So, what kinds of accidents are possible with ride share vehicles? They fall into three different categories:
Passenger accidents. There is always a chance that you will get into a car crash if you step into a vehicle. Most people know and accept this, but that does not make it any less surprising when it happens.
If you get hurt while using a ride share service and learn that they will not pay, it can feel like being kicked by them while you are already down. Although in many cases passenger injuries should fall under their $1 million coverage, this is not always the case.
In particular, you should watch out for coverage denials if the other motorist is deemed at fault, and they are either uninsured or underinsured.
Driver accidents. As mentioned above, it is not just passengers who can get hurt in ride share vehicles, but also the drivers. Will the company cover the cost of your injuries? It depends.
Drivers for Uber and Lyft are covered for up to $1 million when they are taking a paying passenger from place to place. Uber now also covers their drivers between fares as long as the app is on.
However, this is not necessarily the case for all ride share businesses. You have to know your company’s specific policies to understand what kind of help you can expect and know when you will likely need to push back and fight for what you need.
Third-party accidents. Who else can get hurt in ride share accidents? Other drivers. Passengers in other vehicles. Pedestrians. Basically, anyone who could potentially be harmed in any auto accident in Florida.
The big question here will be whether the ride share business can be held liable or if they will attempt to push responsibility onto the driver and his or her personal insurance. This will depend on a number of factors, most notably whether they were taking a passenger somewhere or using the app.