The Role of Uber and Lyft's Insurance Policies in San Antonio Accident Cases

In 2016, the San Antonio City Council made long-term agreements with rideshare companies. Since then, Uber and Lyft have been consistently helping passengers get from the airport to the River Walk and everywhere between. Although rideshare apps are reliable and well-established, you can’t always avoid accidents while using them.

The San Antonio attorneys at Carabin Shaw are expert interpreters of the insurance policies that might apply in a rideshare accident. The following details have a large effect on the specific insurance coverage:

• Who’s injured
• Who’s at fault
• Driver’s status on the app

If you’ve been injured in a rideshare accident, your lawyer can always best answer questions and provide advice related to your case. However, you can review the role of Uber and Lyft’s insurance policies in San Antonio accident cases below.

When a driver is connected with a passenger through the app, Uber and Lyft provide insurance that pays up to $1 million per accident, regardless of who’s at fault. In most rideshare accidents, the injuries occur during a passenger’s actual trip. But this liability insurance also applies when a driver is en route to pick up a rider.

However, Uber and Lyft insurance typically doesn’t cover an injured rideshare driver even if another driver caused the accident. And because Uber and Lyft drivers are considered contractors, they also aren’t eligible for workers’ compensation.

If you’re an injured rideshare driver, an attorney can help you understand where you might find compensation. For instance, the following policies might cover you:

• The other driver’s insurance
• Your personal auto policy, if you have personal injury protection (PIP)
• Uber’s optional Injury Protection insurance
• Rideshare company’s contingency insurance for your vehicle’s damages

When a rideshare driver is available on an app but not yet connected with a passenger, Uber and Lyft still offer limited third-party liability insurance. This policy compensates rideshare passengers, other vehicle occupants, and bystanders for injuries and property damage when no driver’s personal auto insurance applies.

However, personal auto insurance provides primary coverage. If the rideshare driver is at fault, their insurance compensates injured third parties. (Both Lyft and Uber also require their drivers to purchase car insurance that meets Texas standards.) If the non-rideshare driver caused the accident, that driver’s policy is primary.

Determining fault can be complicated, and insurance companies frequently try to deny liability. Thus, a San Antonio Uber injury lawyer can be instrumental in securing fair payments for the damages you suffered.

If a rideshare driver isn’t using the app, they’re not on the job. Therefore, the driver is legally treated like any other, and their personal insurance covers any injuries they cause.

Although the absence of a rideshare component removes one variable, personal injury auto accident lawsuits still benefit from legal expertise. Even if the rideshare driver who injured you was off duty, finding legal representation helps you ensure a fair settlement from their insurance company.

Following your rideshare accident, you can take certain steps to protect your health and bolster your legal case:

• Notify emergency services to establish a record of the accident and ensure everyone receives the care they need.
• Document evidence with photos of damage, injuries, and the accident scene.
• Exchange contact information with everyone involved, including witnesses and drivers.

Finally, contact Carabin Shaw for a completely free initial consultation and case review. By calling the toll-free number 800-862-1260, you can speak with staff in Spanish or English 24/7 at no additional cost to you. From your initial meeting to case outcome, Carabin Shaw’s client reviews reflect our team’s commitment to your best interests.