Ridesharing has become part of our everyday life. It is just so easy and inexpensive that these services, like Uber and Lyft, have become part of our regular commutes, even for those with cars. However, many may wonder what happens if they are involved in a Missoula, Montana, car accident while in an Uber or Lyft.
What if I am the rider?
For riders, the company you used has commercial liability insurance that covers you. Indeed, most states require a minimum level of commercial liability insurance. Though, even if for some reason that policy does not qualify or is not enough, the driver themselves should have insurance as should the negligent driver that caused the rideshare accident.
What about the driver?
If you are “on the clock,” meaning that you have a rider in your car, that same commercial liability insurance policy will apply. However, if not, your life can get a bit more complicated. Often, when you do not have a rider, even if you are on the application, the company’s policy does not apply. And, if you have not disclosed that you use your car for ridesharing, your personal auto policy may not cover you either. Of course, if the other driver was negligent, their insurance policy would be held liable for the car crash.
It can get complicated
While it may seem pretty straightforward to you, none of the parties involved in the rideshare accident want to pay. Insurance companies do not make money if they pay out on all claims. And, rideshare companies are already, generally, not profitable, so they do not want to pay either. This is why many of those involved in a rideshare accident, including the rideshare drivers themselves, call a Missoula, Montana, attorney to figure out who is at fault and who must pay.
