In most vehicle accident cases, the driver who caused the accident is responsible for covering the damages. Nevertheless, a rideshare accident presents a unique situation if the driver was working when the collision occurred and was not at fault. In such instances, the employer may be held accountable for the damages.
Since accidents involve complex calculations to determine each party's degree of fault, numerous insurance companies may be interested in the settlement process. If a rideshare driver, who was off-duty at the time of the accident, is found to be at fault, they will be liable for any damages incurred. In this scenario, you must file a claim with the driver's insurance provider.
Uber or Lyft Driver: To work for Uber and Lyft, drivers must have insurance coverage. If a rideshare driver is at fault for an accident, their personal insurance policy will be the primary source for compensating victims. The state of Arizona has outlined the minimum liability insurance limits, which are as follows:
- $25,000 per person for bodily injury
- $50,000 per aggregate accident
- $15,000 for property damage liability
Non-Rideshare Driver: If a driver causes an accident outside of the rideshare context, they would be held accountable for any resulting damages.
Third-Party: There are instances where third parties may be responsible for a car accident, such as if unsafe construction areas were present, making the City of Phoenix accountable, or if there were defects in the vehicle, which may hold the car manufacturer at fault.
Rideshare Company: Uber and Lyft are covered by insurance policies with roughly $1 million limits. These policies may become effective when a rideshare driver signs in to the Uber or Lyft app and becomes available to receive ride requests. The policy limits differ depending on the following situations:
- If the driver is signed into the app but has yet to accept a ride request, the coverage limit is 50/100/25.
- If the driver is signed in and carrying a passenger, the coverage limit increases to $1 million.
To properly determine liability in a Phoenix Uber or Lyft accident, it's essential to consult with an experienced attorney. The investigative process involves collecting evidence and witness testimony to establish negligence and build a robust case. If multiple parties are found responsible for the accident, they will be accountable for damages proportionate to their level of fault. In such cases, you may be eligible for compensation from any party found to be at fault.
