Who’s Responsible for Drunk Uber/Lyft Accidents?

Why are Uber and Lyft so Popular

Uber and Lyft are popular companies that offer ride-sharing services to people who need on-demand transportation. Ridesharing is often used by people who don’t own vehicles, out-of-towners, and weekend partiers. Ridesharing is considered to be one way of minimizing the number of drunk drivers on the road. But, what do you do when your Uber or Lyft driver is driving-under-the-influence?

Liability for Drunk Rideshare Drivers

Uber and Lyft have strict policies against their drivers drinking while on duty. If passengers suspect that a rideshare driver is under-the-influence, they are encouraged to log in to their app to terminate the ride and notify the company of their suspicions. Even though they have this policy, rideshare companies can still be held liable for driver accidents. Call a Lyft/Uber accident lawyer in Los Angeles if you need legal advice about a rideshare accident.

Uber and Lyft Drivers are Independent Contractors

Uber and Lyft drivers are not employees – they are independent contractors who must carry their liability insurance. But, the driver’s insurance supplements the ridesharing company they work for – Uber or Lyft.

The insurance companies that cover the ridesharing accident depend upon when the accident happens. Before a driver logs into their ridesharing app, they are off-the-clock, and their insurance company provides liability coverage. When the driver logs into their app, the basic 50/100/25 liability coverage applies, which includes $50,000 of liability coverage per person, $100,000 of liability coverage per accident, and $25,000 of liability coverage for property damage. From the moment the driver accepts the fare up till the time the passenger is dropped off at their destination, the rideshare company provides $1 million of liability insurance. After the passenger exits the vehicle, the liability reverts to the 50/100/25. When the driver turns off the app, the rideshare company insurance stops and the driver’s insurance resumes.

Call an Uber or Lyft Accident Attorney in Los Angeles

Taking legal action against ridesharing companies like Uber or Lyft can be very difficult for the layman. Ridesharing companies have teams of lawyers who fight to protect their companies from successful lawsuits. Their job is to discourage massive lawsuits by paying injured people as little as possible. One tactic they use is to deter people from contacting their lawyers and settle out of court for much less than the claims are worth. Consider calling a Lyft accident attorney in Los Angeles or an Uber passenger injury attorney in Los Angeles for help.

Ridesharing laws are continually changing and are too complicated for anyone except experienced personal injury lawyer in Los Angeles to navigate. Has an intoxicated rideshare driver injured you? Consider hiring a skilled rideshare personal injury lawyer.