Rideshare companies such as Uber and Lyft have become some of the most successful transportation companies in urban cities. Whether you’re trying to get to the airport and don’t want to pay for expensive parking or you’re trying to enjoy a night on the town with friends and don’t want to worry about the risk of drinking and driving, rideshare is a convenient and safe alternative.

Unfortunately, just like other cars on the road, rideshares have the chance of getting into car accidents. As a rideshare passenger, it’s important to understand how you’re covered for your injuries when riding with one of these companies. At Kooi Law, our team of lawyers have experience handling rideshare accident lawsuits and, if you’ve been injured, we can help you obtain the settlement you deserve. 

Uber and Lyft Liability Coverage

Thankfully, both Uber and Lyft provide extensive liability coverage for both riders and drivers. Although rideshare drivers will need to have their own car insurance policies for when they’re not using the app, both rideshare companies offer coverage when the driver is waiting to pick up a passenger, driving to get a passenger, and when a passenger is in the car.

When a driver has the app turned on and has yet to pick up a passenger, the companies both provide coverage up to $50,000 per person injured in an accident, $100,000 maximum injury liability per accident, and $25,000 property damage liability. When the driver has a passenger in the vehicle, both companies provide up to $1 million in total liability coverage. 

What to Do When the Colliding Driver Is at Fault?

Uber’s liability coverage claims that their policy only goes into effect when the Uber driver is at fault for the wreck; Lyft’s liability policy isn’t as clear. When you get injured in a rideshare accident, it may be best to reach out to the rideshare company first to determine whether they’ll cover you. If another driver was at fault for causing the wreck, however, you may need to sue them. 

If you need to file a lawsuit to obtain a settlement from the colliding driver or another negligent third-party such as a car manufacturer or government entity, a car accident lawyer in Indianapolis can be helpful when gathering proper evidence to support your case. An attorney can also help if you believe your rideshare driver was at fault and the rideshare company still won’t cover you.

Damages You Can Recover as a Rideshare Passenger

Regardless of who you sue for damages, you should be able to fight and recover compensation for all the damages you’ve suffered in your wreck. Both economic and non-economic damages should be considered, which can include medical expenses, property damages, lost wages, pain and suffering, emotional distress, and loss of enjoyment of life. 

Contact an Indianapolis Car Accident Attorney

As a rideshare passenger, you played no part in causing your injuries, which means you shouldn’t be responsible for the financial burden that follows. At Kooi Law, we’ll do our best to support you throughout your legal journey so you can get back to your normal life quickly.

If you’d like to discuss your case with an Indianapolis car accident lawyer, fill out the contact form below or call 317-569-1335 to schedule a no-obligation consultation.