Rideshare companies like Uber, Lyft, and Veyo have made getting a ride to and from your desired destination a matter of a few easy taps on your mobile device. But the aftermath of a rideshare accident is never as easy. So, what happens when you’re involved in an accident while riding an Uber, Lyft or another rideshare vehicle? What are your rights if you sustain injuries in a rideshare vehicle collision? These are becoming increasingly common questions and areas of concern that the experienced and dedicated legal team at Lebovitz Law Group have faced and researched on behalf of many clients. With the increased use of ridesharing technologies such as Uber, Lyft, Veyo, and related companies such as Uber Eats, DoorDash, Grubhub, or Postmates, Lebovitz Law Group wants you prepared. Liability and Coverage for Rideshare Accidents Liability in a rideshare accident operates much like a traditional vehicle collision in that liability falls on the driver who is at fault. In Arizona, rideshare drivers are considered independent contractors who must maintain up-to-date insurance coverage on their personal vehicles to cover any claims made by customers of the services. However, some drivers do not maintain such coverage or do not realize that their insurance policy does not cover accidents while driving for a rideshare or transportation network company. Many companies, including Uber and Lyft, have company-wide insurance policies that cover injuries and property damage in cases where the driver’s personal policy does not cover the damage. Coverage afforded by a rideshare company’s insurance policy, such as Uber or Lyft, may be dependent on certain criteria.

If the Lyft or Uber driver is involved in an accident while the app is “on,” the damages will be covered by a combination of the driver’s personal auto insurance and Uber/Lyft’s insurance policy. Uber or Lyft may cover damages in excess of the driver’s personal auto policy if the Uber or Lyft driver is determined to be “at-fault” in an accident.

If the accident occurs due to the negligence of the passenger in an Uber or Lyft, then the passenger’s personal insurance policy may be responsible for covering the damages.

Coverage afforded Veyo contractors includes third-party liability and uninsured motorist coverage. However, Veyo does not afford underinsured, medical payment or comparable coverage.

Lebovitz Law Group can explain exactly how this will affect your car accident settlement and how to use the law to your benefit.