Ride-Share Accident Claims
Published by J.A. Davis & Associates – San Antonio Personal Injury Lawyers – Car Accidents
Ride-Share Accident Claims: Uber and Lyft Liability Complications
Rideshare services revolutionized urban transportation, but with over 100,000 Uber and Lyft accidents occurring annually across the United States, understanding liability complications has become essential for injury victims. Recent data reveals that while 99.9% of Uber trips and more than 99% of Lyft trips complete without critical safety incidents, the sheer volume of rides means thousands face serious injury claims each year.The complexity of rideshare accident liability stems from multiple insurance layers, coverage gaps, and evolving legal frameworks that differ significantly from traditional auto accidents. Uber reported 208 fatalities between 2017 and 2020, while Lyft documented 105 deaths during the same period, with fatality rates of 0.57-0.59 per 100 million miles for Uber and 0.72-0.78 for Lyft.
The Three-Period Coverage System Creates Liability Confusion
Rideshare insurance operates through three distinct periods that determine coverage availability and liability allocation. Period 1 begins when drivers activate their app but haven’t accepted ride requests. During this phase, Uber and Lyft provide minimal third-party liability coverage of $50,000 per person, $100,000 per accident for injuries, and $25,000 for property damage. This coverage only activates if drivers’ personal insurance doesn’t apply, creating significant gaps.
Period 2 covers the time between accepting ride requests and passenger pickup. Both companies maintain $1 million liability coverage during this phase, along with contingent comprehensive and collision coverage, though drivers face a substantial $2,500 deductible. Period 3 provides the most robust protection while passengers are in vehicles, maintaining the same $1 million liability coverage with additional first-party benefits.
The critical issue lies in Period 1, where most insurance […]