Uber & Lyft Accident Attorney for

San Mateo

Rideshare apps have become a mainstay in the Bay Area, and that means rideshare accidents have skyrocketed in the past few years. These accidents are unique, even compared to taxi and common carrier crashes, due to the complex insurance questions they raise.

If you’ve been hurt in an accident that involved a rideshare vehicle, whether you were a passenger, another driver, or a pedestrian, we are available to walk you through your legal options.

Understanding Rideshare Insurance Periods

Uber and Lyft's insurance coverage changes based on what stage of the app the driver was in at the time of the crash:

• §App off: The driver's personal auto insurance applies, just as it would for any private trip.
• §App on, waiting for a ride request: Limited contingent liability coverage from the rideshare company applies, layered on top of the driver's personal policy.
• §En route to pick up a passenger: Higher-limit liability coverage from the rideshare company applies.
• §Passenger in the vehicle: The rideshare company's highest level of liability coverage applies.

Coverage shifts dramatically depending on which of these stages the driver was in. Determining exactly what the app was doing is critical to identifying who is liable in a rideshare claim.

Damages Available

Rideshare accident victims may recover medical expenses, lost income, property damage, and pain and suffering. However, the available insurance coverage often depends entirely on which “period” applied at the time of the crash.

Why These Claims Are Uniquely Difficult

Uber and Lyft are large, well-resourced companies with insurers experienced in minimizing payouts. These cases often turn on app data logs that must be requested and preserved, and companies may argue their driver was an independent contractor to limit their own exposure.