When you step into an Uber or Lyft, you expect a safe ride to your destination. Unfortunately, accidents can happen in seconds and leave you facing complex insurance battles. Unlike traditional car accidents, rideshare accidents create a maze of liability involving the driver’s personal insurance, the rideshare company’s commercial policy, and potentially other drivers’ coverage. Having an experienced lawyer’s help can make a major difference in fighting for compensation when insurance companies do everything possible to lowball you.
At Big Joe Law, we have spent years fighting insurance companies in rideshare accident cases, and we know exactly how these companies operate when millions of dollars are at stake. Our experience managing personal injury cases has taught us the tactics insurers use to minimize payouts, and we use this knowledge to build strong cases that protect your rights and maximize your compensation.
How Rideshare Insurance Coverage Works
The rapid growth of rideshare services has created significant challenges for traditional insurance frameworks, with rideshare services now accounting for up to 14% of vehicle miles traveled in some urban areas, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
Rideshare insurance operates on a three-tier system depending on what the driver was doing at the time of the accident. When the driver has the app off, only their personal auto insurance provides coverage, which typically excludes commercial activities like ridesharing. Once the driver turns on the app and waits for ride requests, limited coverage kicks in through the rideshare company’s contingent liability policy.
The highest level of coverage is activated when the driver accepts a ride request and remains active until the trip ends. During this period, Uber and Lyft provide $1 million in third-party liability coverage, as well as comprehensive and collision coverage for the driver’s vehicle. However, these companies will still try to shift blame or minimize your injuries to reduce their payout.
Common Challenges in Rideshare Injury Claims
Insurance companies use several strategies to complicate rideshare accident claims and reduce the compensation you deserve. They may question which insurance policy applies based on the driver’s app status, dispute the severity of your injuries, or claim you contributed to the accident. Some insurers delay investigations, hoping you’ll accept a low settlement offer while medical bills pile up.
Another challenge involves determining fault when multiple parties are involved. If another driver is liable for the accident, their insurance company may try to pass the blame to the rideshare driver or even suggest you were partially responsible. Each insurance company has a team of adjusters and lawyers working to protect their interests, not yours.
Working with Multiple Insurance Companies
Rideshare accidents often involve negotiations with multiple insurance companies simultaneously. The rideshare driver’s personal insurer may deny coverage entirely, forcing you to pursue claims through the rideshare company’s commercial policy. Meanwhile, if another driver caused the accident, their insurance company becomes part of the equation.
These companies rarely coordinate their investigations, leading to conflicting accident reports and disputed liability determinations. They may also use different medical review standards, making it difficult to get consistent approval for your treatment needs.
Evidence Collection and Investigation
Strong evidence collection becomes crucial in rideshare accident cases because insurance companies will challenge every aspect of your claim. Phone records showing the driver’s app status, vehicle maintenance records, and driver history all become essential pieces of evidence. Without quality legal representation, you may miss critical deadlines for evidence preservation or fail to identify key witnesses.
At Big Joe Law, we work quickly to preserve electronic evidence before it gets deleted or modified. Our investigation includes reviewing the driver’s background, checking for any violations of rideshare company policies, and documenting all factors that contributed to your accident.
How to Build a Strong Rideshare Injury Case
Success in rideshare accident cases depends on thorough preparation and aggressive advocacy against well-funded insurance companies. We begin by immediately securing all available evidence, including accident reports, witness statements, and medical records. Our team collaborates with accident reconstruction specialists as needed to establish fault and fully document the extent of your injuries.
Documentation becomes your strongest weapon in these cases. We help you maintain detailed records of all medical treatments, lost wages, and the impact of your injuries on your daily life. This comprehensive approach helps us counter insurance company attempts to minimize your damages or question the severity of your injuries.
Consistency in medical treatment also plays a crucial role in rideshare injury claims. Insurance companies look for gaps in treatment or missed appointments to suggest your injuries aren’t serious. We guide you through the treatment process and work with your healthcare providers to ensure clear documentation of your condition and prognosis.
Contact Big Joe Law for Your Rideshare Accident Case
Rideshare accidents require experienced legal representation to navigate the complex insurance landscape and protect your rights. We have secured significant settlements for accident victims, including recent awards of $2,750,000, $2,250,000, and $250,000 for personal injury clients. Our approach combines real-world experience with aggressive advocacy to get you the compensation you deserve.
Big Joe brings decades of business experience to his law practice. This background gives us a unique insight into how insurance companies function and the tactics they use to minimize payouts. We treat every client with truth, respect, and the determination to achieve the best possible outcome for your case. Call us today at (818) 821-0026 or contact us online to schedule your free consultation.