Getting hurt while riding in an Uber or Lyft can leave you wondering who covers your injuries. Rideshare companies operate under a different insurance structure than ordinary drivers. That means coverage after a crash can look different from a typical car accident. Here’s what you should know.
Rideshare companies carry high insurance coverage
New Jersey law requires Uber and Lyft to carry at least $1.5 million in liability coverage when a passenger is in the vehicle during a trip. That commercial policy generally covers injuries that occur if a crash happens during the ride.
This coverage exists because rideshare drivers use personal vehicles to transport passengers for pay. This arrangement creates risks that ordinary personal auto policies often do not cover. For passengers, this commercial coverage often becomes the primary source of insurance after a crash.
Multiple insurance policies may apply
More than one insurance policy may apply after a rideshare crash. Depending on how the accident happened, the claim may involve the rideshare company’s policy, your driver’s personal insurance and the insurance of the other driver.
Which policy applies often depends on what the rideshare driver was doing in the app at the time of the crash. For example, coverage may change depending on whether the driver had accepted a ride, had a passenger in the car or had the app turned on during the ride. That detail can affect which insurance company ends up covering your injuries.
Protect your rights after a rideshare accident
Rideshare accidents can involve several insurance policies, and understanding how those policies apply is not always straightforward. A car accident attorney can help you review the available insurance and advocate for your maximum compensation, allowing you to focus entirely on your recovery.