The Basics of Safety and Liability as a Passenger with Uber and Lyft Drivers

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Are you one of the millions who are using the Lyft or Uber ridesharing apps? They appeal to many uses because you can hail a quick and inexpensive ride simply by pressing a button on the app on your smart phone rather than having to find a phone number, call a taxi and wait for them to arrive. However, are you familiar with the liability risk of using these popular ride-sharing apps? Any time you get into a vehicle you are placing yourself at risk whether you are driving your own vehicle or riding as a passenger. It is important if you are going to be using ridesharing services that you are aware of what happens if you should suffer an injury as a passenger in Lyft or Uber.

Rider safety in Uber and Lyft

When considering safety, there are two general categories that come into question. The first question is the safety of the vehicle, the skill of the driver and their likelihood of getting into an accident. The second general question is the rider’s safety in the vehicle with the driver. Whether you are talking about a traditional taxi or an Uber, in either case you are getting into the car with a stranger. The CATO Institute conducted a policy analysis in 2015 called, Is Ridesharing Safe? The report concludes that there is little evidence that ridesharing services are more dangerous than traditional taxis. The report goes on to cover the advantages of ridesharing for drivers such as the cash-free transactions, and customers who are self-identified.

Both Uber and Lyft require background checks that go back seven years and look for DUI convictions, traffic violations such as reckless driving, hit-and-run, sexual offense or any other violent crimes. The CATO Institute report concludes that, “It cannot be reasonably claimed that an UberX or Lyft driver who has been cleared through a thorough background check is more of a danger to passengers than a taxi driver in most of America’s most populous cities.”

Do Lyft and Uber carry liability insurance?

Ridesharing companies carry liability coverage that protects riders in the event of a crash:

• If you are injured in an auto accident when you are a passenger in a vehicle with an Uber driver, both the driver and passenger are covered under a $1million liability policy. Uber also provides coverage for accidents with an uninsured or underinsured motorist.
• Once a Lyft driver accepts a ride and the ride is finished, the driver and passenger is covered under a $1million liability coverage per accident along with uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage.

When you ride in an Uber, Lyft or when you are driving your own vehicle, always be sure to fasten the seat belt. If you have been injured in an accident while you were a passenger in a Lyft or Uber ridesharing service, you may want to contact a skilled Delaware auto accident attorney from Silverman, McDonald & Friedman who will protect your right to fair compensation for your injuries.

You are welcome to call Silverman, McDonald & Friedman at 302.414.5553 or fill out our contact form to discuss your injury case with one of our auto accident lawyers in Newark, Seaford or Wilmington. When you have been hurt in a car crash because of another person’s negligence, we represent your interests and fight for fair compensation for you.