Rideshare services like Uber & Lyft have become popular in Chicago and many urban areas owing to the convenience and ease of use of the service. Though Uber and Lyft services are popular, these services come with risks. When a person takes these services there is always a chance that the Uber or Lyft driver will get into an accident that is the driver’s fault. In this case the rideshare passenger is entitled to make a claim against the driver. Additionally, if you are hit by Uber or Lyft driver while driving your car or on your bicycle you are entitled to make a claim against the driver. The Chicago rideshare accident lawyers of Zneimer & Zneimer P.C. have handled many Uber and Lyft accident cases and understand the process of making a claim against rideshare companies for a personal injury. We then seek the maximum compensation for all your losses.
What Insurance Applies if I Am Hit by an Uber or Lyft DriverIf you are injured by a negligent Lyft or Uber driver while driving a car, riding a bike or walking as a pedestrian, insurance will provide coverage will depend on the driver’s status at the time of the crash.
1. The Driver Was Not Logged on the Uber or Lyft App at the Time of the CrashIf the Uber or Lyft driver was “off-line” at the time of the crash, then Uber or Lyft’s insurance will not provide coverage, and the claim will be made through the driver’s personal insurance policy. Most personal insurance policies carry an exclusion for “commercial activity”. It is important that you speak with a Chicago rideshare accident attorney before talking to the insurance company of the driver so that you can get advice on any insurance coverage issues that might affect your case.
2. The Driver Was Logged on the Uber or Lyft App at the Time of the CrashIf the driver is logged into the rideshare app you can bring a claim against the ridesharing company’s insurance. You can also bring a claim against the driver’s personal insurance though there may be insurance coverage issues because of the “commercial activity” exclusion most auto insurance policies contain.
Both Uber and Lyft provide their drivers with liability coverage for a driver that is merely logged in waiting for a customer. However, the coverage is limited to the following dollar amounts:
When an Uber or Lyft driver has accepted a ride request and is in the process of picking up a passenger or the driver currently has a passenger, then the driver will be covered by the rideshare company’s insurance coverage. If this is the case, both Uber and Lyft provide $1 million dollars in total insurance coverage.
To explore what coverage was in effect at the time of the crash to ensure that you receive the maximum compensation for your injuries, call the Chicago personal injury lawyers at Zneimer and Zneimer for a free consultation. Know your rights before you talk to the insurance company.