While Uber and Lyft have become an important part of Jackson residents’ daily lives, the number of Uber and Lyft accidents has increased as more drivers have become rideshare contractors. Recovering compensation after an Uber or Lyft accident can be difficult.
If you were injured in an Uber or Lyft accident, there could be a few insurance options available. This is where a skilled Jackson Uber and Lyft accident lawyer can be helpful. Uber and Lyft provide a high amount of insurance coverage for accidents involving their drivers. However, whether you can file for Uber or Lyft insurance can confuse those unfamiliar with the process.
If you were injured in an Uber or Lyft accident, our Jackson Uber and Lyft accident lawyers can help. Call Howe Law today at (844) 876-4357 for a free case assessment.
How Insurance Coverage Works for Uber and Lyft Accidents in Jackson, MS
The process of recovering compensation after a typical car accident is already complex. Still, an accident involving Uber or Lyft adds yet another level of confusion. Mississippi is an at-fault state to file for insurance benefits after an accident. You must file a claim against the negligent driver’s insurance and prove fault before receiving compensation. When an Uber or Lyft driver is involved in an accident, a few options to recover compensation might be available. However, whether the Uber or Lyft driver was “on duty” and working at the time of the accident will impact if and how much Uber or Lyft’s insurance covers. Our Jackson Uber and Lyft accident attorneys can help you determine which insurance options are available in your case.
When an Uber or Lyft Driver is Off Duty
A rideshare driver is considered off duty if they are not logged into the Uber or Lyft app and only using their car for personal reasons. Uber and Lyft’s insurance would not provide coverage for the injuries if an accident occurred when the rideshare driver was off duty. However, Uber and Lyft drivers are required to carry commercial insurance in addition to their personal car insurance. If a driver was off duty when the accident happened, you could file a claim against their commercial and personal insurance to recover compensation.
When an Uber or Lyft Driver is On Duty but Has Not Accepted a New Rider
Uber and Lyft’s insurance will apply if an accident occurs while the rideshare driver is on duty but still waiting to accept a new rider. In these situations, Uber and Lyft usually provide liability coverage of up to $100,000 per accident, $50,000 per person, and $25,000 for property damage. You will still be able to file a claim against the negligent driver’s insurance to cover the costs of your injuries.
When an Uber or Lyft Driver is On Duty and En Route to Pick Up a Passenger
If an Uber or Lyft driver has accepted a passenger and is involved in an accident on the way to pick up their customer, Uber and Lyft will provide up $1,000,000 in liability coverage.
When an Uber or Lyft Driver is On Duty with a Passenger
Lastly, Uber and Lyft insurance will certainly apply if the Uber or Lyft driver had a passenger at the time of the accident. Uber and Lyft offer insurance coverage for accidents involving active passengers up to $1,000,000 for bodily injuries.
When You are the Passenger in an Uber or Lyft Accident Caused by Another Driver
If you are an Uber or Lyft passenger in an accident caused by another driver, you can file a claim for benefits against the at-fault driver’s insurance. This is, of course, in addition to the Uber or Lyft insurance coverage you could file for. This becomes important when you are injured in a hit-and-run accident, or a negligent driver does not have enough liability insurance to cover your injuries. Fortunately, Uber and Lyft provide up to $1,000,000 in uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage for these occasions. Our Jackson Uber and Lyft accident attorneys can help you navigate the complexities of the recovery process so you do not miss out on vital compensation.
Filing a Lawsuit After an Uber or Lyft Accident in Jackson, MS
Because Mississippi is an at-fault state, in most cases, you are not restricted in your ability to file a lawsuit to recover damages if insurance settlement negotiations fail. Filing a lawsuit after an Uber or Lyft accident can be more challenging, though, as special rules shield Uber and Lyft from liability. However, a lawsuit will likely be your best option to recover compensation that insurance will not provide.
Suing Uber and Lyft Directly
In most cases, you will not be able to sue Uber or Lyft for their driver’s negligence. Uber and Lyft drivers are considered independent contractors and are, therefore, not actual employees of Uber or Lyft. In typical employment cases, a company can be held liable for their employee’s negligence if the accident occurred during the normal scope of their work. Not with Uber and Lyft, however. Because Uber and Lyft cannot be held liable for their driver’s negligent acts, you will need to show that Uber or Lyft acted negligently in some other way to hold them directly accountable in court.
Uber and Lyft are required to hire and maintain safe drivers. If it can be shown that Uber or Lyft was negligent in the hiring process, they could be held liable for negligent hiring practices. Uber and Lyft could also be sued if they knowingly kept a dangerous driver on the road. Keep in mind that these cases are rare, and in most cases, your rideshare driver will be the appropriate party to sue.
Suing the Responsible Driver
Filing a lawsuit against your rideshare driver will likely be the best way to recover the full compensation you are owed. Often, an at-fault driver’s insurance will offer a low amount to settle an insurance claim to save money or dispute the claim, denying you compensation completely. Also, you might still have considerable costs even after receiving the maximum compensation from the insurance options available. When this occurs, Mississippi at-fault laws allow you to file a lawsuit against the negligent driver without restraint. If insurance is not enough, our Jackson Uber and Lyft accident attorneys can help you file your lawsuit to recover the compensation that you deserve.
Our Jackson, MS, Uber and Lyft Accident Attorneys Can Help
If you or a loved one has been injured in an Uber or Lyft accident, our Jackson Uber and Lyft accident lawyers can help you get the justice you deserve. For a free case review, contact Howe Law at (844) 876-4357.
