Since Uber and Lyft were introduced in Milwaukee over four years ago, drunk driving arrests have gone down. In 2017, drunk driving arrests decreased by 40 percent compared to the numbers in 2013—the year before ridesharing apps were introduced. Despite this improvement, there are other dangers ridesharing services bring to communities. If you and your family are not prepared for these hazards, then your entire way of life could be in jeopardy.
Though one study claims that Uber and Lyft reduce drunk driving, another report blames these ridesharing apps for a spike in traffic collisions. In a paper called The Cost of Convenience, researchers combed through 2001-2016 traffic accident data from 2,955 locations. Paying close attention to 1,185 areas where ride-hailing apps were launched, researchers found an increase in traffic collisions. Could this mean there’s a greater risk of you getting into an accident with a rideshare driver?
If you are injured in a crash with an Uber or Lyft vehicle, there are a few things you need to know. First, since rideshare companies claim their drivers are independent contractors, these companies are rarely sued for crashes. However, this doesn’t mean that rideshare companies can’t be held responsible for the damage caused by their drivers.
Most of these companies have insurance policies that cover their drivers when they pick up and deliver passengers to their destinations. For Uber and Lyft, that policy covers injuries, property damage and damages caused by uninsured/underinsured motorists up to $1 million. That coverage is reduced if the driver was not carrying a passenger at the time of the accident.
If the driver is involved in an accident before they pick up a passenger, but their app is on, coverage drops to:
If the rideshare driver doesn’t have their app on, and gets into an accident, then the driver’s personal insurance covers them. However, most personal insurance policies do not cover drivers while they are commercially transporting passengers. As a result, there is often no overlapping insurance coverage.
This is vital information you need to know, especially if you are involved in a car accident with a rideshare vehicle. The other important detail to know is that insurance companies are not obligated to pay out to their policy limits. So, some insurance companies may try to force victims to settle their claims for less. When this happens, having an attorney by your side can help.
At Martin Law Office, S.C., we help the injured recover the compensation they need to put their lives back together. Our experienced attorneys fight for results, and our clients have many good things to say about our services. If you need help after an Uber or Lyft car accident, don’t hesitate to give us a call at (414)856-4010 or fill out our online contact form.
