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Rideshare apps have become increasingly popular in the day-to-day travel of an average commuter. Uber recorded over 90 million monthly users in the last quarter of 2020 alone.

Their convenience and ease of use have perhaps been the most significant contributors to the prevalence of these apps. But just like any other mode of transportation, accidents are almost inevitable.

An accident with a ride-hailing service vehicle is slightly different from your typical car crash. First, there are many parties involved, which complicates the settlement process, and second, the big corporations involved have an experienced legal team to shield them from liability in the event of an accident.

You’ve probably used these services, maybe even within the past week. So, what are your options after an accident in an Uber or Lyft vehicle while visiting Las Vegas?

What to Do Immediately After the Accident

Just like any other car accident, the steps you take after the incident will ensure your personal wellbeing as well as support the claims process, should you decide to sue for damages.

  • Check for Injuries on yourself as well as the other driver and administer first aid if possible. Call the police or other authorities to ensure formal documentation and immediate medical assistance.
  • Document the Accident Scene, including the circumstance that led to the crash. If you can, take photos, gather information from eyewitnesses, and record all the details carefully. Remember that multiple insurance companies might be involved, and therefore, you need concrete evidence about the facts before and after the accident. Do not forget to exchange contact information with the other parties involved in the crash.
  • Contact a Car Crash Attorney and inform your insurance company of the accident.

Who Will Pay for Damages?

This depends on the circumstances surrounding the crash. Uber and Lyft drivers are not considered employees of the rideshare companies and so, they are generally held liable in case of an accident.

However, the ride-hailing companies have clauses in their insurance that dictate the terms under which injured drivers or passengers using their services can make compensation claims from the company or sue them for damages.

Some of the top aspects they’ll consider are as follows:

  • Who was at fault for the accident?
  • Was there a passenger in the Uber/Lyft?
  • Was the driver logged into the app?

All these elements come into play when arriving at who bears the settlement costs.

Whether the driver was logged into the app will determine if the ride-hailing company’s insurance will cover your damages. If the driver has not logged in but is at fault for the accident, he will be held liable for the accident, and their coverage will be the primary compensation cover. Uber/Lyft underinsured or uninsured insurance cover will come into play if the driver’s insurance cover is insufficient.

It’s important to note that Uber/Lyft rides have a million dollar liability cover for their drivers, which covers victims of accidents in the line of work. Ensure that you get in touch with a car accident law firm that will comb through all the options at your disposal to ensure you receive adequate compensation.

What Else Do I Need to Know?

Insurance companies are businesses at the end of the day, they strive to minimize payouts. Low settlement amounts are the order of the day, but with a qualified car accident attorney who is well informed with what the law says, you could walk out with a compensation package that fully covers your damages.

Uber and Lyft are big companies with high policy limits, and you should get the best out of that. Remember there’s a time limit after which you cannot pursue compensation claims in Las Vegas. Under Nevada law, the time frame is two years.