How Do I File an Insurance Claim for a Rideshare Accident?

After getting involved in a car accident, you may first file a claim with your own insurance company, given New Jersey’s requirement to carry Personal Injury Protection (PIP) coverage. But if this does not compensate you for all your damages, you may then turn to the at-fault driver’s insurance provider. However, say the other driver is an independent contractor for a rideshare company, such as Uber or Lyft. And say they were actively working when your accident transpired. Then, this insurance claims process may work a little differently. With that said, follow along to find out how to file an insurance claim for a rideshare accident and how a proficient Passaic County Uber & Lyft accident lawyer at the Law Offices of August R. Soltis can help you get the financial compensation you require to heal.

How does an insurance claim work for a rideshare accident?

Of note, Uber and Lyft have adopted liability coverage systems if drivers or passengers get injured in a rideshare accident. This system is broken down into what are referred to as “periods,” and they read as follows:

• Period 0: this is when a rideshare driver gets into an accident before they have logged into the rideshare app.
  • No amount of liability coverage is offered.
• Period 1: this is when a rideshare driver gets into an accident when they have logged into the rideshare app but have yet to accept a ride.
  • Up to $50,000 per injured person in the accident, $100,000 total injury liability per accident, and $25,000 for property damage liability are offered.
• Period 2: this is when a rideshare driver gets into an accident when they have accepted a ride and are en route to pick up the passenger.
  • Up to $1 million in liability coverage is offered.
• Period 3: this is when a rideshare driver gets into an accident when the passenger is already in the car.
  • Up to $1 million in liability coverage, limited coverage for car damages to the driver, and uninsured motorists’ coverage to the driver are offered.

Importantly, Uber or Lyft insurance may also work if you were the other driver involved in the accident, but the rideshare driver was the majority or entirely to blame. With this, though, the rideshare driver’s personal injury may be used as the primary source of coverage, and the Uber or Lyft insurance may cover the rest of the incurred damages.

Why should I hire a lawyer for my rideshare accident claim?

Especially with big, powerful companies such as Uber and Lyft, they are looking to maximize their profits and thereby minimize their expenses. And so, an insurance representative for a rideshare company may try every tactic to reduce the amount of coverage you receive after your accident. So, to ensure you are not being taken advantage of and receive the best possible payout, hiring a lawyer to speak on your behalf is in your best interest.

This matter may obviously be important to you, and you may want the best possible outcome. So please, do not fight this without a talented Passaic County personal injury attorney in your corner. The team at The Law Offices of August R. Soltis is here at your command.