If you are injured in an accident involving an Uber or Lyft driver, you may be wondering whether there is extra insurance coverage available to compensate you for your injuries. The answer depends on several key factors, including where the accident occurred and whether the driver was actively using the rideshare app at the time of the crash. Understanding these details can make a significant difference in the amount of compensation you may be able to recover.

Insurance coverage in NYC vs. outside of NYC

The amount of insurance available in an Uber or Lyft accident depends on the location of the crash. In New York City, the Taxi & Limousine Commission (TLC) requires all rideshare drivers to carry at least $100,000 in bodily injury liability insurance on their personal vehicle. However, obtaining additional coverage from Uber or Lyft is not automatic. Since most drivers are considered independent contractors rather than employees, you must prove that Uber or Lyft is vicariously liable for the driver’s actions. This requires showing that the company had enough control over how the driver performed their job, which can prove to be a complex legal challenge.

Outside of New York City, Uber and Lyft provide group insurance coverage for their drivers in addition to the driver’s personal auto policy. This means that if an accident occurs on Long Island or elsewhere in New York State, the rideshare company’s insurance will apply, and there is no need to prove direct control over the driver’s actions. However, the amount of coverage depends on the driver’s status within the rideshare app at the time of the accident.

The rideshare tier system and available coverage

Uber and Lyft insurance coverage is broken down into three periods based on the driver’s status within the app:

• Period 0: The app is off, and the driver is using their vehicle for personal reasons. In this case, Uber and Lyft provide no additional coverage, and only the driver’s personal auto insurance applies.
• Period 1: The app is on, and the driver is waiting for a ride request. During this time, Uber and Lyft provide up to $75,000 in bodily injury coverage.
• Period 2: The driver has accepted a ride request and is on their way to pick up a passenger.
• Period 3: The driver has a passenger in the vehicle and is en route to their destination

For accidents occurring in Period 2 or Period 3, Uber and Lyft provide up to $1,250,000 in liability coverage, significantly more than the standard minimum coverage required for personal drivers in New York. This can be crucial in securing a fair settlement if you have suffered serious injuries in a car accident involving a rideshare driver.

What to do if you are injured in an Uber or Lyft accident

If you are injured in an accident involving a rideshare driver, gathering information at the scene is essential. Speak to the at-fault driver and ask whether they are working for Uber or Lyft. Look for signs in their vehicle, such as signs, stickers or decals, and ask whether they were using the app at the time of the crash. If possible, try to determine what period they were in, as this will directly impact how much insurance coverage is available.

When filing a police report, remember that Uber or Lyft involvement will not be automatically listed. If you hire an attorney, make sure to inform them as soon as possible that a rideshare driver was involved so they can investigate potential additional coverage.

Speak to an experienced Uber and Lyft accident lawyer

If you’ve been injured in an accident involving an Uber or Lyft driver, you need an experienced attorney who understands how to navigate the complex insurance policies of rideshare companies. The North Shore Injury Lawyer has over 30 years of experience helping accident victims on Long Island secure the compensation they deserve and understands the complexities involved in accidents with rideshare drivers. Call 631-495-9435 today for a free consultation and let Mark and his team fight to get you the maximum recovery possible. Stay safe out there!