Attorney
Ride-share services like Uber and Lyft make getting around Lake County, IL, more convenient than ever. However, figuring out who is responsible can be confusing when an accident happens. If you sustain injuries as a passenger, you might wonder who should pay for your medical bills and help alleviate the impact of lost wages and other costs. The answer depends on several factors, including who caused the accident and whose insurance applies.
Who Could Be Responsible for Your Injuries?
If you are hurt in a ride-share accident, there are a few possible parties who could be at fault:
The Ride-Share Driver
Drivers for Uber and Lyft are not employees of the companies. Instead, they are independent contractors. That means their personal insurance might come into play, depending on what they were doing when the accident happened. If your driver caused the crash, their insurance or Uber/Lyft’s insurance may cover your injuries:
- If the driver was actively transporting a passenger when the crash occurred, Uber and Lyft have liability insurance covering injuries up to $1 million.
- If the driver was waiting for a ride request, the company’s insurance may still apply, but at lower limits.
- If the driver was not logged into the app, their personal car insurance applies.
Another Driver
Sometimes, another driver is responsible for the crash. If this happens, that driver’s insurance should cover your damages. However, not all drivers carry enough insurance, and some may not have any at all. In these cases, Uber and Lyft provide coverage for uninsured/underinsured motorists, which could help cover your injuries.
Uber/Lyft’s Insurance
If the ride-share driver was at fault and their personal insurance is not enough to cover your injuries, Uber and Lyft’s insurance policies may step in. These companies carry high-limit policies designed to cover passengers when their drivers actively work.
A Third Party
In some cases, other factors might contribute to an accident. A pedestrian, a bicyclist, or even a poorly maintained road could play a role. A government agency might be responsible if road conditions or a faulty traffic signal contributed to the crash. Even the car manufacturer could be liable if a vehicle defect caused the accident.
What to Do After a Ride-Share Accident
If you were a passenger in an Uber or Lyft accident, you should do the following:
- Get Medical Attention – Get medical care right away. Seeing a doctor can help prevent complications and provide medical records that support your claim.
- Call the Police – A police report can help document what happened and establish fault. Be sure to request a copy of the report (or call us and we will get it for you).
- Gather Information – Get details from everyone involved, including the ride-share driver, the other driver, and any witnesses. Take photos of the vehicles, license plates, traffic signals, and anything else that might be important.
- Report the Accident to Uber or Lyft – Both companies have a process for reporting accidents. This helps document your case and may speed up the claims process.
- Contact an Attorney – An insurance company may try to pay you less than you deserve. A knowledgeable ride-share accident lawyer can help you better understand your rights and fight for fair compensation.
Why Call Michael Kawi Law, LLC?
After a ride-share accident, the insurance process can be overwhelming. Companies might try to deny responsibility, delay your claim, or offer a low settlement that won’t cover all your losses. You shouldn’t have to deal with this alone.
At Michael Kawi Law, LLC, we fight for ride-share accident victims in Lake County, IL and throughout Illinois. Our team understands how these cases work and knows how to hold Uber, Lyft, and insurance companies accountable. We can help you recover damages for medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and more.
Let us handle the legal side while you focus on healing. Call us today for a free consultation. We’ll listen to your story, explain your options, and guide you toward the best path forward.