Who Pays in a Rideshare Accident?

Who pays in a rideshare accident can be confusing for anyone involved. When an accident happens with a rideshare vehicle, like Uber or Lyft, multiple insurance policies may apply. Victims often struggle to figure out whether the rideshare driver, the rideshare company, or another motorist is responsible.

At Fincher Law, we help injured passengers, drivers, and other motorists understand rideshare accident liability and recover compensation for medical bills, lost wages, property damage, and pain and suffering. We guide clients through the process of reporting the accident, dealing with insurance companies, and filing accident claims.

We'll explain the liability insurance that rideshare drivers use, including the different types of coverage. Next, we'll demonstrate how we help injured victims obtain fair compensation.

Understanding Rideshare Insurance Coverage

Rideshare companies like Uber and Lyft use a three-period system for insurance coverage. Coverage depends on whether the driver is offline, waiting for a ride request, or actively transporting passengers.

During offline periods, the driver’s personal auto insurance typically applies. When the driver accepts a ride request, rideshare services provide contingent coverage, but it may have limited liability coverage. Once the passenger is in the car, rideshare insurance usually provides higher liability coverage, often up to $1,000,000 per accident.

Determining the driver’s status at the time of the crash is critical in understanding liability. Insurance coverage rules can be complex, and an experienced rideshare accident attorney from Fincher Law can help you recover compensation, protect your rights, and handle all aspects of accident claims.

The Three Periods of Rideshare Coverage

Rideshare accident coverage depends on the driver’s status in the rideshare app. At Fincher Law, we help clients understand how liability works in each period so they can recover compensation for medical expenses, property damage, lost wages, and personal injury.

Period 1: App Off – No Coverage

When the rideshare driver’s app is off, their personal auto insurance policy is the only coverage. Rideshare services like Uber do not provide any coverage in this period. Injured passengers or other motorists must rely on the driver’s personal insurance, which can be limited.

Period 2: App On – Waiting for Ride Request

If the driver is logged into the rideshare app but hasn’t accepted a ride, rideshare companies offer contingent liability coverage. This coverage typically limits coverage to $100,000 per accident and may only cover specific types of damages. Determining liability in this period can be complex.

Period 3: App On – Passenger in Vehicle

Once the driver has a passenger in the car, full rideshare insurance coverage is active. This period provides the highest liability coverage for medical expenses, lost wages, and property damage. We ensure that accident victims receive fair compensation when the rideshare company’s coverage applies.

Determining Fault in Rideshare Accidents

Determining fault in a rideshare crash requires careful investigation. At Fincher Law, we gather evidence to establish liability and protect the rights of injured passengers and drivers.

Establishing Liability

We examine the accident scene, police reports, visible injuries, and damaged property to gain a better understanding of what happened. We also look for signs of distracted driving, loss of control, or other unsafe behaviors by the rideshare driver or third-party motorists.

Multiple Party Scenarios

In some cases, liability may involve more than one party. We review other drivers’ insurance coverage, contact government agencies if road defects contributed, and consider whether independent contractors or the rideshare company itself may be liable.

Evidence Gathering

Collecting insurance information, accident reports, photos from the accident scene, and statements from pedestrians or passengers helps us build a strong claim. Our Uber accident lawyers ensure that every detail is thoroughly considered to help clients recover compensation for medical expenses, lost income, and pain and suffering.

Types of Compensation Available

If you are injured in a rideshare, we understand how overwhelming such an accident can be. At Fincher Law, we help clients recover compensation for all losses, including medical attention, lost income, and emotional stress. Seeking medical attention immediately is crucial, even if you feel fine at first, because some injuries may not exhibit symptoms right away. We guide clients through the process of completing claims and dealing with insurance companies, including cases involving uninsured drivers.

• Medical expenses and lost wages – We ensure that all medical bills and income lost due to time off work are covered.
• Pain and suffering damages – You can recover compensation for emotional trauma and physical pain caused by the rideshare crash.
• Property damage claims – We handle claims for repairs or replacement of your vehicle or other damaged property.
• Future medical care and lost earning capacity – Our team accounts for ongoing treatments and the impact of injuries on your future ability to earn income.

Why You Need an Attorney for Rideshare Claims

Rideshare claims are often complicated because liability can involve multiple parties. At Fincher Law, we protect clients by combining legal expertise with hands-on support. We guide injured individuals step by step to ensure they receive fair compensation.

• Experience with complex insurance systems – We are familiar with the rules governing rideshare insurance, auto insurance policies, and liability coverage.
• Knowledge of rideshare company tactics – Companies like Uber and Lyft sometimes try to limit payouts. We challenge these tactics.
• Resources to investigate all coverage sources – We track down insurance information from all parties involved, including uninsured drivers.
• Track record of successful settlements – We have helped many injured clients recover compensation for medical attention, lost income, and property damage.

We encourage anyone involved in such an accident to contact our law office for a free consultation so we can protect your rights and guide you through the claims process.

Steps to Take After a Rideshare Accident

After a rideshare crash, knowing what to do can protect your rights and help you recover compensation. At Fincher Law, we guide clients through every step, allowing them to focus on their recovery and medical attention. Even if you feel fine, it is essential to seek medical attention immediately, as some injuries may not be apparent right away. Acting quickly also helps preserve evidence and strengthen your claim.

• Ensure safety at the accident scene – Move to a safe location if possible. Check on passengers, pedestrians, and the driver. Avoid leaving the scene unless necessary.
• Contact emergency services – Call 911 to report injuries or property damage. A police report documents the accident and helps determine who is liable.
• Gather information – Collect insurance information, rideshare app details, and contact info from all parties involved. Take photos of damaged property, the vehicle, and visible injuries.
• Seek medical attention – Even minor symptoms should be evaluated. Documenting injuries early supports claims for medical care, lost income, and future treatment.
• Notify your law office – Contact our team at Fincher Law for a free consultation. We assist with completing insurance claims, dealing with rideshare companies, and holding liable parties accountable.
• Avoid admitting fault – Do not admit fault at the accident scene or to other parties. Let our accident lawyers handle determining liability.

Following these steps ensures that your rights are protected and that you can recover fair compensation for medical expenses, property damage, lost wages, and pain and suffering after a rideshare accident in Kansas.

Contact Our Car Accident Lawyer and Get Help With Your Rideshare Accident Claim Today

Rideshare insurance claims are often complex because multiple parties may be involved. At Fincher Law, we help injured individuals in Kansas recover compensation after rideshare crashes that occur when a driver loses control or another person is at fault. We offer a free consultation to review your case and explain your legal options.

Our experience with Uber and Lyft cases ensures that we understand how to navigate their insurance policies and claim processes. We work on a contingency fee basis, so you pay nothing unless we recover compensation for you. Contact us today to protect your rights and start your claim immediately.