Rideshare companies like Uber and Lyft have changed how people commute to work, shop, and get around Salt Lake City. Unfortunately, these companies have also had an impact on the risk of car accidents. According to research from the University of Chicago Booth School of Business, ridesharing has been linked to an increase of approximately 3 percent in the number of motor vehicle fatalities and fatal accidents. Further, insurance claims are also more complex.
If you were hurt in a rideshare accident, you may have questions about Uber or Lyft driver liability. Contact our team of Salt Lake City car accident lawyers at Valiente Mott for a free case analysis. We are happy to answer your questions and assess if you have a viable personal injury claim.
When are rideshare drivers at fault for an accident?
Rideshare drivers can be liable for the same reasons as any other negligent motorist. You could hold them accountable by establishing that they acted recklessly and caused the crash.
Examples of negligent behavior include the following:
- Speeding
- Drunk driving
- Fatigued driving
- Failure to yield
- Running a stop sign
- Aggressive driving
If you’ve been severely hurt due to the negligence of an Uber or Lyft driver, you may have a valid claim. Driving under the influence of alcohol is a serious offense with significant consequences.
Can I sue Uber or Lyft in Utah?
If you’ve been in an accident involving a rideshare driver, whether as a passenger, the driver of another vehicle, or a pedestrian, the party who caused the accident is liable to compensate you through their insurance. If the rideshare driver were at fault, you would first file a claim against their auto insurance. If that source of compensation reaches policy limits, the rideshare company’s insurance coverage will kick in.
In the past, Uber and Lyft would only cover a driver when they have accepted a ride request (Period 2) or were already transporting a passenger (Period 3). However, Uber and Lyft have now begun to provide insurance coverage for drivers during Period 1, e.g., when the driver is not logged in to the app or is awaiting a ride request, which is when there are often issues in insurance coverage.
In Utah, both Uber and Lyft provide their drivers with insurance coverage in the following manner:
- Period 1: Bodily injury liability for $50,000/$100,000 per accident; property damage of $25,000 per accident.
- Periods 2 and 3: $1 million for third-party liability coverage.
Due to the complexity of insurance issues, it’s always wise to contact an experienced attorney to offer you the best chance of recovering the compensation for your losses and damages.
When you or a loved one is hurt in a car accident, the anxiety and pressure experienced when trying to juggle insurance adjusters, collection companies, body shops, hospitals, employment obligations, and family stressors are already difficult enough. Adding the challenges of rideshare accidents further complicates the matter.
If you have been in an accident with an Uber or Lyft driver, you need an experienced and dedicated lawyer to fight for your rights. Call a Salt Lake City car accident attorney at Valiente Mott for a free consultation.