Insurance Policy Requirements for Uber Drivers in Westlake Village

When a rideshare accident happens, understanding who is liable and who pays for your injuries can be challenging. Understanding how insurance policy requirements for Uber drivers in Westlake Village impact your injury claim is an important aspect of this process.

Our experienced rideshare accident lawyers could help you identify the liable party, insurance information, and make a claim for your injuries.

What Are the Insurance Policy Requirements for Rideshare Drivers?

All drivers are required to carry insurance while operating a vehicle on the road, and Uber drivers are no exception. California Vehicle Code § 16500 of the California Vehicle Code requires these drivers to carry liability policies covering at least $30,000 for injury or death to one person, $60,000 for injury or death to more than one person, and $15,000 for property damage.

However, these minimum coverage amounts may not encompass the full cost of injuries or property damage sustained during an accident. Therefore, those injured in a crash must determine all available paths to compensation; this may mean using their own uninsured/underinsured motorist (UM) coverage or seeking compensation from others involved in the crash.

Who Pays After a Westlake Village Rideshare Crash?

In regard to motor vehicle accidents, California is an at-fault state. In most cases, then, the driver who caused the crash will be responsible for the resulting damages and injuries. In the case of an Uber or Lyft accident, this could mean the driver or a third party is most likely responsible.

Additionally, California follows the doctrine of comparative negligence, meaning that parties can share fault for the accident and still recover compensation.

Is the Rideshare Company Responsible for Damages?

A rideshare company may be responsible for damages resulting from a driver’s accident. In addition to this insurance policy, Uber provides its drivers with $1 million in supplementary insurance. This policy only applies when the driver is logged into the app and actively “on duty.”

Many rideshare operators are considered independent contractors and not employees. This can make it challenging to hold the company vicariously liable for a driver’s negligence. It is important to note that even if Uber or Lyft categorizes the driver as an independent contractor, they may still be responsible if the driver acts in the capacity of an employee.

What to Do to Secure Compensation After an Accident?

Whether a person was a passenger or the operator of another vehicle that an Uber driver hit, it is crucial to take steps to protect their right to recover injury compensation. After a rideshare crash in Westlake Village, those involved should:

• Check for injuries and move vehicles out of traffic to prevent further damage or injury
• Contact the police to report the accident
• Obtain insurance information and contact information from the Uber driver and others involved
• Seek immediate medical attention to document any injuries
• Take photos and videos of the accident scene, any vehicle damage, and visible injuries
• Monitor and make a diary of any symptoms related to the accident
• Keep track of all expenses related to the accident
• File an insurance claim and negotiate a settlement or go to court

It is also prudent to contact a trusted rideshare accident lawyer as soon as possible. They could investigate the accident, determine the available insurance coverage, gather evidence, calculate damages, file a claim, and negotiate a fair settlement.

Have Questions About Insurance After a Crash With an Uber Driver in Westlake Village? Contact Us!

Understanding insurance policy requirements for Uber drivers in Westlake Village can give you key insights into your claim and recovering compensation after an accident. When rideshare crashes happen, the experienced team of attorneys at Block LLP is ready to assist you.

Schedule a free consultation today to get started on your claim.