Fort Wayne Uber and Lyft Accident Lawyer

People are often reliant on cars to get around every day. However, it is possible to get around in cars without having to own one yourself. Technology has made ridesharing more accessible in places outside of large cities, and ridesharing companies like Uber and Lyft can be found across the country. A car accident involving an Uber or Lyft vehicle can be tricky to navigate, as you are dealing with a large company rather than just one driver.

Companies like Lyft and Uber know they must keep their customers safe on the road. These companies have insurance policies in place to cover you in the event of an accident during your trip. These policies not only extend to passengers but other drivers or pedestrians involved in the collision. However, Uber and Lyft might not cover your crash if specific conditions are not met.

After any car accident, you should consult with an attorney about your legal options. If that accident involved an Uber or Lyft vehicle, you need our experienced Fort Wayne Uber and Lyft accident lawyers. Call the offices of Wruck Paupore at (219) 322-1166 for a free initial case evaluation.

Will Uber or Lyft Pay for My Car Accident in Fort Wayne?

Although many passengers do not realize it, their trip is covered by Uber's or Lyft’s insurance. Their policies cover a variety of situations, from riding in the vehicle to waiting to be picked up. Not only are the drivers for Uber and Lyft covered, but so are passengers, other drivers, and pedestrians that may be involved in the accident.

Uber and Lyft both offer insurance coverage to their drivers, and this insurance could help you if you are injured in an accident. However, these policies are only available while the driver is actively driving for Uber or Lyft. Drivers use their own vehicles as their Uber or Lyft cars, and the line between personal and professional can become blurred. If a driver were in an accident with the car they use to drive for Uber or Lyft, but they were using it for personal purposes like running errands, they will not be covered by Uber or Lyft’s insurance.

Uber or Lyft’s insurance might cover your accident and the expenses related to your injuries, but you will have to argue your claims. Our Fort Wayne Uber and Lyft accident attorneys can help you gather the evidence you need to convince Uber or Lyft’s insurance to cover you.

Who Do I Sue After an Uber or Lyft Accident in Fort Wayne?

After a car accident, most injured victims think about suing the other driver. The same is true in collisions with an Uber or Lyft driver. Just like an ordinary car crash case, you could sue the driver responsible for causing the crash. However, if that driver was driving for Uber or Lyft, they might be covered by additional insurance from the ridesharing company. This not only helps Uber and Lyft drivers cover their legal costs, but it allows for more compensation possibilities for injured victims.

If the Uber or Lyft driver is not responsible for the accident, you might be able to sue a different person you believe is to blame. Another driver could have caused the crash. You would sue that driver in such a case, and Uber or Lyft’s insurance would not play a role in your case. It is not unusual for more than one driver to share some of the blame for a collision. It is possible you could sue both your Uber or Lyft driver and another driver.

It is important to understand that you are not suing Uber or Lyft directly when you file a lawsuit. While employers can be held liable for the negligence of their employees, Uber and Lyft drivers are not really considered “employees.” These drivers have control over when, where, and how long they work. In a sense, they are more like independent contractors than employees. Our Fort Wayne Uber and Lyft accident attorneys can help you decide whom you should sue after a crash.

Accidents Not Covered by Uber or Lyft in Fort Wayne

As mentioned above, there are circumstances where Uber or Lyft’s insurance will not cover your accident, even if a driver for the ridesharing companies is to blame. There are two general conditions under which Uber or Lyft’s insurance will not kick in. If you have questions about more nuanced insurance issues after an accident, speak with our Fort Wayne Uber and Lyft accident lawyers.

Lyft or Uber’s insurance would not cover an accident if the driver’s ridesharing app were turned off. When the app is turned off, the driver is on personal time and not driving in any professional capacity. Unfortunately, this rule poses a problem for passengers whose drivers turned off the app without informing them. Alternatively, if your driver had phone trouble – like the phone dying mid-ride or needing to be rebooted – your insurance coverage could be complicated.

Uber and Lyft’s insurance will also not cover your accident if someone else is at fault. The insurance provided by Uber and Lyft will only cover your accident if your driver is responsible for the accident. If a different driver is instead liable for the accident, Uber and Lyft will deny you compensation. Talk to Our Fort Wayne Lyft and Uber accident lawyers about getting compensation.

Where Can I Get Compensation if Uber or Lyft Will Not Cover My Accident in Fort Wayne?

If your accident is not eligible for coverage from Uber or Lyft’s insurance, all hope for compensation is not lost. You might have a few other options for pursuing damages related to your injuries. Uber and Lyft drivers should have their own insurance as required by law. Not only should they have their own personal insurance, but they might be required to carry additional insurance because they are driving for a commercial purpose. Even if Uber or Lyft’s insurance does not cover the driver, the driver should have their own insurance to cover you.

If someone else caused the accident, Uber and Lyft’s insurance would not cover you. However, you can still seek coverage by going through the other driver’s insurance. If you are not sure who you can hold liable for your accident and injuries, speak with our Fort Wayne Uber and Lyft accident attorneys for guidance.

Get in Touch with Our Fort Wayne Uber and Lyft Accident Lawyers

If you were injured in a car crash with an Uber or Lyft vehicle, you might have a few different options for legal compensation. Our Fort Wayne Lyft and Uber accident lawyers can help you navigate this process. Call the offices of Wruck Paupore at (219) 322-1166 for a free case review.