Traveling out of state can be a fun and exciting opportunity for people who want to see more of the United States. However, it also comes with its own set of challenges. You’re in a new city, and you have to try and navigate the streets on your own with the maps on your phone.
Instead of renting a car and trying to drive down unfamiliar roads, you could use your phone and contact a rideshare service like Uber or Lyft. They can take you where you need to go with less hassle and stress.
If you use rideshare services in a different city, what do you do if you find yourself in an out-of-state Uber accident? Are the policies different in each state? This concise guide will go over everything you need to know about what to do in the event of an Uber or Lyft car accident.
What to Do Immediately After the Accident
If you’re in an out-of-state Lyft accident, take a deep breath. Getting in a car accident can feel overwhelming and scary, but keeping calm will help you take the proper steps to keep yourself and others safe. Know what you need to do and try to keep a level head. Here are the basic steps you should take immediately after a rideshare accident:
- Make Sure You’re Safe: The most important thing is to make sure you’re okay. Check if you have any injuries and make sure you’re in a safe area.
- Contact the Proper Authorities: Get in touch with local police and report the accident. If you are seriously injured, dial 911 and seek emergency medical care.
- Document the Scene of the Accident: Collect as much evidence as you can of the accident, such as photos and videos. Take pictures of the cars involved, your injuries, the scene of the accident, and anything else you can think of that may be helpful later.
- Exchange Contact Information: Talk to the other drivers involved and exchange contact information and insurance details. Also, get the contact information of any eyewitnesses who saw the accident.
- Seek Urgent Medical Attention: Regardless of the severity of your injuries, seek medical attention as soon as possible. Get medical records of your injuries right after the accident.
- Contact a Rideshare Accident Attorney: Once you’re safe and have all the documentation you need, get in touch with a personal injury lawyer. They’ll help you file a claim and earn the compensation you deserve.
How Insurance Coverage Works in Out-of-State Uber/Lyft Accidents
Insurance can get tricky when it comes to rideshare accident compensation. Uber and Lyft consider their drivers as independent contractors, meaning they aren’t official employees of the company. This makes insurance coverage and your compensation more complicated.
Uber or Lyft’s insurance policies cover drivers in specific stages or “periods” of the rideshare process. If the accident occurs in a period where the company’s insurance won’t cover it, then the driver needs to use their personal auto insurance policy. Coverage periods for Uber and Lyft drivers include:
- Period 0: The driver isn’t logged into the app or working, so they’ll use personal insurance.
- Period 1: The driver gets partial coverage when waiting for a ride request.
- Period 2: The driver gets more coverage when en route to pick up a passenger.
- Period 3: The driver gets full coverage during the ride.
Understanding Statute of Limitations in the State Where the Accident Occurred
Every state has a statute of limitations for Uber accidents. This is a deadline to file your claim and receive compensation. It’s important to know the statute of limitations for the state in which the accident took place, as that’s the deadline that needs to be met. Not the state you live in, but the state where the accident happened.
If you don’t file your claim before the deadline, a judge will dismiss your case. This means you won’t receive any financial compensation for the damages. The sooner you file your claim, the sooner you’ll receive compensation.
The Most Common Types of Uber Accident Injuries
The Brand New Law for Uber Workers in California
As of August 11, 2020, Uber drivers in the state of California are now considered employees of the company. Instead of independent contractors, drivers now have access to minimum wage, healthcare, unemployment benefits, and paid leave. This is only for Uber drivers in California.
What does this mean for car accident claims? Uber’s liability for rideshare accidents in Los Angeles has gone up, and the specific changes have yet to be seen. Regardless, reliable Uber accident lawyers in California will fight for your right to maximum compensation.
How Uber Liability Has Worked Until the Present
Up until this point, Uber’s $1 million liability coverage and $1 million uninsured or underinsured coverage policies could only apply in specific circumstances. More specifically, the Uber driver needed to be logged into the app. This means they had to either be waiting for a passenger, en route to pick them up, or driving with the passenger in the car.
If the following requirements were met, then Uber would cover part of your financial compensation.
Steps to Take for Filing a Claim
After a rideshare accident, make sure you’re safe. If you’ve been injured, seek immediate medical attention. Once you know you’re stable, follow these steps to file a claim:
- Gather Evidence: Take photos and videos of the scene, the cars involved, your injuries, and anything else related to the accident.
- Report the Crash to the Authorities: Contact local authorities and report the accident. They’ll make a formal report and bring emergency medical services if needed.
- Start the Claim Process in the App: Both Uber and Lyft have options to report an issue with your trip. Open the app and find the ‘help’ section, from there you can report what happened. Don’t try to assign blame, report the facts of what happened.
- Contact a Rideshare Attorney: Get in touch with a personal injury lawyer who has experience with Lyft and Uber crash cases. They’ll help you build a case and receive maximum compensation.
Common Challenges Faced by Out-of-State Passengers
Out-of-state Uber and Lyft passengers face unique challenges that come with using these rideshare services. These challenges make the rideshare process more difficult and frustrating. Some of these challenges include:
- Passenger Safety
- Uber and Lyft Service Regulations
- Frustration with Surge Pricing
- Environmental Impacts Such as Carbon Emissions
What Happens If the Uber or Lyft Driver is at Fault?
Determining Uber or Lyft driver accident liability impacts your compensation amount and who covers it. If the Uber or Lyft driver is found at fault for the accident, then the company’s contingency policies will cover part of the accident. This only applies if the driver’s auto insurance is not enough to cover the damages.
These contingency policies cover up to $50,000 per person who was injured in the accident, $100,000 for the total bodily injuries in the accident, and $25,000 for any damage to personal property.
How an Experienced Lawyer Can Help
As an out-of-state Uber accident victim, filing a personal injury claim can be confusing and frustrating. You may not know your Uber passenger rights or how the claim process works in California. You need a team of Uber or Lyft crash attorneys in LA to help.
Compass Law Group, LLP will help you every step of the way. We’ll work with you to make the process as smooth as possible, even when you return to your home state. Our team values open communication and superior service so you stay informed as we work on your case.
Damages You Can Seek in an Out-of-State Uber/Lyft Accident
Economic Damages:
- Medical Expenses
- Rehabilitation
- Loss of Income
- Property Damages
- Replacement
- Household Services
Non-Economic Damages:
- Pain and Suffering
- Permanent Disfigurement
- Disability
- Loss of Quality of Life
- Emotional Distress
- Loss of Consortium or Companionship
Our California Rideshare Accident Attorney Can Help You Recover—Contact Us Today
Looking for a rideshare accident attorney in Los Angeles? Compass Law Group, LLP is ready to take on your case. We have experience working cases involving Uber and Lyft, and we’ll use our expertise to get you the compensation you deserve. We work on a contingency fee basis, meaning you don’t pay unless we win your case.
Contact Compass Law Group, LLP, to schedule a consultation, or give us a call at 310-289-7126.
