Rideshare Drivers Do Have Auto Insurance
One of the problems personal injury lawyers often face is that the driver who was negligent and collided into our client has no insurance or has minimal insurance. Not so with Uber accidents. Ridesharing companies like Uber and Lyft, provide insurance (usually substantial insurance) for their drivers. From the moment passengers press the Uber App to the time they get out of the car, that Uber driver will have insurance coverage that is available to that passenger if the driver negligently causes an accident with the passenger in the car.
Believe it or not, there are also cases in which ridesharing companies provide insurance for the driver even if the driver is NOT on the Ridesharing App. We are handling a case with one lady who was hit by a driver who was part of a ridesharing program called ExpressDrive. Under that program, the Lyft driver leases a vehicle, typically provided by a rental agency like Hertz, and then uses the rental car to drive for Lyft. While the Lyft driver was “on the App,” she was covered by one named insurance company (York), but when the Lyft driver was “off the App,” her medical was covered by a different named insurance company (MetLife) policy.
So don’t let an Uber or Lyft driver tell you that they have no insurance. Your rideshare accident lawyer needs to check to see if that ridesharing driver is working with one of these car rental programs.
New DUI Law
In 2018, a new law went into effect which places stringent alcohol use restrictions on ridesharing operators. CA Vehicle Code Sec. 23153(e) provides that a taxi, limo, and ridesharing driver is now considered under the influence if that driver has a BAC of .04% or higher and has a paying passenger in the car. This contrasts with the normal DUI threshold of .08%. Sec. 23153(b).
Multiple Defendants
In a case in which you involved and injured in a car accident with Uber or Lyft, you might have two lawsuits — one against your ridesharing driver, and another against the other driver who collided with the Lyft / Uber driver. Make sure your ride sharing accident lawyer is able to bring claims against all parties responsible.
Experience Counts
If you were a passenger and suffered injuries from an accident involving a ridesharing taxi service such as Uber or Lyft, call the attorneys at The Medler Law Firm offices today for a free consultation with an experienced Uber accident lawyer. An attorney on our legal team will ensure you get the compensation you deserve.
If you have been injured or your loved one killed in an Uber or Lyft accident anywhere in California or near any of these cities & communities, call us right now for a no-obligation case review. You may be entitled to negligence-based compensation.
There is never any fee until we win your case:
Aliso Viejo, Anaheim, Brea, Buena Park, Costa Mesa, Coto de Caza, Cypress, Dana Point, Fountain Valley, Fullerton, Garden Grove, Huntington Beach, Irvine, La Habra, La Palma, Ladera Ranch, Laguna Beach, Laguna Hills, Laguna Niguel, Laguna Woods, Lake Forest, Las Flores, Los Alamitos, Midway City, Mission Viejo, Newport Beach, North Tustin, Orange, Orange County, Placentia, Rancho Cucamonga, Rancho Santa Margarita, Rossmoor, San Clemente, San Juan Capistrano, Santa Ana, Santa Barbara, Seal Beach, Stanton, Tustin, Villa Park, Westminster, Westwood, Yorba Linda
