The growing popularity of rideshare services like Lyft and Uber means that more and more people are injured as passengers in rideshare vehicles that are involved in accidents. These major services carry $1 million liability policies that cover their drivers while passengers on board, but there are some things to be aware of.
Lyft's and Uber's insurance policies only cover their drivers from the moment they accept a ride by tapping on the app to when they drop the passenger off, ending the ride. If the driver does not have a passenger or ride request, Uber's and Lyft's insurance policies do not cover the drivers, and the drivers' personal insurance policies are applicable. In some cases, both insurance companies become involved, which causes even more trouble.
This is important, because Uber and Lyft drivers are independent contractors, and have gone through minimal training and scrutiny by Uber or Lyft. Passengers do not know whether the drivers are safe. We have all experienced big differences in how well Uber and Lyft drivers drive.
The result is that you may end up in a situation where Uber's or Lyft's insurance companies and the drivers' personal insurance companies all deny liability. If you have been injured as a passenger with a rideshare company, please contact me for a free consultation.