Uber, Lyft, and other rideshare companies are disrupting the transportation market, along with traditional arrangements of financial liability. While it’s hard to deny the convenience of having inexpensive, on-demand transportation almost anywhere you go, the innovative business structure of these companies doesn't fit the traditional rules of legal liability, especially when it comes to injury claims of people injured by negligent drivers.

Who Is Responsible for Damage Caused by Uber or Lyft Drivers?

Traditional Liability Law

Generally, if an employee causes an accident while driving a company vehicle, the owner can be held legally and financially liable. So if you’re hurt by a taxi driver, you can file an injury claim against both the taxi company and the driver themselves. The rideshare model used by Lyft and Uber complicates this model, since drivers use their own vehicles and aren’t technically considered employees of the company. However, both providers do offer considerable insurance protections for injuries caused by their drivers.

Rideshare Liability Coverage

Private auto insurance policies generally won’t cover accidents that occur while a driver is using their vehicle for work, including driving for Uber or Lyft. To make sure people are covered, rideshare companies provide a certain amount of coverage that protects those injured by people who are actively working when an accident occurs. For instance, if a driver is logged into the Uber app but hasn’t accepted a ride yet, the company provides $50,000 per person of personal injury coverage, with a $100,000 cap per accident, and $25,000 of personal property protection. If they’re actually transporting a passenger when they cause the accident, the coverage limit increases to $1 million.

If you’ve been injured by an Uber or Lyft driver and need help filing your injury claim, the Law Office of Lawrence W. Henke, III in Dayton, OH, will work to ensure you get the compensation you deserve. With over 30 years of experience and a reputation for providing aggressive representation to all clients, you can depend on this firm to fight relentlessly for your rights. Visit the website to learn more about personal injury services, and follow his Facebook for more legal tips and insight. To speak with an attorney directly, call (937) 461-9330 to schedule your initial consultation today.