Lyft and Uber sell themselves to potential drivers as an easy way to make some extra cash in their spare time. The rideshare companies talk about the excess insurance coverage that kicks in when the driver picks up a passenger to protect them if they are hit in an accident. However, the reality seems to be very different for many rideshare drivers. After an accident, the rideshare companies may try and avoid paying for the accident and shut down the driver's account, even if they did not cause the accident. 

Bills, Collection Agencies, and Multiple Insurance Companies

In an article for Vice, Melissa Schultz described the nightmare that followed a minor traffic accident that occurred while she was transporting passengers for Lyft. During a fare in Los Angeles, another driver veered into her pathway and caused an accident. Schultz did what she was supposed to do and reported the accident to her insurance company and to Lyft. 

According to the Lyft driver, her personal auto insurance company shut down the claim. Lyft's insurance said the personal insurance would cover the accident. The personal insurance company said she needed additional coverage because she was transporting passengers for Lyft. Then Lyft shut down her account and said she could no longer drive for Lyft. 

Eventually, the driver contacted the other driver's insurance company. However, the other driver's insurance company claimed she was at fault. After that, she began to receive calls and letters from collections agencies. 

Confusion for Rideshare Drivers After an Accident

Not surprisingly, this type of situation is not uncommon for rideshare drivers who are involved in an accident. Many drivers are not even aware that their personal insurance company won't cover claims when the driver is transporting passengers for hire. During the fast sign-up process for people to drive for Uber or Lyft, the rideshare companies do not always make it clear that rideshare drivers have to get supplemental insurance to make sure they are covered. 

Auto insurance companies are in the business of making money. This generally means trying to collect premiums and pay out as little as possible. Even if the insurance company is supposed to pay out for damages according to the contract, the insurance companies will often tell the policyholder that the other driver's insurance is responsible. Insurance companies also engage in delay tactics and make the claimant jump through hoops, to make them eventually give up or just accept a smaller amount than they deserve. 

Who Is On Your Side After a Lyft or Uber Accident?

After a Lyft or Uber accident, anyone involved may find it difficult to recover damages for medical bills, vehicle repair, or lost wages. For passengers, the rideshare company was happy to take your money for the ride but unwilling to help after an accident. For other drivers, their own insurance points to the rideshare insurance and vice versa. For Lyft and Uber drivers, between their personal insurance and the rideshare companies, no one wants to pay.  

If you contact a rideshare accident lawyer, you will have an advocate on your side to fight for you, and not the insurance company. The attorneys at accidentdenver.com have successfully represented families in Denver, Boulder, Aurora, and throughout Colorado who were victims of rideshare accidents. Our experienced attorneys will fight to get the maximum compensation available for your injuries. Contact us today for a free consultation.