Rideshare companies like Uber and Lyft have surged in popularity in recent years due to their convenience and reliability. However, rideshare vehicles are just as prone to accidents as any other types of vehicles. Passengers and other drivers should make themselves aware of the legal remedies available if they are ever injured in a collision. This may include recovery of damages for medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other losses.

Who may be liable for damages after an accident involving a rideshare vehicle depends on the specific facts, including the causes. These are among the possible defendants:

• The rideshare driver may be liable if they were negligent or reckless in causing the accident.

• The rideshare company may be liable if the driver was acting within the scope of employment at the time of the accident.

• Other drivers involved in the accident may be liable if they were partially or wholly at fault.

An important issue in rideshare accident cases is which party’s insurance coverage applies and to what extent. Even though drivers are independent contractors, Uber and Lyft carry insurance for them. However, the amount of coverage and the specific conditions under which coverage applies can vary, depending upon which period of activity the vehicle is in at the time of the accident. Those periods are as follows:

• Period 1 — The driver is logged into the rideshare app but has not accepted a ride request. In this period, Uber and Lyft provide liability coverage for any accident that is the fault of the driver — up to $50,000 per person and $100,000 total liability per accident.

• Period 2 — The driver has accepted a trip and is on the way to the pick-up location. In this period, the liability coverage limit is $1 million.

• Period 3 — The customer is in the car. Here, liability coverage of up to $1 million applies, plus limited coverage for damage to the driver's car.

When the driver isn’t logged into the rideshare app, no company coverage is provided, but the driver’s personal auto insurance might apply. Uninsured motorist coverage may also be available.

If you’ve been hurt in a rideshare accident, whether as a rideshare passenger, as a driver or passenger in another vehicle, or as a pedestrian, an experienced automobile accident attorney can advise you or your legal rights and options. To pursue monetary compensation, you will need to file a claim with the rideshare company's insurance company. If the insurer denies the claim or does not offer a fair settlement, you may need to file a lawsuit.

When you’re injured in a California automobile accident, rely on the attorneys of Favaro, Lavezzo, Gill, Caretti & Heppell, PC to help you gain rightful compensation. Our firm maintains offices in Vallejo and Fairfield-Suisun to best serve clients located throughout Solano, Contra Costa, and Napa counties. Call 707-674-6057 or contact us online to learn more.