It’s an Uber rider’s nightmare; sitting in the back seat, when an accident occurs due to the driver being distracted. In many cases, ride share drivers will work for both Uber and Lyft. With both of these companies relying on cell phone technology, some drivers will use two phones at once and others are new to town and have no idea how to navigate without the help of their phones. So, what happens if you are that dreaded rider in the back when an accident occurs?

I was once in an Uber in Chicago, with a driver that didn’t know how to get from the Loop to Wrigley Field. Constant eye contact on his phone/GPS trying to figure his way around a new city instead of safely delivering me to my destination. Often, people will relocate to a new city and sign on to be an Uber or Lyft driver because it is an easy way for them to make quick money. The problem of course is they are completely unaware of their surroundings when they are so reliant on the app or GPS to get them where they are going or to pick up their next fare. There have been cases in other cities of pedestrians hit by Uber and Lyft drivers because the driver was too busy looking for another fare, to look up and see the pedestrian crossing the street. One accident left a man sitting in the back of an Uber with a broken leg after the driver ran a red light. Another left a woman with a broken collarbone after a Lyft driver was struck by another driver, who ran a red light.

Both Uber and Lyft have similar minimum insurance coverage of $1 million dollars in coverage for death, personal injury, and property damage. If you are the rider in an Uber or Lyft accident, the coverage can establish a claim against the other driver involved in an accident if they were at fault. This coverage will cover not only a passenger injured while in an Uber or Lyft, and will also cover damages if an Uber or Lyft driver causes damages or injury to your car. If you have been involved in an accident as a passenger,  pedestrian, or another vehicle struck by an Uber or Lyft driver, give us a call at (312) 346-5320. We will put you in touch with an attorney in your area who will make sure your medical bills are covered as well as any additional compensation you may be due including lost time from work.