New Orleans Personal Injury Attorneys

Insurance coverage and rideshare accidents

On Behalf of | Mar 29, 2017 | Taxi And Ride-Share Accidents

Uber and other rideshare services are becoming rather popular in Louisiana and other areas. With the increased use of these services has come the risk of you being involved in an accident. Rideshare accidents are special because of how these services are set up. When we see these accidents at Bruno & Bruno, we feel it is important to explain the complexities involved.

Rideshares are basically when one individual provides another individual transportation. While the driver may work on behalf of a company, they are not an employee of that company. The company is only providing a platform to arrange the transportation. So, any issues arising from an accident are between you and your driver.

As NBC News reports, you may not be covered under the driver’s insurance if there is an accident. This is because most rideshare drivers are using their personal vehicles and person insurance coverage. Their insurance company can deny any claims you make due to an accident.

Rideshare companies tell a different story, though. Many companies do offer insurance coverage for the drivers working under them. This insurance is meant to cover the gap, if any, between what the driver’s insurance will cover and what is not covered, so that you, as the passenger, do not have to worry your claim for an accident will not be covered.

State governing bodies are trying to clear things up. State laws mandating such things are insurance and taxi services are not equipped to handle rideshare services, which has led to this gap in coverage. Unfortunately, only a hand full of states have made such moves, and Louisiana is not yet one of them. For more information about rideshare accidents, visit our website.

Archives