Globally, 137 million people used Uber in 2023 alone. Ridesharing services like Uber and Lyft have revolutionized how people travel from place to place. Uber and Lyft are the most popular ridesharing platforms in the US and continue to grow for both passengers and drivers. Seven million people drive for Uber, sharing the roads with drivers here in Connecticut and around the world. With more rideshare drivers on the road, the likelihood of accidents with rideshare drivers increases. What happens if you get into an accident with a rideshare driver? Below, we discuss how to handle rideshare accident claims. Injured in a car accident with a rideshare driver in Connecticut? Contact our rideshare accident attorney at 203-586-0022 for a free consultation to discuss your case.

Do Uber and Lyft Drivers Have Insurance?

Rideshare drivers who get into accidents make claims through their auto insurance company. Rideshare drivers are covered by commercial insurance from the ridesharing platform. Rideshare services offer varying levels of insurance coverage depending on the driver’s status at the time of the accident. Are Rideshare Drivers Vetted? Rideshare platforms have several requirements for their drivers, including passing a background check, maintaining their vehicles, and following minimum age requirements (in Connecticut, the minimum age to transport passengers with Uber or Lyft is 23). Every car a person drives for Uber and Lyft must meet specific requirements, such as having four doors, working seatbelts, adequate headlights/taillights, and operational windows. In Connecticut, rideshare companies cannot hire drivers with more than three moving violations in three years or who have committed serious traffic violations. According to Conn. Gen. Stat. Sec. 14-1, serious traffic violations include being convicted of a DUI in the past seven years, excessive speeding, reckless driving, following too closely, or texting while driving.

What Causes Rideshare Accidents?

Rideshare accidents occur for the same reasons as other traffic accidents. The most common reasons for rideshare accidents are:

Driver fatigue

Rideshare app drivers determine when, where, and how often they work. Many rideshare platform drivers have multiple jobs and pick up rides in between other commitments and family responsibilities. This means they can work odd hours, which may cause them to be tired on the job. In Connecticut, rideshare drivers are banned from working more than 14 hours a day or 16 hours in a 24-hour period. However, these are long days and can cause drivers to get tired and potentially cause accidents.

Distracted driving

Distracted driving is one of the most common causes of accidents in the US. Distracted driving can be caused by using a smartphone while driving, but there are other causes of distractions, too. Being unfamiliar with surroundings and navigating GPS systems is one common cause of distractions for rideshare drivers.

Failure to maintain vehicle

Cars used by rideshare drivers experience an excessive amount of wear and tear. If drivers don’t keep up with their vehicle maintenance, it can make them more susceptible to accidents.

Seeking Compensation for Injuries in Rideshare Accidents

Drivers aren’t covered by their individual auto insurance when driving for a ridesharing service. If you get into an accident with a rideshare driver, you will submit a claim through the rideshare platform’s commercial insurance. These rideshare platforms are giant corporations that may take a long time to process your claim. That’s why it’s important to have an experienced rideshare accident attorney help you submit your claim so you’re promptly compensated for your property damage and injuries.

Moore, O’Brien, and Foti: Rideshare Accident Attorneys

Getting into an accident with a rideshare driver adds a level of complication to your accident claim. You must file a claim for damages through the ridesharing platform, which could take months or years to settle. Having a rideshare accident attorney on your side will help you receive the compensation you’re entitled to in a timely manner. Contact us online or call our Middlebury, Connecticut, office at 203-586-0022 for a free consultation.