What is the Difference Between a Rideshare Accident and a Regular Car Accident?

Ridesharing is a popular form of transportation in Fresno and elsewhere in the San Joaquin Valley. Uber and Lyft can be cost effective and convenient. At the same time, there is always a risk involved in getting in any type of motor vehicle. Crashes happen—and when they do, injured victims need justice and financial compensation.

Ridesharing accident claims can be especially complex. Indeed, there are some notable differences between Uber/Lyft accidents and other types of traffic collisions. At Nunes Law, Inc., we know how to hold ridesharing companies accountable. Here, our Fresno ridesharing accident lawyer explains what makes these crashes different in California.

What Makes Ridesharing Accident Claims Different in Fresno

Involved in a ridesharing accident in Fresno? Whether you were a passenger, occupant of another vehicle, or a pedestrian/bicyclist, it is imperative that you understand the unique issues that are at play in these cases. Here are the two key reasons why ridesharing crashes are different:

• The Crash Also Must Be Reported to the Ridesharing Company: One key difference between ridesharing accidents and other types of crashes is that the ridesharing company itself may be a party to the claim. In California, any accident involving a ridesharing vehicle should be reported to the respective company immediately. Reporting the incident is especially important if you were hurt as a ridesharing passenger.
• Navigating the Overlapping Insurance Can Be Far More Complex: Ridesharing accident claims in California involve a complicated web of insurance coverages. Uber and Lyft drivers use their own vehicles. They are typically covered by their personal insurance and one or more additional policies provided by the ridesharing company. However, that additional policy typically only activates under specific conditions. Determining which insurance applies—whether the driver’s personal insurance, the company’s contingent coverage, or their full commercial policy—depends on the driver’s status at the time of the accident.

An Overview of Ridesharing Insurance Regulations in California

There are specialized state-based insurance regulations in place in California that apply to the ridesharing industry. Notably, these regulations mandate a tiered insurance system, providing coverage based on the driver’s status:

• Offline (personal use);
• Available;  and
• Engaged in a ride.

As explained by the California Department of Insurance, state law requires ridesharing companies to “provide drivers $1 million in liability coverage from the time a match is accepted until the passenger exits the vehicle.” Once a ridesharing driver accepts a passenger, they must be covered by the ridesharing company’s $1 million commercial insurance policy. At other times, the driver may be covered by their personal liability insurance and/or the company’s contingent policy.

Three Key Similarities Between Rideshare Accidents and Other Car Crashes in Fresno

While ridesharing accident claims are different from ordinary car crashes in Fresno, there are also many important similarities. Here are three key points to know about all car accidents in California:

• The Crash Still Must Be Reported to Law Enforcement: In Fresno, all traffic accidents that result in injury, death, or significant property damage must be reported to state or local law enforcement—regardless of whether a rideshare vehicle is involved. Make sure that your ridesharing accident is reported to the police and to the ridesharing company.
• The At-Fault Standard of Liability Still Applies: California is a fault-based motor vehicle accident state, including for ridesharing accident claims. The party responsible for causing the accident is liable for damages. With that being said, ridesharing passengers are protected by California’s mandatory $1 million ridesharing commercial policy whenever they are in an Uber or a Lyft. They can bring a claim even if their Uber driver or Lyft driver was not at fault for the crash.
• Injured Victims Have a Right to Seek Compensation for Damages: Victims injured in rideshare accidents in Fresno have the same rights to seek compensation as those hurt in any other type of motor vehicle crash. You may be entitled to recover financial compensation for medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other damages.

Contact Our Fresno Ridesharing Accident Attorney for a Free Case Review

At Nunes Law, Inc, our Fresno ridesharing accident lawyer has the skills, experience, and legal expertise to take on all types of Uber crashes and Lyft crashes. If you were involved in a ridesharing accident, we are here to help. Contact us today to set up your free, no obligation case review. With a law office in Fresno, we handle Uber accident claims and Lyft accident claims across the region.