Ridesharing apps like Uber and Lyft have been becoming more and more popular in the last few years. In some areas, you’re way more likely to see a rideshare car on the road than a traditional yellow cab. As a result, there are many cars on the road at any given time being used by rideshare drivers. Uber and Lyft drivers usually use their own car when they transport passengers.
Whether or not you’re unfamiliar with these services, here are a few interesting statistics:
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There are 15 million Uber trips each day, worldwide
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Lyft has 1.4 million drivers world ride.
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Worldwide, Lyft has given 23 million passengers over 500 million rides
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Uber’s share of US ride-hailing market is about 70 percent
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The Uber corporation earned net revenue of $7.5 billion in 2017
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In 2018, Uber was valued at around $72 million dollars
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The average Uber driver makes around $364 a month
With more rideshare app drivers on the road than ever, there are naturally more accidents being caused by Uber or Lyft drivers each year. If you’re injured in a car accident by an Uber or Lyft driver? Who can you sue for damages?
Transportation Laws in Connecticut
In Connecticut, companies like Lyft and Uber operate under Public Act 17-140. Under this law, the companies must register with the Connecticut Commissioner of Transportation annually. Both Lyft and Uber require proof of registration for the vehicle being used, and the vehicle does not need to be registered in the driver’s name to be used for rides.
Other standards apply for a car to be used to drive Uber or Lyft legally in Connecticut. The car must:
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Be 12 years old or newer
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Have four doors
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Be in good condition with no cosmetic damage
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Display no commercial branding
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Must display Lyft or Uber sticker in the window
Drivers Are Required to Have Their Own Insurance Policies
To work as a driver in Connecticut, the driver must maintain their own insurance policy that meets state and national standards. Uber and Lyft also maintain insurance policies on behalf of their drivers. Drivers must keep a hardcopy of both of their Certificates of Insurance (COI) in the car at all times.
In cases where the driver’s personal insurance does not kick in, the company owned policy is meant to fill in any gaps in liability. According to Uber’s website, coverage is different based on where the driver is and what they are doing.
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Uber offers no insurance for times when the rideshare app is not being used
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When the driver is available for rides or waiting for a ride request, there’s coverage of up to $100,000 per accident.
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For accidents that occur en route to a ride or during a trip, the liability bumps up to $1,000,000.
Lyft has similar coverage for their drivers, which can be viewed on the Lyft website.
Uber and Lyft Perform Background Checks on Their Drivers
Uber and Lyft do what they can to ensure that their drivers are responsible people with clean driving records and no dangerous crimes in their past. Both companies require their drivers to undergo a background check before they can start driving, which they provide free of charge.
Background checks may be useful to keep people safe from dangerous criminals or people who could be wanton or reckless drivers. But most car accidents are caused by negligence--meaning the person behind the wheel did not intend for anyone to get hurt but engaged in some behavior that was not careful.
Who Can You Sue if You’re Injured in an Accident?
In many ways, an accident with an Uber or Lyft driver is no different than an accident with any other driver. If the working driver is at fault, they are responsible. Like most accidents with typical drivers, the insurance of the at-fault party will cover any damage caused by the driver.
But what about when the accident is serious? When serious injuries occur, medical costs can be through the roof. What if there are costs the insurance company won’t pay? In those cases, bringing a personal injury lawsuit may be a good option.
To bring a personal injury lawsuit after an accident, a plaintiff must prove that the driver being sued was at fault bIf the driver is at fault because of their negligence. There are many things that constitute negligence, but a few of the common reasons for driver negligence include:
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Texting while driving
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Other distracting activity while driving
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Speeding and driving too fast for conditions
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Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs
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Running red lights or stop signs
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Aggressive driving and tailgating
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Failure to maintain the vehicle
How Long Do I Have to Bring a Lawsuit Against a Lyft or Uber Driver?
In Connecticut, a plaintiff must bring their lawsuit against a negligent driver within two years of the date of the accident. Connecticut General Statute 52-284 governs the statute of limitations on car accidents. Accidents involving Lyft or Uber drivers do not have a different statute of limitations.
With all car accident cases, time is of the essence. It’s important to call a lawyer as soon as possible to begin to collect evidence and witnesses for your case. Additionally, since the insurance matter might be more complicated than in a usual auto accident case, it’s a good idea to get the ball rolling right away.
If You Were Injured by a Rideshare Driver, Contact a Connecticut Car Accident Attorney ASAP
Uber and Lyft have definitely had a positive influence in some ways. But if you’re the victim of a driver whose working through a rideshare app, someone needs to give you the compensation you deserve. The Connecticut lawyers at Leighton, Katz & Drapeau can fight for you, making sure you are compensated for your injuries or damages. In car accident cases, time is of the essence. Don’t wait to get legal help. Call our attorneys today at (860) 875-7000 today or contact us online to schedule your free consultation.
