Ride-sharing services such as Uber and Lyft have brought revolutionary changes to the ordinary means of commuting; we no longer have to dirty our shoes or even have to worry about gas, parking, and areas with high traffic. But, what happens when an accident occurs, Ask Van Nuys car accident attorney. Based in Los Angeles, the following article is what you need to know.
California Law and Insurance Requirements
The Golden State mandates all ride-share companies, including Uber and Lyft, to guarantee their drivers using their insurance. According to The California Public Utilities Commission, it is required to have: $50,000 to cover bodily injury per person, $100,000 to cover bodily injury per accident, $30,000 to cover property damage per accident.
Uber and Lyft Insurance Coverage
Depending on the accident, both Uber and Lyft have different types of insurance coverage. These layers of coverage include:
- The driver is offline or the app is off: Both companies offer Contingent liability of $50,000 per bodily injury per person, $100,000 per bodily injury per accident, and $30,000 for property damage per accident.
- The driver is online and waiting for a ride request: Uber and Lyft avail Lyft offers 1 million dollars in liability insurance and covers any driver without a passenger
- The driver is en route to pick up passengers or already has passengers in the vehicle: During this period, both Uber and Lyft will cover 1 million dollars in liability and round up millions of dollars in the wave for each driver with the passenger.
File a claim after an Accident
Safety should come first for you and those involved in the accident. An injured individual should receive medical care. To start with a claim, you should report the accident to the police and notify Uber or Lyft. Report through their app. Photograph the accident scene, photographing vehicle wreckage, and injuries sustained. Get a personal injury lawyer who can assist you during the claiming process to secure compensation that can enable you to recover from car accidents and medical bills.
Getting into an accident while riding with Lyft or Uber can be confusing. However, with a proper understanding of your rights and the law, you can get compensation for car accidents and medical bills from Uber and Lyft. It is important, after an accident, that you consult a personal accident attorney who will protect your rights and ensure you don’t get exploited into accepting an undeserved reward.