With the growing popularity of rideshare services like Uber and Lyft in Pasadena and across California, more people are using these services as a convenient way to travel. However, as the number of rideshare vehicles on the road increases, so does the risk of being involved in an accident. Whether you're a passenger in a rideshare vehicle, another driver, or a pedestrian, the potential for an accident involving a rideshare vehicle is becoming more common.
Rideshare accidents are often more complicated than typical car accidents due to the involvement of multiple parties and insurance policies. Determining liability and understanding which insurance coverage applies—whether it’s the rideshare company’s insurance, the driver’s personal insurance, or a third party’s—can be challenging. These complexities can make it difficult for victims to secure the compensation they deserve, especially if they are unfamiliar with the legal process.
Immediate Steps to Take After a Rideshare Accident
Ensure Safety and Call 911
The first and most important step after any rideshare accident is to ensure that everyone’s safety is addressed. Check yourself and others involved in the accident for injuries, and if anyone is hurt, contact emergency services immediately. Even if injuries seem minor, it’s crucial to call 911 to receive medical assistance and to have the accident officially documented by law enforcement. A police report is a key piece of evidence in rideshare accident claims, as it provides an official account of the incident and may help clarify liability.
In some cases, injuries may not be immediately obvious due to adrenaline, so it's important to seek medical attention regardless. This not only ensures your health is properly evaluated but also creates medical records that will support your claim later.
Gather Information
After ensuring safety, the next step is to gather important information at the scene of the accident. Collect the following details:
- The rideshare driver’s name and contact information
- The rideshare company (Uber, Lyft, etc.) the driver works for
- The driver’s insurance information and vehicle details (license plate number, make, and model)
- Contact information of any witnesses, including their names and phone numbers
- Police officers' names and badge numbers if law enforcement is involved
It’s also important to note if the driver was actively working for the rideshare company at the time of the accident (for example, transporting passengers or waiting for a ride request), as this will affect which insurance policy applies.
Document the Scene
Gathering visual evidence is another critical step in protecting your rights after a rideshare accident. Use your phone to take photos or videos of the following:
- The overall accident scene, showing the position of the vehicles
- Any damage to the vehicles involved
- Road conditions and surrounding traffic signs or signals that may have contributed to the accident
- Visible injuries you or others may have sustained
Insurance Coverage in Rideshare Accidents
Rideshare Insurance Policies
Rideshare companies like Uber and Lyft have specific insurance policies that apply to their drivers, but these policies vary based on the driver's status at the time of the accident. The different levels of coverage depend on whether the driver is actively transporting passengers, en route to pick up a passenger, or simply waiting for a ride request. These distinctions are important because they determine which insurance coverage applies and how much compensation may be available for your claim.
- Driver is offline or not using the app: If the rideshare driver is not logged into the app, then the company’s insurance does not apply. In this situation, the driver’s personal auto insurance would cover any accidents.
- Driver is online, waiting for a ride request: When a driver is logged into the rideshare app but not actively carrying or picking up passengers, Uber and Lyft provide contingent liability coverage. This coverage includes:some text
- $50,000 per person for bodily injury
- $100,000 per accident for bodily injury
- $25,000 for property damage
- This coverage applies if the driver’s personal auto insurance doesn’t fully cover the damages.
- Driver is en route to pick up a passenger or transporting a passenger: If the driver is either on the way to pick up a passenger or actively transporting a passenger, the rideshare company’s full coverage applies. This includes:some text
- $1 million in liability coverage
- Uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage (if another driver without adequate insurance is at fault)
- Contingent collision and comprehensive coverage (for vehicle damage), but only if the driver has collision coverage on their personal auto policy.
When Does the Rideshare Company’s Insurance Apply?
The timing of the accident relative to the rideshare driver's activity directly impacts whether the rideshare company’s insurance or the driver’s personal insurance will apply.
- If the driver is not using the app, only the driver’s personal auto insurance will be in effect. In this case, you would file a claim against the driver's personal policy.
- If the driver is waiting for a ride, the company’s contingent liability coverage will kick in, but only after the driver’s personal insurance has been applied. This means you would first file a claim with the driver’s personal insurance provider, and if their policy limits are exceeded, Uber or Lyft’s coverage would supplement the remaining costs.
- If the driver is actively en route to pick up a passenger or already transporting one, the full $1 million insurance coverage provided by the rideshare company would apply. This comprehensive coverage offers protection for both the driver and passengers, as well as for any third-party individuals injured in the accident.
Reporting the Accident
Notifying the Rideshare Company
After a rideshare accident, it's essential to notify the rideshare company—whether it's Uber, Lyft, or another platform—as soon as possible. Each rideshare service has a process for reporting accidents, and doing so ensures that their insurance policy is activated if applicable. Here’s how to report an accident:
- Uber: To report an accident, open the Uber app and go to "Trip Issues and Refunds" under the Help menu. Select the specific trip, and follow the prompts to report the incident. You can also contact Uber’s support team through the app.
- Lyft: For Lyft, open the app, go to the "Help" section, and select the ride where the accident occurred. Follow the instructions to report the issue. Lyft also has a specific accident reporting webpage where you can provide details about the incident.
Filing an Insurance Claim
After notifying the rideshare company, the next step is to file an insurance claim. Depending on the details of the accident, you may need to file a claim with multiple insurance providers. Here’s how the process typically works:
- Rideshare company’s insurer: If the driver was en route to pick up a passenger or actively transporting one, the rideshare company’s $1 million insurance coverage will be in effect. You or your attorney will need to file a claim directly with the rideshare company's insurer. This may require submitting documentation such as the police report, medical records, and any evidence collected from the accident scene.
- Driver’s personal insurance: If the driver was logged into the app but not yet transporting a passenger, you will likely need to file a claim with the driver’s personal insurance company first. Once their policy limits are exceeded, the rideshare company’s contingent coverage can come into play.
- Your own insurance: If the rideshare driver’s insurance (personal or rideshare-related) does not fully cover the damages or if you have uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage, you may need to file a claim with your own insurance provider to cover remaining expenses.
Working with the Police Report
A police report is one of the most important pieces of evidence you’ll need when filing an insurance claim or pursuing legal action after a rideshare accident. The report contains an official account of the accident, including the date, time, location, and details from any witnesses. It often includes the officer’s initial assessment of who was at fault, which can be crucial for resolving liability disputes.
Here’s what to do with the police report:
- Obtain a copy: Contact the Pasadena Police Department (or the jurisdiction where the accident occurred) to obtain a copy of the report. This can often be done online or by visiting the police department in person.
- Review the report: Carefully review the report for accuracy. Make sure all details are correct, especially the names, contact information, and descriptions of how the accident occurred.
- Submit the report to insurance: Provide a copy of the police report when filing insurance claims with the rideshare company, the driver’s insurer, or your own insurance provider. This document will help establish fault and provide an official record of the incident.
Dealing with Insurance Adjusters
After a rideshare accident, you will likely need to interact with insurance adjusters from the rideshare company’s insurance provider, the driver’s personal insurance company, or even your own insurance company. These adjusters are responsible for evaluating claims and determining how much compensation will be paid out. While their job is to investigate the details of the accident, it’s important to remember that insurance adjusters work for the insurance companies, and their primary goal is to minimize payouts to protect the company’s financial interests.
You can expect adjusters to ask detailed questions about the accident, including how it occurred, the extent of your injuries, and any property damage. In some cases, they may try to suggest that you were partially at fault or downplay the severity of your injuries to reduce the amount they have to pay. Adjusters may also push for quick settlements, which often result in lower compensation than what you may truly deserve, especially if long-term medical costs or future losses are not yet fully understood.
How to Protect Yourself
When dealing with insurance adjusters, it’s essential to be cautious and proactive about protecting your rights. Here are some tips to help you navigate these interactions:
- Avoid giving recorded statements: Insurance adjusters may request that you provide a recorded statement regarding the details of the accident. It’s important to politely decline this request, as your words can be used against you later to minimize your claim. Even seemingly innocent statements can be taken out of context or used to suggest that your injuries are less severe than they truly are.
- Stick to the facts: When speaking with insurance adjusters, provide only basic, factual information about the accident. Do not speculate or offer opinions about who was at fault. Simply relay the details of what happened, such as the time, location, and basic facts surrounding the incident. Avoid giving too much detail about your injuries until you have a full medical evaluation.
- Do not accept a quick settlement: Insurance adjusters may offer a quick settlement soon after the accident, but it’s important to not accept any offers until you’ve had time to assess the full extent of your injuries and consult with a lawyer. Early settlements often do not take into account future medical bills, ongoing treatment, or lost wages, leaving you with insufficient compensation in the long run.
- Consult with an attorney: Before agreeing to any settlement or making major decisions regarding your claim, it’s crucial to consult with a personal injury attorney who specializes in rideshare accidents. An attorney can help you evaluate the fairness of a settlement offer, negotiate on your behalf, and ensure you’re receiving the compensation you deserve.
Contact the Law Offices of Tim D. Wright
If you've been involved in a rideshare accident in Pasadena, protecting your rights is essential for ensuring you receive the compensation you deserve. The legal landscape surrounding rideshare accidents can be complex, involving multiple insurance providers and intricate liability issues. That's why you need experienced legal representation on your side.
The Law Offices of Tim D. Wright has extensive experience handling rideshare accident cases, and we understand the unique challenges that come with these types of claims. Our team is dedicated to protecting your rights, guiding you through the legal process, and fighting to secure the compensation you need for medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
Don't navigate the aftermath of a rideshare accident alone. Contact the Law Offices of Tim D. Wright today for a free consultation. We will review your case, explain your options, and help you take the necessary steps to achieve the best possible outcome.
