In the last year Shaffer Madia Law has handled four separate car wreck cases involving Uber or Lyft drivers. Given the increase in Uber/Lyft cases we thought this blog would be helpful. Determining fault in a car wreck case can be straightforward once you understand how the wreck was caused. But who pays to compensate innocent victims after an Uber or Lyft car wreck case?
These days, millions of Americans use popular rideshare apps like Uber and Lyft to arrive at their destinations conveniently and safely. However, Uber and Lyft drivers get into car wrecks just like any other driver, and when that happens, injured individuals may be wondering whether the driver or rideshare company is responsible. The answer depends on the nature of the wreck.
Uber & Lyft Insurance Policies
Many states, including West Virginia, attempt to regulate rideshare companies by requiring Uber and Lyft drivers to maintain bodily injury auto insurance coverage of $25,000 person maximum and $50,000 per crash. Uber and Lyft usually provide insurance coverage up to $1,000,000, per crash, but there’s a catch. Uber/Lyft drivers may be considered independent contractors, not employees, a fact that companies will use to distance themselves from car wrecks and deny liability for injuries.
Holding companies like Uber and Lyft responsible for injuries is complex, but can often be necessary to access higher insurance limits.
It’s important that you hire a personal injury lawyer at Shaffer Madia Law who will investigate your situation and provide you with options. Don’t attempt to navigate the legal system and the complicated claims process on your own. The experienced personal injury lawyers at Shaffer Madia Law can help.
Contact Shaffer Madia Law today at (304) 244-4433 to schedule a complimentary consultation with a Morgantown personal injury lawyer. We look forward to helping you!