How Much is a Payout After an Uber/Lyft Accident?

Home  »  Car Accidents   »   Are Uber/Lyft Accidents Covered by a $1 Million Insurance Payout?

Are Uber/Lyft Accidents Covered by a $1 Million Insurance Payout?

May 19, 2023

Uber and Lyft accidents are a common occurrence – particularly in Sothern California. A recent study from the University of Chicago confirmed that as the number of rideshare vehicles on the road has increased over the years, approximately 1,000 daily car accidents now occur as a result. The study also found that ride-sharing services such as Uber and Lyft are responsible for a 3% rise in fatal car accidents.

How Much is a Payout After an Uber/Lyft Accident?

The University of Chicago’s rideshare report included statistics from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). It also compared the accident rates of major cities that first launched rideshare apps (relative to the number of vehicle miles/kilometers traveled).

The findings of the rideshare accident study reveal some alarming statistics:

  • Between 2017 and 2018, Uber vehicles were involved 97 fatal accidents.
  • These crashes resulted in 107 deaths.
  • Riders accounted for 21% of the crash victims
  • 21% of the victims in these crashes were drivers.
  • The rest of the victims (58%) were either passengers or drivers who had not been involved in a crash.

The University of Chicago rideshare accident report shows that there is now a higher risk of a serious or deadly crash as wither a rideshare passenger or driver or in a vehicle (in many cases, the liability falls on a third-party driver). Rideshare apps are convenient and even essential for some people. However, an argument can be made that their increased popularity has made the roads in America more dangerous.

Additionally, the study suggests that the increase in accidents caused by rideshare apps is not only due to the increased number of rides requested, but also because Uber and Lyft driver spend more time on the highways. Uber and Lyft drivers don’t just spend countless hours taking passengers to their destinations – they are on the road to pick up new passengers, searching for passengers, waiting for passengers, etc.

As more and more Uber and Lyft rideshare accidents have occurred, more and more drivers and passengers face questions over filing a personal injury claim for damages. In the sections below, we will answer all the questions you have regarding how much an Uber/Lyft claim is worth, if your accident is covered under a company $1 million insurance policy, and how to speak to a car accident attorney for a free consultation.

Am I Covered Under Uber/Lyft’s $1 Million Insurance Policy?

Am I Covered Under Uber/Lyft's $1 Million Insurance Policy?

Both Uber and Lyft mandate that drivers carry private liability coverage and uninsured/underinsured insurance up to $1 million per accident. Uber and Lyft also carry third-party liability insurance that covers up to $1,000,000 per incident in case of personal injury or property damage sustained by you during a Los Angeles car accident. It’s important to remember that Uber’s and Lyft’s third-party policies only apply after the rideshare driver’s own insurance is exhausted.

So, If the driver of the ride-sharing app was not logged in to his/her company app, or if he/she was off duty at the time of the accident (i.e. If the rideshare driver was not transporting a customer/passenger), the driver’s personal insurance policy would first be used to cover your damages. If the driver is logged in to the app and you are a passenger in the vehicle, the company’s insurance policy will likely cover the injury resulting from the accident up to $1 million.

The way liability is determined for an Uber or Lyft accident can differ from one state to another. In California, the liability for fatalities or injuries caused by a car crash is determined based on percentage of fault (whether it was intentional or not).

How Do I File an Uber/Lyft Accident Claim to Get the Most Compensation?

When you file an Uber or Lyft accident claim with the experienced and proven Los Angeles rideshare accident attorneys at Dordulian Law Group (DLG), we will aggressively pursue financial damages such as medical bills, pain and discomfort, loss of quality of life, emotional trauma, lost wages, vehicle damage or replacement, and more.

In the event of a tragic fatality after an Uber or Lyft accident, eligible family members and dependents can file a lawsuit for wrongful death to recover financial damages. In an Uber or Lyft accident claim, wrongful death damages may include:

  • The decedent’s medical expenses prior to death
  • Funeral or burial expenses
  • Loss of companionship

DLG’s dedicated team of lawyers has successfully handled various types of wrongful death claims.

Damages/Financial Compensation Available After an Uber or Lyft Accident Injury

The types of economic and non-economic damages that may be recovered after your Uber or Lyft accident injury will vary depending on the unique circumstances of the incident (e.g. severity of injuries, extent of liability, driver’s personal history, etc.).

Common Uber and Lyft accident injury damages are broken down below according to type.

Some Uber or Lyft Accident Economic Damages:

  • Medical expenses
  • Emergency department treatment
  • Physical Therapy
  • Rehabilitation
  • Lost Wages
  • Lost Earning Capacity

Some Uber or Lyft Accident Non-Economic Damages:

  • Pain and suffering
  • Emotional trauma
  • Reduced quality of life
  • Scarring or other serious injury
  • Compensation for loss of a limb or disfigurement

Punitive damages for Uber and Lyft accidents are in a separate class. These damages are recovered in rare cases – typically when a rideshare driver demonstrates extreme recklessness or disregard for human life.

For example:

  • If the Uber or Lyft driver who caused your accident had a history of driving recklessly, DLG’s car accident lawyers may pursue punitive damages on your behalf.
  • If an Uber or Lyft accident claim involves a driver who was repeatedly involved in serious accidents, but the rideshare company continued to allow him or her to continue to drive.

Punitive damages are not capped in the state of California, and DLG pursues them in every applicable Uber/Lyft car accident claim. Punitive damages may be in addition to the Uber/Lyft company $1 million insurance policies.

Contact a California Uber/Lyft Accident Lawyer Today for a Free Consultation

DLG offers free and confidential consultations for Uber/Lyft accident injuries. We will review your individual case facts and present you with all the legal options available to protect your rights and ensure that you receive the maximum amount of financial damages you deserve. We provide Uber and Lyft accident services to clients in California as well as throughout the United States.

Your California Uber/Lyft injury lawsuit value will depend on the specific circumstances surrounding the accident. When you hire DLG’s rideshare accident attorneys, you can rest assured that we will aggressively fight to obtain the maximum financial compensation that is available for all damages.

Contact DLG today at 866-GO-SEE-SAM after your Uber or Lyft injury. You have nothing to fear and everything to gain – don’t let the at-fault party or insurance company take advantage of your rights. You have the power protect yourself from financial loss in the event of an Uber or Lyft injury.

DLG’s rideshare accident attorneys never charge an upfront fee or impose any obligations. You will never pay a dime until you receive the maximum amount of financial damages for your Uber/Lyft claim.

Ready to file a claim and pursue justice through a financial damages award? Our expert attorneys are available online or by phone now.

Contact the best Los Angles, California, Uber/Lyft accident attorneys today to take the first step toward recovering the maximum financial compensation you deserve.

Author

Samuel Dordulian

Samuel Dordulian, founder

Sam Dordulian is an award-winning sexual abuse lawyer with over 25 years' experience helping survivors secure justice. As a former sex crimes prosecutor and Deputy District Attorney for L.A. County, he secured life sentences against countless sexual predators. Mr. Dordulian currently serves on the National Leadership Council for RAINN.




Go See Sam