was negligent, it could be possible to pursue legal action against Uber or Lyft. Given the circumstances, you will need to prove negligence. For instance:

• The company failed to properly screen the driver
• The company continued to allow a dangerous driver to perform rideshare services
• The company did not ensure the driver’s vehicle was properly maintained

Suing a rideshare company is not as easy as it may seem. While it does look like an obvious path to take when dealing with an injury or damages, the process is often complex. Even if negligence is clear, filing a claim against them can be time-consuming and difficult, which is why many affected individuals often turn to a rideshare car accident lawyer for legal insight on the claims process.

How Long Do I Have to File a Rideshare Accident Claim?

If you were involved in a rideshare accident, you will be given two years from the initial date of the incident to file a personal injury claim. This is necessary if the driver’s insurance does not cover any of the damages you incurred, like medical bills or lost wages.

Be sure to gather significant evidence to strengthen your case, and find the right personal injury lawyer to represent you. If you delay any of these tasks, you will put yourself at risk of exceeding the statute of limitations. And if you do happen to go over the time limit, you will no longer be eligible to recover damages.

How Much are Uber or Lyft Settlement Amounts?

Rideshare passengers are entitled to compensation if they are injured as a result of a collision, regardless of fault. Each case will involve unique challenges that will affect what the settlement value will be for impacted individuals. The following factors will be considered when calculating and distributing pay:

• The extent of bodily injury
• Percentage of fault
• Current and future medical bills
• Lost wages and earning capacity

Usually, economic damages and non-economic damages are awarded in personal injury cases. This includes:

• Hospital fees
• Lost income
• Property damage
• Emotional distress
• Pain and suffering

Schedule a FREE Consultation for Your Uber or Lyft Accident Case Today

Rideshare accident victims may file a personal injury lawsuit against the at fault driver to recover damages. At West Coast Uber and Lyft Accident Lawyers, we are readily available to step in and handle all legal aspects involved in your case while you focus on your recovery without added stress. With our proven track record of delivering client satisfaction, we are confident that we will deliver favorable results. To schedule a FREE consultation today with an experienced personal injury attorney, you can get in touch with us by calling (213) 465-8682 or completing our quick online contact form.