RIDESHARE ACCIDENTS

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Ridesharing applications like Uber and Lyft, and the services they provide have now become very popular. These rideshare apps provide a reliable and safe way to get around. With such a huge increase of rideshare vehicles on the road, it is quite likely that you have experienced an accident involving an Uber or Lyft at some point. 

First, In California, peer-to-peer rideshare services are regulated by the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) and are classified as Transportation Network Companies (TNCs). CPUC defines TNCs as companies that “provide prearranged transportation services for compensation using an online-enabled application or platform (such as smartphone apps) to connect drivers using their personal vehicles with passengers.” Under CPUC regulations, TNCs have several requirements, one of which is to maintain a minimum $1 million-per-incident insurance policy.

If you are involved in an accident and the Uber or Lyft Driver is at fault, your recovery is determined by periods. 

If the ride app is turned off, then the at-fault driver is acting as a private person and his personal insurance is in effect.

If the ride app is turned on but the driver is waiting for a ride match, the following insurance limits are in effect 

• $50,000 death or personal injury per person
• $100,000 death or personal injury per incident
•  $30,000 property damage
• This requirement can be satisfied through the driver’s TNC insurance policy
• TNCs required to maintain additional coverage
• $200,000 minimum in excess liability per occurrence to cover the TNC and driver
• This requirement can be satisfied through the driver’s TNC insurance policy

If the ride app is turned on and a match is accepted by the passenger is not in the car yet

• $1,000,000 liability policy
• This requirement can be satisfied through the driver’s TNC insurance policy.

The rideshare app is on and the passenger is in the car

• $1,000,000 policy 
• This requirement can be satisfied through the driver’s TNC insurance policy.
• Uninsured motorist coverage
• Underinsured motorist coverage 

In some cases, another driver other than the rideshare app driver, maybe at-fault. If you are a passenger in an Uber or Lyft and you are injured, you will be forced to make a claim with the at-fault party’s insurance. In the event the at-fault party does not have insurance or is underinsured, you may claim the rideshare company’s uninsured or underinsured motorist coverage. 

Our Personal Injury cases are all handled on a contingency fee basis. In other words, you will never pay out of pocket for our services. Our firm is paid based on a percentage of what you recover. As a result, anyone can receive high quality representation without worrying about the costs.  

Often times, there are many factors that determine whether you have a strong case. The Law Office of Daniel Reutskiy, provides free consultations in order to better get to know you and your legal issues. 

Additionally, a lot of attorneys pass up on strong cases because they failed to review the case and their staff did a poor job with the intake. Our firm provides potential clients with obtaining a second opinion on their case to ensure every client can get the justice they deserve. 

Whether you have questions or were injured and believe you have a case, contact the LAW OFFICE OF DANIEL REUTSKIY TODAY!