Ridesharing services like Uber and Lyft have revolutionized the transportation industry in the recent past. While these services offer great convenience and affordability, accidents involving passengers of Uber and Lyft do happen. An Uber or Lyft driver can get into a hit-and-run accident, leaving you injured and uncertain about what to do next. If you find yourself in this situation, is it possible to hold the ridesharing company liable for your injuries? This article will guide you through the options you have.
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Call 911 and Gather Information
Your first action should be to call 911 to alert the authorities of the accident and get the medical care you require. By doing this, there will be an official report documenting the accident, which will be valuable evidence in any legal case that may arise. Of course, if you are unable to make a call, try to ask a bystander or another passenger to do it for you.
While still at the accident scene, try to gather as much information about the incident as possible. This includes getting the driver’s name, contact details, and insurance information. You should also note down the license plate number, the make and model of the car, and any details about the driver’s behavior that could be relevant.
Uber or Lyft Insurance Policies
Uber and Lyft provide $1 million in liability coverage for accidents that occur during a trip. However, this insurance coverage is only applicable when the driver is logged into the app and has passengers in the vehicle. If the driver has not yet accepted a ride, the insurance coverage is less generous, with Uber and Lyft offering $50,000 in liability coverage per person and $100,000 in liability coverage per accident.
Uninsured Motorist Coverage
If you are in an Uber or Lyft hit-and-run accident, the at-fault driver may be unidentifiable or uninsured. In such cases, your best option may be to file a claim under your own insurance policy’s uninsured motorist coverage (UM). UM coverage can help cover the costs associated with your injuries, lost wages, and other related expenses.
Some insurers may require that you exhaust all the avenues for recovery from other sources before resorting to your UM coverage. Therefore, you should try to get as much information as possible about the hit-and-run driver to give your insurer the best chance of tracking them down.
Filing a Lawsuit Against Uber or Lyft
If your injuries are severe, you may need to file a civil lawsuit against Uber or Lyft to recover damages. However, taking on a large company like Uber or Lyft can be complex and challenging. You will need an experienced ridesharing accident attorney to guide you through the process. An attorney who specializes in ridesharing accidents will help you determine if Uber or Lyft’s policy covers your losses and the amount of compensation you should seek.
Conclusion
If you are in an Uber or Lyft hit-and-run accident, it is essential to follow the steps outlined above, and you should contact a personal injury attorney for guidance. An experienced attorney will help you navigate the complex legal processes involved and ensure that you receive just compensation for your injuries and losses.
Remember, it is in your best interest to seek immediate medical attention after an accident, even if you don’t feel any pain. Some injuries may not present themselves immediately, and it’s best to get checked out by a medical professional to identify any underlying issues. Finally, be careful when hailing a ridesharing service—always double-check the driver’s name, car make, and model before entering the vehicle.