Ridesharing services like Uber and Lyft have become enormously popular in recent years, providing convenient transportation options for millions of people. However, the rise of ridesharing has also led to an increase in accidents involving rideshare vehicles. When a rideshare driver causes an accident involving multiple vehicles in Arizona, it raises the question of who is responsible for damages.
Rideshare Driver Insurance in Arizona
In Arizona, rideshare companies like Uber and Lyft provide insurance coverage for drivers and passengers during three different periods:
Period 1: When the rideshare driver has their app on but no passenger in the car. During this time, they are covered by their own personal auto insurance policy.
Period 2: When the driver has accepted a ride request but there is still no passenger in the car. Both the driver’s personal policy and the rideshare company’s insurance provide coverage.
Period 3: When there is a passenger in the vehicle. The rideshare company provides primary commercial insurance that covers damages up to $1 million.
So, in the event of a multi-vehicle accident caused by a rideshare driver with passengers, the rideshare company’s insurance will provide the first layer of coverage. However, that insurance may not fully cover all damages in a major accident, which leads to questions of additional liability.
Who Else Can Be Held Responsible?
Most rideshare insurance policies have low liability limits in the range of $50,000 to $100,000, and $25,000 for damage to property. If a serious multi-vehicle crash causes damages exceeding those limits, other parties may be pursued to pay for damages:
- The Rideshare Driver: If the driver was determined to be primarily at-fault for the accident, their own assets and personal auto insurance could be tapped for compensation if the rideshare insurance is insufficient.
- Other Drivers: If any other drivers involved in the crash were partially at fault, their liability insurance could also be liable for covering a portion of the damages.
- Underinsured Motorist Coverage: If a rideshare passenger has UIM coverage on their own personal auto policy, they may be able to claim under that policy if the rideshare insurance does not fully cover their medical bills, vehicle damage, and other losses.
- Uninsured Motorist Coverage: If any drivers involved in the crash do not have insurance, the rideshare passenger may be able to file a claim under their own UM policy.
- Personal Injury Lawsuit: If the damages are extensive, the injured parties may be able to pursue a personal injury lawsuit against any negligent drivers to recover compensation beyond what insurance policies provide.
How Fault Is Determined
When multiple vehicles are involved in an accident in Arizona, fault or liability is determined based on each driver’s contributory negligence. Investigators will look at factors like:
- Traffic signs, signals, and right-of-way at the intersection where the crash occurred
- Speed of the vehicles prior to impact
- Witness statements about driving behaviors of those involved
- Analysis of skid marks and final resting positions of the vehicles
- Whether any drivers were distracted or impaired
- Vehicle defects or malfunctions that may have caused or contributed to the crash
Based on thorough analysis of all these factors, each driver will be assigned a percentage of fault. The party that is deemed primarily at-fault – likely the rideshare driver in many cases – will bear the greatest liability for damages under their insurance policy and personal assets. But other partially liable parties will also be responsible for covering a portion of uncompensated damages.
Damages That May Need to Be Covered
Some of the costs that can quickly exceed low rideshare insurance limits in a serious multi-vehicle crash include:
- Property damage to all vehicles involved
- Medical bills for injured drivers and passengers
- Lost wages from missed work due to injuries
- Pain and suffering damages
- Loss of household services or family support from injured parties
- Future medical expenses and rehabilitation
- Loss of companionship or consortium for families of injured people
With multiple injured victims and extensive vehicle damage, the total damages adding up can easily escalate into hundreds of thousands of dollars or more. When damages exceed the rideshare coverage, collecting full compensation often requires pursuing coverage from additional sources.
Additional Considerations
A few other notable points regarding liability and coverage in multi-vehicle rideshare accidents in Arizona:
Rideshare passengers may need to file claims under multiple insurance policies – the driver’s, their own, and the rideshare company’s – to get fully compensated. An attorney from Monge & Associates can help coordinate this process.
Rideshare companies often provide contingent coverage between Periods 1 and 2, but this can be complex to access. Experience with rideshare policies is important.
Comparative negligence laws mean even passengers partially at fault can recover damages, reduced by their percentage of fault.
Punitive damages may be warranted if the rideshare driver’s behavior was particularly reckless or egregious.
If the rideshare driver flees the scene, uninsured motorist coverage can still help passengers recover damages.
Rideshare accident victims may be entitled to recover compensation for non-economic damages like emotional distress and loss of enjoyment of life.
Consult an Attorney
The aftermath of a rideshare accident involving multiple vehicles can be extremely complex when it comes to determining fault and getting adequately compensated. Contacting an experienced personal injury attorney from Monge & Associates is highly recommended to protect your rights. Our rideshare attorneys can conduct a thorough investigation, negotiate with insurance companies, and pursue legal action against any parties that do not accept responsibility. With an attorney’s help, those harmed in a rideshare accident can recover the maximum compensation available to account for all their losses and damages.
The rideshare company, through its insurer, will likely work aggressively to limit liability payouts whenever multiple vehicles are involved. Having a tenacious attorney from Monge & Associates to fight for your full compensation is critical after major accidents involving Uber, Lyft, or other rideshare services in Arizona.
We have offices in 32 locations and 19 states, including Arizona, Illinois, and Iowa.
Call now for a free consultation on (888) 477-0597 if you’ve been involved in a rideshare accident. We’re here to help!