Louisiana Injury Lawyers Blog
Auto accidents involving ridesharing companies like Uber and Lyft are unique because of the changing landscape of the laws that regulate such businesses. Under current company policies, drivers should be covered as long as they are logged into the app. Likewise, passengers should be covered too. The legal grey area, however, is when someone is on their way to pick up a client. In these cases, the victim of a crash will have to go through the driver’s personal insurance before reaching the rideshare company. In some other cases, injured passengers have to fight against the driver, the driver’s insurance, or even the driver’s contractor to receive fair compensation. So you just got into a Rideshare accident and you want to know what to do next? Let us explain what you need to know.
Do rideshare companies have their own insurance policies?
Uber and Lyft are covered by their own insurance for which they pay premiums. These insurance companies are required to provide $1,000,000 of coverage for their drivers while transporting passenger(s). Uber and Lyft provide liability coverage for any accident that is the fault of the Rideshare driver. Ir does not cover the Uber or Lyft driver’s own injuries or vehicle damage. It is important to note that Louisiana requires the rideshare companies purchase uninsured/underinsured insurance coverage in the event that the rideshare driver/passenger(s) are stuck by an at fault underinsured/uninsured driver. The limit of this type of insurance coverage are $1,000,000.
Are Uber or Lyft cars registered as commercial vehicles?
No, drivers participating in rideshare apps do not have to register or insure their car as commercial vehicles. These services provide commercial and taxi-like services that enable passengers to arrange rides on short notice using a smartphone app, however they are exempt from following the same guidelines. Rideshare companies often argue that rideshare vehicles do not operate like traditional taxis; a single taxi is on the road upwards of 70,000 miles annually, whereas rideshare cars are used considerably less. However, some rideshare drivers drive full-time, placing them on the road equally as much as taxi drivers.
Continually, these apps claim that their businesses are just that, “just an app”. They claim to be just a technological startup that is the middle man between a person willing to give someone a ride and a person willing to take that ride. Because of this loophole, Uber or Lyft are not required to operate as a commercialized vehicle for-hire entity.
Can I Lose My Uber Access If I make a Claim?
It is not uncommon for an Uber driver or Uber Passenger to express worry about bringing a claim against the rideshare company. We understand these individuals rely upon Uber or Lyft systems in order to either make an income or for regular transportation needs. If you bring a valid injury claim under the insurance policy from Uber
or Lyft, you will not be penalized. Both Uber and Lyft pay a portion of each fare directly to their insurance companies for this exact purpose. Thus, pursuing a claim and retaining an Uber lawyer such as Cliff Cardone of Cardone Law will not cause you to be penalized.
Let the experienced accident attorneys at Cardone Law Firm help clear the air. Change can come at a time when you least expect it, including while you’re on your way to an important event, work party or family gathering. Change can happen in seconds, and it can alter everything you once knew. Who will you trust? Who will be there for you? Who will you choose to tell your story when the world moves your world, while you’re simply moving about your day?
Trust the “C” and Phone me at 504-522-3333