Did you know that rideshare drivers are more likely to get into car accidents than the general public because they spend so much time driving? If a rideshare driver gets in a wreck, they won’t just lose their vehicle — they may lose their main source of income. They can also suffer serious injuries.
So, who pays for the cost of these accidents?
Which parties pay for rideshare accidents?
For an Uber or Lyft driver injured in a motor vehicle accident, it might seem reasonable to assume that the ridesharing company will cover the expenses.
However, while these rideshare companies offer their drivers insurance, the policies are limited to specific periods, such as when the driver has a paying passenger with them.
Individuals also should have their own insurance, but again, there are limitations on what the policies cover. And if you are a rideshare driver using your personal vehicle for commercial purposes in violation of your policy, your insurance company can deny your claims.
If there are other motorists involved in the accident, their insurance could pay for damages. However, this will depend on whether they have a policy and adequate coverage.
Another option that injured rideshare drivers might have is to pursue financial compensation in a negligence lawsuit. This could be a solid option when another party is to blame for the crash, be it a drunk driver or the manufacturer of a faulty car part.
In other words, several parties may be involved in accident claims that include a rideshare driver, which is why having legal guidance can be vital.
How can filing a claim help rideshare drivers?
Rideshare drivers don’t get hourly wages. Instead, they are paid for the jobs that they do. If a rideshare driver cannot work because of injuries or damage to their vehicle, they might not have a source of income for the foreseeable future. Add in painful injuries, and the toll of an accident can be devastating.
Thus, pursuing maximum compensation from insurance companies or other parties can be crucial to ensuring an injured rideshare driver can cover medical bills, lost wages and other financial damages after a crash.