Accident Lawyers Discuss Uber or Lyft Accidents in Chicago or Illinois: Who is Liable?
In recent years, using a ridesharing service such as Lyft or Uber has exploded in popularity. Tens of thousands of drivers drive for Uber and Lyft in the Chicago area. Users love knowing exactly what they will be charged before they agree to accept a ride, especially in popular tourist areas. Drivers for Lyft and Uber are not employees; rather, they are independent contractors that agree to drive for these companies. If you are involved in an accident with an Uber or Lyft driver, whether as a passenger or as a driver in another vehicle, who is responsible for your injuries?
There are different phases in ridesharing. Period 1 is when the driver has the app turned on, but does not have a passenger and is not responding to a ride request. Period 2 begins when the Lyft or Uber driver accepts a request and is on the way to pick up the passenger. Period 3 is initiated when the passenger enters the vehicle.
Collision and liability coverage are generally only provided by Uber and Lyft during Periods 2 and 3. During Period 1, contingent liability coverage may be provided. With contingent liability coverage, the ridesharing company will provide some coverage if the driver’s personal insurance policy does not. Many personal automobile insurance policies exclude coverage if the accident happens while the driver is using the car to make money. With both Lyft and Uber, the contingent liability coverage limits are $50,000 per person, $25,000 for property damage, and $100,000 per accident.
During Periods 2 and 3, however, Lyft and Uber may provide coverage. Both have policies that provide up to $1 million in insurance coverage. However, it should be noted that both Lyft and Uber actually use a third party company for their insurance services. Therefore, if you call Uber or Lyft to report an accident, you will be directed to a different company. You may not receive much assistance from Lyft and Uber.
Even though some lawsuits have been filed against Lyft and Uber for motor vehicle accidents, matters involving insurance coverage in these claims are complicated. It is best to hire an attorney as soon as possible if you have been involved in an accident with someone who drives for a ridesharing company. Personal injury attorneys will not let their clients be pushed around by the insurance companies—they will ensure that they get the money they deserve.
If a victim is successful in a legal claim, that victim may be entitled to a variety of damages, including medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, emotional distress, and even the cost of future medical care. The odds of recovering one’s financial losses increase significantly once an attorney has been hired.
If you were involved in an accident with a Lyft or Uber driver, call today
Chicago law firm Stein & Shulman is experienced in claims involving Lyft and Uber. To schedule your free consultation with us, call 312.422.0500.
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