Who Is Liable for a Delaware Rideshare Accident?

Rideshare services like Uber and Lyft have been increasing in use and popularity over the past few years. However, many people are still unsure of what to do after a rideshare accident because of how new these services still are. Figuring out the insurance process after one of these accidents is also a challenge because insurance coverage has not yet been fully standardized for rideshare services. If you are struggling to figure out how to obtain compensation after an unexpected rideshare car accident, be sure to talk to a Delaware accident lawyer today. 

RIDESHARE ACCIDENT STATISTICS

Since the rise of Uber and Lyft rideshare services, car accident fatalities have increased by 2-3% in the United States. In other words, it is estimated that rideshare services could be responsible for 1,100 deaths each year. Some people attribute this to the increases in traffic congestion caused by adding rideshare services to cities with taxi cabs and busy traffic. 

Studies have also shown that cities with the most rideshare services have increased deaths with pedestrians, at night, and on weekends. However, there are disagreements on the effect of rideshare services on drunk driving. Some say Uber and Lyft have led to fewer DUIs, while others say the drunk driving phenomenon has remained unchanged. 

A new traffic pattern called deadheading has increased and involves rideshare drivers circling the roads without passengers. Rideshare drivers do this 40-60% of the time and this has been tied with increases in traffic congestion. 

HOW DOES INSURANCE WORK WITH UBER AND LYFT?

Since rideshare services are still relatively new, the auto insurance coverage situation is complicated and varies based on the type of rideshare service and the driver. Taxis and similar services usually operate under commercial insurance, but most rideshare drivers do not have commercial insurance. At the same time, some rideshare drivers have a special provision under the auto insurance that covers passengers, but not every rideshare driver will purchase this extra provision. 

Uber and Lyft use a point system to regulate their insurance coverage for car accidents. Period one means the rideshare driver is logged in but is not matched with a passenger. Period two means the rideshare driver has a passenger match but this passenger is not physically in the vehicle yet. Finally, at period three, the rideshare driver is driving with the passenger physically inside the vehicle. 

Uber and Lyft only cover their drivers when their drivers are on the clock during the accident. When these drivers are not on the clock, they will have to rely on their own personal auto insurance coverage in the event of a car accident. 

PERSONAL INJURY LAWYER IN DELAWARE

Trying to figure out how to cover the damages you suffered after a rideshare accident can be confusing with all the different types of insurance policies out there. Consider hiring a Delaware personal injury lawyer if you are struggling with obtaining compensation. You could be eligible to receive compensation for medical bills, pain and suffering, and lost wages. Contact Edelstein Martin & Nelson at (302) 295-5050 for a free consultation today. We are located in Wilmington, Delaware.