Las Vegas Car Accidents involving Uber, Lyft and Other Rideshares
(TNC’s–Transportation Network Companies)
Given that there are over 3 million rideshare rides per year in Las Vegas, there are bound to be accidents. We see 4 main types of accident cases arising from these rideshare services:
- You are a passenger in a car being driver to your destination in a TNC/rideshare;
- You are a passenger in another vehicle that was hit by a rideshare car while the car was carrying passengers;
- You are a passenger in another vehicle that was hit by a rideshare car while the car was en route to pick up passengers; and/or
- You are the driver of a rideshare that was struck by another vehicle;
Uber and Lyft have insurance policies to cover auto accidents, but whether they will pay a claim depends and the amount of coverage depends on the status of the ride. There are 4 different periods of time they recognize for purposes of insurance coverage:
What does Uber and Lyft’s insurance cover and what is the minimum policy amount?
In Nevada, a law was passed mandating the following insurance minimum requirements. The amount of coverage depends upon the status of the ride. NRS 690B.470 provides coverage as follows:
(1) $1,500,000 minimum for bodily injury to or death of one or more persons and injury to or destruction of property in any one accident that occurs while the driver is logged into the system and is actually transporting a passenger to a destination;
(2) $50,000 minimum for bodily injury to or death of one person in any one accident that occurs while the driver is logged into the system and waiting for a passenger;
(3) $100,000 minimum for bodily injury to or death of two or more persons in any one accident that occurs while the driver is logged into the system and is waiting to receive transportation request; and
(4) $25,000 minimum for injury to or destruction of property in any one accident that occurs while the driver is logged into the system but it not transporting any passengers.
Although it is not legally required, the TNC may have additional coverage, including, payment of medical bills, coverage for uninsured or underinsured motorists, comprehensive coverage and collision coverage.
Is there other insurance coverage available?
Yes. In addition to Uber and Lyft’s insurance, the driver should have his own personal policy of auto insurance. This insurance is valid when the vehicle is being driven for personal use and en route to pick up a passenger. We will not generally know the driver’s limits of coverage until we contact them on your behalf.
Are Uber or Lyft classified as commercial vehicles?
No, they are not classified as commercial vehicles despite the fact that they carry passengers.
What do I do at the scene of an accident and how do we proceed with a lawsuit against Lyft or Uber?
In many way, pursuing a claim against a rideshare is similar to other motor vehicle accidents, but it is highly recommended that you retain an experienced car accident attorney in Las Vegas to explore all the possible sources of potential coverage. You should gather the same information you would collect at any car crash, but there is some additional evidence which is helpful. Try to obtain:
- A copy of the other party’s driver’s license;
- A copy of the other driver’s car registration and insurance;
- Names, telephone numbers, and addresses of witnesses, including information from rideshare passengers (remember that the status of the drive affects liability);
- Write down the time of accident (to establish the status of the ride);
- Photos of all cars involved and any surroundings you find helpful;
- Notes about the road conditions, weather, road construction, and anything else you think may have affected the accident.
I was the driving a rideshare while injured by another driver. Are there any special claims for me?
Yes. You may have a loss of income claim for being too injured to work.
Contact us now to discuss you Rideshare/Uber/Lyft/TNC case. As always, there are no up front fees for us to take your case. We only get paid if we get you a settlement. Give Hinds Injury Law Las Vegas a call today at 702-940-1234 or visit us here:
Hinds Injury Law Las Vegas
600 S 8th St Suite 140, Las Vegas, NV 89101