Uber and Lyft have become staples in our lives, even for those of us with cars. After all, if we want a night out, maybe with some drinks, swiping a rideshare application makes sense. Indeed, to avoid drunk driving, it is the right decision. However, even when we are making the right decision, that does not mean that we can avoid disasters, like car accidents. Indeed, rideshare car accidents are becoming more common as the gig economy explodes. This brings up the question, what happens after a Washington rideshare car accident?
Biggest issue: rider or no rider
The biggest issue that occurs in rideshare accidents is the battle of insurances. Potentially, there are three insurance companies, all trying to avoid liability: the app’s commercial liability policy, the driver’s personal auto policy and the other vehicle’s personal or business auto policy. For the app’s policy to cover, usually they require there to be an active rider in the car. For the driver’s personal auto policy to cover, they usually have to have a commercial or rideshare policy endorsement. And, for the other policy to cover, they must find some liability with their covered driver. This is why rideshare car accidents usually end with some personal injury litigation.
The most covered person, the rider
The rider in the rideshare is the most covered person because they are only one that has no fault in a rideshare car accident. This means they can seek compensation from all parties involved. Plus, the app’s commercial liability coverage will immediately kick in to cover their costs after the accident.
The least covered person, the one outside the rideshare vehicle
For those in Seattle, Washington, the least covered person in a rideshare accident is the person not in the rideshare vehicle. This is because, immediately after the car accident, they only have their own auto policy. Of course, after litigation, they may be able to hold multiple parties liable and be compensated by them, but in the immediate aftermath, they only have their own insurance to call. For the rideshare driver and their passenger, they have both the app’s and driver’s insurance policy to call.