Are You Covered If You Are Injured In An Uber Or Lyft Accident?

In recent years, ridesharing has become a phenomenon throughout most of North America. Here in Ontario, Uber has been at the forefront of the ridesharing trend but recently, Lyft and other smaller companies have decided to throw their hat in the ring. But how does that impact someone who is involved in a motor vehicle accident with a rideshare vehicle? For Leamington personal injury lawyers, it is an industry we have watched carefully.

Insurance Catches Up to New Technology

The insurance industry has needed to play a quick game of catch up for this new technology. Now, drivers, passengers, and vehicle owners in Ontario using these popular ridesharing options “are covered by insurance from the moment the app is turned on to the moment passengers exit the vehicle” according to the Financial Services Commission of Ontario.

As a Driver

If you are a driver with a rideshare program, you need to contact your personal insurance company. They may provide additional coverage that is not available through the company’s insurance policy. But it is important to note that not all insurance companies will permit you to use your vehicle for a ridesharing program and may even cancel your policy.

The company’s policy may be entirely different from your own. As a driver, it’s important to review all the coverage provided and talk to the insurance representatives both from the company’s insurance company and your own in order to understand what you are covered for.

As a Passenger or Other Driver

Generally speaking, if you have a personal automobile insurance policy that you are covered under, you will first file a claim with that company after an accident. If you don’t have personal insurance, you will contact the ridesharing company. Get all the information at the scene of the accident from the driver including the driver’s personal information and insurance information.

If the driver was not actively using the ridesharing app when the accident occurred, then that driver’s personal insurance company will have to be notified. What if the driver is using more than one app at the time? That certainly complicates issues.

What if Negligence Was Involved?

As in any motor vehicle accident, the subject of negligence also enters into any injury claims made by a victim. When a ridesharing vehicle is involved, it makes the claim even more complex. At times, there may be three insurance companies involved at once. This is when it is important to have an experienced professional on your side. As the industry is constantly changing, being fairly compensated for injuries due to a ridesharing accident can be complicated.

If you or a loved one has been injured in an Uber, Lyft. or other rideshare company motor vehicle accident, call the Leamington injury lawyers at AM Injury Law. We will set out your legal rights during a free consultation and fight for your rights to fair compensation for your injuries.