Insurance Coverage in Orem Rideshare Accidents

Rideshare accidents involve different insurance policies, including personal, company, and third-party coverage. For help cutting through the confusion, contact Flickinger Boulton Robson Weeks at (801) 500-4000.

Rideshare accidents can be stressful and confusing. If you’ve been involved in a rideshare accident in Orem, you might wonder how insurance coverage works and how it affects your ability to get compensation.

Navigating insurance policies, especially when it involves companies like Uber or Lyft, can seem complicated. However, knowing the basics of insurance coverage in these situations can help you make informed decisions about your claim.

Whether you’re a passenger, driver, or pedestrian, the aftermath of a rideshare accident can be overwhelming. You may be dealing with injuries, vehicle damage, and medical bills. On top of that, there’s the challenge of figuring out who is responsible for paying for your expenses.

At Flickinger Boulton Robson Weeks, our Orem rideshare accident lawyers understand how challenging these situations can be. We’re here to help you understand your options and guide you through the process, so you can get the compensation you deserve.

Overview of Rideshare Insurance Policies

Rideshare companies like Uber and Lyft typically provide insurance coverage to protect drivers, passengers, and other parties in the event of an accident. These policies are often supplemental, meaning they come into play depending on what the driver’s personal auto policy covers.

The purpose of rideshare insurance is to provide an extra layer of security so that people injured in these accidents can receive compensation for medical bills and property damage.

Rideshare insurance policies can differ from one company to another. Generally, both Uber and Lyft have a liability policy that can go up to $1 million for covered accidents. This amount can be significant, but it does not always apply to every phase of the ride.

Different levels of coverage exist depending on whether the driver is waiting for a ride request, on the way to pick up a passenger, or actively transporting someone.

Understanding how these policies work can be challenging. It is made even more difficult if you are trying to recover from injuries at the same time. That is why speaking with an Orem rideshare accident lawyer can be so helpful. They can explain your rights and help ensure you receive the coverage you deserve.

Differences Between Rideshare and Personal Auto Insurance

Personal auto insurance is designed to cover everyday driving, such as running errands or commuting to work. However, many personal policies do not cover accidents that occur when a driver is using their vehicle for commercial purposes.

This means that if someone is driving for a rideshare company and relies solely on their personal policy, they might find themselves without coverage for an accident that happens while picking up or dropping off passengers.

Rideshare insurance, on the other hand, is specifically tailored for drivers who use their cars for hire. This coverage kicks in when the rideshare app is on and the driver is available for requests. The coverage level usually increases when a driver is actively transporting a passenger.

Another key difference is the liability limits. Personal auto policies often have lower limits, while rideshare policies can go up to $1 million in liability coverage during certain phases of a ride. This additional coverage is intended to protect passengers, pedestrians, and other drivers when a rideshare driver is at fault for an accident.

These differences can cause confusion, especially if a driver forgets to inform their insurance company that they are driving for a rideshare service. If their insurer discovers that they have been operating commercially without the right coverage, it may lead to claim denials or even policy cancellations.

How Insurance Coverage Applies During Different Phases of a Ride

Rideshare companies separate the driving process into different phases, and each phase triggers a different level of insurance coverage.

• First phase: The first phase is when the driver has the app turned off and is not available for rides. In this situation, only the driver’s personal auto insurance applies, since they are not actively working for the rideshare service.
• Second phase: This begins when the driver turns on the app and is waiting for a ride request. In this phase, rideshare insurance often provides a lower level of liability coverage. Typically, this coverage may include bodily injury and property damage, but the limits may not be very high. The driver’s personal policy might also offer some coverage, but it depends on the specific terms of that policy.
• Third phase: It starts when the driver accepts a ride request and heads to pick up the passenger.
• Fourth phase: It is when the passenger is in the vehicle until the end of the ride. During these phases, rideshare companies usually offer their highest levels of coverage. This can include up to $1 million in liability coverage, as well as limited coverage for uninsured or underinsured motorists.

If an accident occurs, it is important to determine which phase the driver was in at the time. That information helps you know which insurance policy should be covering your injuries. If the driver was offline, you would typically need to pursue a claim under their personal policy. If the driver had a passenger in the car, the rideshare company’s more extensive policy might be available.

Understanding these phases can be complicated. That is why consulting with a lawyer who handles rideshare cases is often beneficial. An attorney can review the details of your accident and advise you on the best way to seek compensation.

How Our Firm Helps Clients Navigate Insurance Disputes

At Flickinger Boulton Robson Weeks, our main goal is to support you during a difficult time. Rideshare accidents can lead to complicated insurance questions. You might face disputes about who is at fault or whether the rideshare company’s policy should cover your injuries. We step in to handle these disputes on your behalf, so you can focus on healing.

• Gathering information: First, we start by collecting all the relevant information. This includes police reports, medical records, and any evidence from the scene of the accident. We also gather documents from the rideshare company to confirm which phase of the ride the driver was in.
• Evaluate policies: Next, we evaluate all available insurance policies, including the driver’s personal auto insurance and the rideshare company’s policy.
• Negotiate on your behalf: Our attorneys then negotiate with insurance adjusters. We understand that insurance companies may try to minimize payouts, so we use our experience to argue for a fair settlement that truly reflects your medical costs, lost earnings, and pain and suffering. If insurance disputes cannot be resolved through negotiation, we are prepared to take your case to court.

Our firm has a history of winning significant settlements for our clients, including multimillion-dollar outcomes. While we cannot promise the same results for every case, we can promise our commitment to fighting for your best interests. Our attorneys, such as Kevin K. Robson and Sierra Taylor, are dedicated to personal injury cases and approach each client with compassion.

We know that rideshare accidents are stressful. From mounting hospital bills to everyday expenses, the financial strain can become overwhelming. That is why we are here to answer your questions, address your concerns, and pursue the compensation you deserve.