On June 16, 2017, HB 132—which is known as the Let’s Ride Alaska Act—went into effect, allowing “transportation network companies” (TNC) such as Uber and Lyft to provide rideshare services in the state. Since then, Uber and Lyft have become popular means of transportation in Anchorage and other parts of Alaska.
However, just like other types of motor vehicles, Uber and Lyft drivers can be involved in car accidents. So, what happens if you are injured as a passenger in a rideshare vehicle or struck by an Uber/Lyft driver while driving your personal vehicle?
In any car accident case, the injured party (the plaintiff) must prove that the at-fault driver (the defendant) breached his/her legal duty to drive safely, and his/her breach resulted in the crash and damages. Keep in mind, not only can the rideshare driver be liable for the accident, but also the other driver(s) involved.
If you are a passenger in a rideshare vehicle that is involved in a collision caused by your driver, Uber and Lyft provide up to $1 million in third-party liability, uninsured/underinsured motorist bodily injury, and contingent comprehensive and collision coverage. Additionally, if a motorist is struck by a rideshare driver with a passenger in the vehicle, he/she will be covered by Uber’s or Lyft’s insurance policy.
On the other hand, in circumstances where the rideshare driver is offline or waiting to find another passenger after dropping one off, the driver’s personal auto insurance coverage will apply in the event of a crash. Unfortunately, there are also many instances where the driver’s insurance carrier denies coverage because the driver failed to obtain rideshare endorsement on their main auto policy.
No matter what the circumstances of a rideshare accident may be, Uber or Lyft insurance claims are anything but straightforward. Insurance companies are committed to paying injured claimants out as little as possible or denying their claims altogether.
I, Attorney David Henderson, have more than two decades of legal experience handling complex auto accident claims. Do not hesitate to let me investigate the accident, collect and examine the evidence, negotiate a fair settlement with the insurance company, or help you maximize your compensation in court.
If you have been injured in an Uber or Lyft accident in Anchorage, call The Law Offices of David Henderson at (888) 295-6566 or fill out an online contact form today to schedule a free consultation.