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With the increasing popularity of rideshare services like Uber or Lyft, getting around town has become more convenient than ever. However, as with any form of transportation, accidents can still happen. If you or a loved one has been involved in an Uber or Lyft accident, understanding the steps to file a claim and seek compensation is crucial.
In this post, we will explore the intricacies of filing an Uber or Lyft accident claim in Connecticut and the potential challenges you may face.
If you were hurt in an accident, either as a passenger or a pedestrian, you must prove that the driver was negligent. This is also true when the driver is an Uber or Lyft driver. Just like any other car accident case, you will need to prove that the driver failed to act reasonably behind the wheel and that this carelessness caused the accident. Typical instances of driver negligence are: distracted driving, speeding, drunk driving, texting while driving, and disobeying traffic laws and signs.
If you can prove that the Uber or Lyft driver was at fault for the accident, you will need to establish your damages. These include things like:
The more injured you were in the crash, the higher your damages are. Higher damages usually mean that there will be a higher monetary award.
Most car accident victims fail to anticipate that the negligent driver will not have adequate insurance. Sadly, people are badly hurt or killed all the time by drivers with no insurance or minimal insurance. For this reason, identifying all available insurance policies that you can recover from is crucial.
Uber and Lyft have tried to argue that their drivers are not covered under their insurance policies. They will play games like claiming that the driver was not an Uber employee but was an “independent contractor.” Conversely, if you try to go after the driver’s personal auto insurance, that insurer may deny coverage because they were operating their car as a taxi driver! Accordingly, finding available pots of money in Uber / Lyft accidents can be complex and challenging.
In Connecticut, as in most states, rideshare companies like Uber and Lyft are required to carry insurance coverage to protect passengers, drivers, and other parties in the event of an accident.
Uber and Lyft’s insurance policy typically consists of three primary coverage periods:
When the driver is not logged in or the rideshare app is off. In this situation, you can only recover from what the driver has in his personal auto insurance. Uber and Lyft will deny insurance coverage.
When the driver is logged into the Uber app but has not yet accepted a ride request. During this period, Uber provides limited liability coverage for bodily injuries and property damage. Uber will typically provide $50,000 in coverage per injured person and $100,000 per accident. Of course, you still need to prove liability and damages.
When the driver has accepted a ride request and is en route to pick up the passenger. At this stage, Uber/Lyft’s insurance policy provides higher liability coverage of $1 Million.
When the driver is transporting the passenger to their destination. During this period, $1 Million in coverage is provided.
After an Uber or Lyft accident in Connecticut, you should gather as much evidence and information as possible. This evidence will be critical in supporting your claim and demonstrating liability. Here are some steps to consider:
Filing an Uber/Lyft accident claim in Connecticut requires a comprehensive understanding of the law and the ability to navigate the complexities of insurance policies and coverage periods. By promptly gathering evidence, reporting the accident to the relevant parties, and seeking the assistance of an experienced attorney, you can significantly increase your chances of a successful claim.
If you or a loved one were injured or killed due to the negligence of an Uber or Lyft driver, please contact an experienced Connecticut personal injury law firm.
Berkowitz Hanna