While rideshare services like Uber and Lyft are increasing in popularity there is more curiosity about what will happen if you are involved in an accident as a passenger using their services. The table below outlines the differences between these 2 popular services and the accident coverage that may affect you.
Although drivers may have the state minimum for insurance coverage, we also recommend drivers also have adequate uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage.
In any accident, you should not leave the scene of the accident until the police and paramedics have cleared you to leave. It is important to understand that with many car accident injuries, symptoms of even the most serious neck and back injuries can show up much later, long after the actual accident, and often these injuries can be a life-long challenge in pain and discomfort management. Learn more about the potential of injuries from car accidents and how your medical expenses can be covered on our resource pages.
If you would like to take photos or make a video after the accident you can, but adding commentary to video is discouraged because there may be multiple theories of liability. Leave it to the investigators to assign fault.
After the accident, you will be contacted by the insurance company (James River or Marsh Risk & Insurance Services) for the service you were using. This is part of the process. You may be asked to sign releases or forms for insurance claims. We would urge you to take the time to understand any form you are being asked to sign your name to, and to request copies for your records.
Whose insurance is responsible after an accident?
If you are in an automobile and are in an accident with a rideshare driver there are different possibilities.
1.) If the driver was carrying a passenger or on their way to pick up a passenger, the driver, passengers, and car will be covered by the ride service company’s one-million-dollar policy.
2.) If the driver is in between rides, the personal insurance of the driver will be responsible for the driver, car, and passenger.
3.) If the driver of the other vehicle is found at fault, their insurance is responsible.
If you are injured from an accident, it may be a good idea to reach out to a personal injury lawyer right away for a consult. There is no charge for an initial consultation at Burnett & Williams, and with 6 convenient locations throughout the state of Virginia, we try to make things as easy a possible for you to get the help you need.