Who Pays for Medical Bills After an Uber or Lyft Accident?

After a typical motor vehicle crash, the at-fault party is often held responsible for the injured party’s medical bills. What happens, though, when the at-fault party is a rideshare driver? The topic of liability can turn into a gray area, but our experienced Uber and Lyft accident lawyers in Brick, New Jersey, know how these claims can pay out.

Who Is Held Responsible for Uber/Lyft Accidents?

Responsibility for medical bills after an Uber or Lyft accident generally depends on who caused the crash. If the rideshare driver was at fault, their liability insurance or the rideshare company’s insurance policy may cover medical expenses. Uber and Lyft provide insurance coverage for drivers during certain phases of their work, but coverage details vary. If another driver caused the accident, their liability insurance might cover medical costs. However, if the at-fault party lacks sufficient insurance, the injured person may need to seek compensation through their own insurance policy or other legal avenues.

What Coverage Do Uber and Lyft Provide for Their Drivers?

Uber and Lyft offer insurance policies for their drivers, but the level of coverage depends on whether the driver was actively working at the time of the accident.

• When the driver is offline, their personal auto insurance policy applies.
• If the driver is online but has not accepted a ride, Uber and Lyft provide limited liability coverage.
• Once a ride is accepted and during the trip, both companies offer higher levels of liability insurance and uninsured motorist coverage.

These policies are intended to address injuries and property damage, but the specific terms and limits depend on the companies and jurisdictions.

What if the Passenger Is Injured During an Uber or Lyft Ride?

Passengers injured during an Uber or Lyft ride are typically covered under the rideshare company’s insurance policy. The coverage provided during an active ride includes liability insurance and uninsured or underinsured motorist coverage. This means that if another driver caused the accident and does not have adequate insurance, the rideshare company’s policy may apply. Passengers may need to file a claim with the rideshare company’s insurer to seek compensation for medical expenses. The claims process can involve providing medical records, accident reports, and other documentation to support the request for payment.

What Happens if the Rideshare Driver Is Not at Fault?

When the rideshare driver is not at fault, the liability insurance of the at-fault driver generally applies. However, complications can arise if the at-fault driver lacks adequate insurance coverage or disputes their responsibility for the accident. In such cases, uninsured or underinsured motorist coverage provided by Uber or Lyft may be available to cover medical costs. Passengers or drivers may need to work with their own insurers to seek compensation as well.

Can Passengers Use Their Health Insurance for Medical Bills?

Passengers injured in rideshare accidents can often use their personal health insurance to cover medical bills. That typically provides coverage regardless of who is at fault in the accident. Using health insurance may help reduce out-of-pocket expenses, although the injured party may still need to address deductibles or co-pays. If a settlement is reached through an insurance claim or legal action, health insurers may seek reimbursement for the medical costs they cover. This process, known as subrogation, involves the insurer recovering expenses from the responsible party or their insurer.

What Steps Should Be Taken After an Uber or Lyft Accident?

After a rideshare accident, call 911 immediately. It is important to seek medical attention, even if injuries are not immediately apparent. Documenting the accident scene, obtaining contact information from witnesses, and reporting the incident to the rideshare company can also help support your claim. Injured parties should contact their insurance company to discuss coverage options and begin the claims process. Filing claims with the appropriate insurers, whether personal, rideshare, or at-fault party insurers, requires thorough documentation, including medical records and accident reports.

Brick Uber and Lyft Accident Lawyers at Kitrick, McWeeney & Wells, LLC Offer Legal Guidance After Your Rideshare Accident

Knowing where to turn for legal advice after a rideshare accident can be confusing, but the seasoned Brick Uber and Lyft accident lawyers at Kitrick, McWeeney & Wells, LLC can answer your questions during a free consultation. To learn more, call our Manasquan or Brick, New Jersey, office at 732-920-8383 or submit our online form. We proudly serve clients across New Jersey.