Uber and Lyft Accidents in Connecticut
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Many people throughout Connecticut and everywhere now regularly use Uber or Lyft to get to where they need to go. It is a convenient and reliable alternative to “public” transportation or owning your own vehicle.
If you’ve never used Lyft, Uber or another rideshare, these companies are essentially like a taxi service, but are supposed to be safer. Using GPS location technology, you can quickly and easily summon a ride using the Uber or Lyft app right from your Android or iPhone.
With the convenience of these rideshare companies comes a negative side also. For instance, unlike many taxi companies or public transportation, Uber and Lyft generally do not provide training programs, run thorough background checks, or require vehicle inspections. Uber does not require much more from their drivers other than they have a valid driver’s license, maintain
minimal vehicle insurance when not connected to the app, and the use of a vehicle that is in “good condition.”
The downside here is that many Uber and Lyft drivers may be more inexperienced behind the wheel and therefore at higher risk for getting into a car accident.
Types of Damages for Uber or Lyft Accident in Connecticut
If you were an Uber or Lyft passenger and injured in a car accident in New Haven, Bridgeport or anywhere in Connecticut, you may be entitled to money damages.
- Medical bills – payment of past medical bills for spinal injuries, head injuries or any other injuries sustained in a Lyft or Uber accident.
- Future medical care – if you suffered serious injuries form an Uber or Lyft accident, and need medical treatment in the future, such as a spinal surgery, you can recover these expected losses.
- Pain and suffering – compensation for any physical pain or mental or emotional suffering.
- Lost wages/loss of earnings – this compensates you if you missed time from work or injuries from a Uber or Lyft accident prevented you from your usual occupation.
- Loss of Enjoyment – if the injuries you sustained prevented you from being able to do the things you enjoyed prior to the accident, you are entitled to compensation for this loss as well.
Insurance Coverage for Uber/Lyft Accidents
What insurance policy applies when there is a car accident involving an Uber or Lyft driver? The legal or insurance issues that arise from an Uber or Lyft accident can be complex. For example, there may be another or several other vehicles involved that share partial fault for the accident, in which case there may be several different insurance policies available.
Minimum insurance required under CT state law is $25,000 (per person)/$50,000 (per accident):
https://portal.ct.gov/CID/General-Consumer-Information/Automobile-Coverage-Information
In Connecticut, James Farm Insurance Company handles any claims for Uber accidents; while Lyft is self-insured. An Uber or Lyft driver is generally covered under ride-share insurance policies while they are logged into the app, even if there is no passenger in the car, but what about the passenger? Similar to taxi cabs, insurance coverage and requirements depends on the status of the passenger pickup process.
- Uber/Lyft driver is offline: the driver’s own insurance applies and is required to have minimum state insurance required under Connecticut CT law, which is $25,000 person/$50,000 per accident for injury or death
- Uber/Lyft driver is online but not accepted ride request: Uber/Lyft insurance applies and affords coverage of $50,000 per person/$100,000 per accident for injury or death
- Uber/Lyft driver is online and in route to pick up a passenger: Uber/Lyft insurance applies and affords single limit coverage of $1,000,000 for injury or death
- Uber/Lyft driver is online and is carrying passenger(s): Uber/Lyft insurance applies and affords single limit coverage of $1,000,000 for injury or death until passenger dropped off.
Will Uber or Lyft accept responsibility for compensating the passenger of the accident if it found to be the driver’s fault?
Rideshare companies are required to cover their driver’s insurance while they have passengers in their vehicles. Even though Uber and Lyft have their own million-dollar insurance policy covering the driver’s negligent conduct in a car accident, there are limitations to the policy’s level of coverage, and it is important to know who is responsible for the passenger’s compensation.
Seeking out an attorney is the best way to sort out these liability and insurance
coverage issues that are common in Lyft and Uber accidents.
Contact an Experienced Connecticut Uber or Lyft Accident Attorney Today. Our Uber or Lyft accident lawyers will ensure that you receive the compensation you’re entitled to.
Contact Sorrentino Legal at (203) 518-8010 today for a free consultation to discuss your Uber or Lyft accident claim.
This will help you understand the compensation you deserve and are entitled to. And Attorney Sorrentino will help this process go as smoothly as possible.