Ridesharing companies such as Uber and Lyft have now become a popular way to get around town. Whether you are visiting a new city or need a ride home after consuming alcohol, you can request an affordable ride from your cellphone and get picked up within a matter of minutes.
But what happens if you are involved in a car accident while riding an Uber or Lyft in Connecticut and suffer an injury? Who is liable to pay for your medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering?
If the crash was caused by another driver, you would file a car accident claim or personal injury lawsuit against the at-fault driver. Connecticut is a fault-based state, which means injured parties must file claims with the liable party or their insurance company to recover monetary damages.
On the other hand, if the Uber or Lyft driver is at fault, you must initially file a claim against the rideshare driver’s insurance. If the driver carries commercial auto insurance or a personal auto insurance policy that has a special provision to perform rideshare services, his/her policy should cover your expenses.
However, most rideshare drivers do not possess these types of insurance coverages, which means they won’t have enough money to cover your injuries. Fortunately, rideshare companies provide coverage to injured passengers once their drivers’ insurance policy has been depleted.
Uber and Lyft provide up to $1 million in third-party liability insurance coverage for personal injuries and property damage. If the at-fault driver is unknown, they also have up to $1 million in uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage per accident.
Remember, these powerful companies and their insurers will do their best to deny your entire claim or reduce your entitled compensation. It is imperative to hire an experienced attorney who can protect your rights and best interests throughout the legal process to maximize your award to make the best possible recovery from injury.
For more information about Uber/Lyft accidents in Hartford, contact Zayas Law Firm today at (888) 486-3037 and request a free case evaluation.