Ride-sharing is a convenient option for anyone who needs a ride on the go. However, Uber and Lyft drivers are just as prone to causing or getting into accidents as any other driver.
As a passenger, you may wonder what to do after an accident. What are you responsible for and what are your next steps if you are injured?
Regardless of which ride-share app you use, follow these three steps first:
- Confirm everyone is safe
- Call 911
- Call the ride-share company
Your driver may take care of these steps, but if they don’t or are unable you should make sure they are completed.
Uber and Lyft: Policy differences
Uber covers all of its riders and drivers through their insurance program, from the instant you select “go” in the app until the ride is over.
Riders are covered regardless of who caused the accident. It applies if your insurance does not provide coverage or is less than the amount in Uber’s policy. Coverage is at least $1 million if your Uber driver caused the accident and $250,000 is another driver is to blame.
Lyft’s insurance covers passengers from the time the driver accepts the request until the driver ends the ride in the app. The policy provides $1 million of coverage per accident.
Policies may not cover the accident
Even though these companies list seemingly comprehensive plans, the results for passengers are not always straightforward. The Taxicab, Limousine & Paratransit Association (TLPA) has criticized ride-share companies for what they call “treacherous caps in coverage” compared to their transit competitors.
While the TLPA has a vested interest in convincing the public to trust them over ride-share companies, their concerns are worth consideration. Ride-share companies are a new industry and may not be as experienced with handling accident liability.
However you choose to get from one destination to the next, you deserve to arrive safely. If you are in an accident, you should be compensated for your injuries.