What Happens if Your Uber Driver Was Off the App When the Crash Occurred?
Ridesharing has become a routine part of life. Whether you’re heading to Mizner Park, commuting to work, or catching a ride to the airport, apps like Uber and Lyft offer convenience and affordability. But if you’re injured in an accident involving a rideshare vehicle, things can get complicated, especially if the driver was off the app at the time of the crash.
When recovering from an injury sustained in an Uber or Lyft, connect with a Port St. Lucie Personal Injury Lawyer. Attorneys can share with you how to secure the maximum compensation amount.
App Status Impacts for Passengers and Drivers
Uber and Lyft drivers toggle the rideshare apps on and off to show availability.
- App off. When the driver is not logged in, they are essentially operating as a private driver. They are not covered by Uber or Lyft’s commercial insurance.
- App on, no ride accepted. When the app is on and the driver is waiting for a ride request, limited liability coverage from the rideshare company applies.
- Ride accepted or passenger in vehicle. Once a trip is accepted or a passenger is in the car, Uber or Lyft provides their full commercial coverage, which is much higher than the driver’s personal policy limits.
Should a driver be completely off the app, only their personal auto insurance applies. This can be a problem because many personal policies have lower coverage limits than rideshare company policies. If you are injured as a passenger or another motorist when the driver was off duty, you cannot make a claim against Uber or Lyft’s insurance.
The driver’s personal coverage may create headaches for you if the driver carries only minimal coverage. Depending on the circumstances, your own insurance (such as uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage) may also come into play.
Uber drivers who are off the app when the accident occurs cannot rely on Uber’s insurance to cover their losses. Drivers would need to turn to their own auto insurance policy. This is one reason why many rideshare drivers choose to purchase special rideshare endorsements or hybrid policies to make sure they are protected whether the app is on or off.
Why This Matters for Injury Recovery
The distinction between “on the app” and “off the app” has a huge effect on recovery options. Uber’s $1 million liability coverage might be available in one scenario, while in another, only a minimum personal policy is in play. For someone facing medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering, that difference can drastically change the outcome of a claim.
An experienced Port St. Lucie Personal Injury Lawyer can investigate the rideshare driver’s app status. They will also review the relevant policies and pursue every available path to recovery.
Is it time for you to learn more about your recovery options after a rideshare accident? Don’t leave your financial future to chance. Seek legal guidance from the attorneys at Leifer & Ramirez to make sure you secure the settlement you deserve after a collision in Port St. Lucie, Fort Pierce, Stuart, or Vero Beach. Call 561-660-9421 to schedule a confidential consultation.
