If you are facing insurance challenges after a rideshare accident in Provo, Flickinger Boulton Robson Weeks can help you secure the compensation you deserve. Call (801) 500-4000 to schedule a free consultation today.
Dealing with insurance companies after a rideshare accident can be overwhelming. Disputes over liability, policy limits, and coverage often arise, delaying compensation.
Picture this: you’ve called a rideshare service after a long day at work, hoping for a relaxed trip across Provo’s bustling streets. But in a split second, a collision occurs—leaving you shocked, possibly injured, and burdened with financial concerns.
It’s a stressful scenario that plays out more often than many realize in this growing city, known for the scenic backdrop of the Wasatch Range and a vibrant university community.
As you struggle to recover, you may face a confusing maze of insurance policies, claims adjusters, and legal jargon. Rideshare companies typically carry special insurance policies for drivers and passengers, but obtaining fair compensation can be far from straightforward. Insurance disputes arise about who is liable and when their coverage actually kicks in. Meanwhile, medical bills and lost wages start to accumulate, putting extra strain on you and your loved ones.
Fortunately, help is within reach. Flickinger Boulton Robson Weeks—located right here in Provo—understands the unique insurance challenges tied to rideshare accidents. We have a history of obtaining large settlements, including $1.8 million for wrongful death, and we aim to guide you toward the resolution and peace of mind you deserve.
How Rideshare Insurance Works for Drivers & Passengers
Rideshare companies like Uber and Lyft offer insurance coverage that generally applies based on the driver’s status in the app. Typically, there are three key “periods” or phases:
- App Off (Personal Driving): If the driver is not logged into the rideshare app, their personal auto insurance policy is in effect, and the rideshare company’s coverage does not apply. Any accidents that occur during this phase will be handled through the driver’s personal insurer.
- App On, No Active Ride Request: Once the driver is logged in but has not yet accepted a ride request, some limited liability coverage from the rideshare company may kick in. However, the coverage is usually less than what applies during an active ride.
- Active Ride (En Route or Passenger On Board): After the driver accepts a ride request or is transporting passengers, more extensive coverage from the rideshare company becomes available. This typically includes liability coverage, and often uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage to protect passengers in case the at-fault driver lacks sufficient insurance.
While these rules may sound straightforward, disputes can arise, particularly around the question of when the driver accepted a ride request or whether the app was active at the time of the accident.
Common Insurance Disputes in Rideshare Accidents
Even though rideshare companies provide specific insurance policies, several disputes frequently emerge after an accident:
- Phase-of-Use Disagreements: Determining which “phase” the driver was in at the time of the collision can spark debates. Insurance companies may claim the driver was off the clock or did not yet have an active ride, aiming to reduce their financial obligations. Collecting and reviewing electronic data from the rideshare platform is often essential to clarifying this issue.
- Coverage Gaps: Some drivers have personal insurance policies that explicitly exclude coverage for “commercial use” of the vehicle. If the rideshare coverage doesn’t fully apply, victims can be left with significant bills. Navigating these gaps requires a thorough understanding of both personal and corporate policies.
- Fighting Over Liability: In multi-vehicle accidents or complex collisions, rideshare insurers might argue that their driver shares only partial blame—or none at all. Under Utah’s comparative negligence rules, an insurer might try to reduce or deny compensation if they believe you also contributed to the accident. Evidence like dashcam footage or eyewitness testimony becomes critical in these disputes.
- Insufficient Settlement Offers: Like many insurance providers, rideshare insurers may initially offer a settlement that doesn’t cover the full extent of your damages—medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering. Negotiating for fair compensation can be a lengthy process, especially if the insurer employs aggressive tactics.
- Uninsured/Underinsured Motorists: If another driver caused the collision but lacks adequate insurance, you may need to rely on the rideshare company’s underinsured or uninsured motorist coverage. Determining eligibility for this coverage often involves policy-specific nuances that can complicate your claim.
Strategies for Maximizing Compensation in a Rideshare Claim
Achieving a fair settlement in a rideshare accident case often requires a proactive approach. Here are some key strategies:
- Document the Scene Thoroughly: Right after the accident, take photos or video of the scene if you can. Capture vehicle damage, road conditions, and any visible injuries. Talk to witnesses and collect their contact information. This evidence can prove vital when establishing liability and countering insurance company disputes.
- Seek Immediate Medical Attention: Even minor aches can later turn into more serious complications. Prompt medical evaluation not only helps your recovery but also creates a clear record linking your injuries to the accident. Keep copies of all medical documents, including diagnosis, treatment plans, and bills.
- Understand Your Policy & the Rideshare Company’s Policy: Whether you’re a rideshare driver or passenger, familiarize yourself with how coverage works. If you’re a driver, check if your personal policy excludes commercial driving. If you’re a passenger, ask for the rideshare company’s insurance information to understand your potential avenues for compensation.
- Avoid Making Hasty Statements: Insurance adjusters might contact you quickly for details about the crash. Provide basic facts, but refrain from giving recorded statements or speculating on fault before consulting an attorney. Anything you say could be used to diminish your claim.
- Consult an Experienced Attorney: Perhaps the most important step is seeking legal guidance from a Provo Rideshare Accident Lawyer. At Flickinger Boulton Robson Weeks, we help gather critical evidence, negotiate with insurers, and, if necessary, take your case to trial. Our goal is to maximize your compensation so you can focus on recovery.
How Our Firm Helps Clients with Complex Rideshare Insurance Claims
Our legal team, which includes esteemed attorneys like Mark T. Flickinger and Zeb Q. Weeks, has decades of combined experience dealing with personal injury and insurance disputes. Here’s how we can assist:
- Comprehensive Investigation: We work with accident reconstruction experts, gather digital evidence from the rideshare platform, and review all relevant insurance policies to clarify liability and ensure no coverage avenue is overlooked.
- Aggressive Negotiation: Insurance adjusters are skilled at minimizing payouts. We counter these tactics by presenting a robust case backed by evidence and by leveraging our track record of successful verdicts, such as multimillion-dollar settlements in wrongful death and sexual abuse cases.
- Personalized Client Support: We recognize each client’s situation is unique. Through regular communication and compassionate guidance, we help you navigate legal hurdles while you focus on healing.
Contact a Provo Rideshare Accident Lawyer
If you’ve been injured in a rideshare accident and are dealing with confusing or unfair insurance hurdles, you don’t have to face this challenge alone.
Reach out to Flickinger Boulton Robson Weeks at (801) 500-4000 to schedule a free consultation. We’ll listen to your story, explain your legal options, and develop a strategy tailored to your situation.
Our team is deeply committed to helping Provo residents find justice and secure the financial relief they need. Let us advocate on your behalf so you can focus on your recovery and move forward with peace of mind.
