Legal Remedies for Victims of Accidents Involving Uber or Lyft Cars

Rideshare vehicles, such as those operated by Uber and Lyft, have become increasingly prevalent forms of transportation. In 2021, Uber had over 93 million active users worldwide, and Lyft served 12.5 million riders in the United States alone. However, with this rise in popularity, accidents involving rideshare vehicles have also increased. Victims of such accidents, whether they are passengers in the rideshare car or occupants of other vehicles, are entitled to compensation for their injuries. Yet, the involvement of rideshare vehicles introduces additional insurance complications.

Unlike traditional taxi or limousine companies, transportation network companies (TNCs) like Uber and Lyft do not maintain fleets of vehicles or hire drivers. Instead, they rely on independent contractors who get their business through dedicated phone apps. Massachusetts law requires TNC drivers to purchase liability insurance beyond that required of noncommercial drivers. This enhanced coverage is necessary because state law permits personal auto insurance providers to exclude coverage during times the insured party is acting as a TNC driver unless they pay extra for a rideshare policy endorsement.

The additional coverage required is based on the driver’s level of activity after logging in to the app:

• Between accepting a ride request and picking up the passenger, a driver’s liability insurance must cover at least $50,000 per person, $100,000 per accident, and $25,000 for property damage.
• After picking up a passenger and until the passenger is discharged, the total coverage for bodily injury (including death) and property damage must be at least $1 million per occurrence per vehicle.

If an accident occurs and the driver does not have sufficient coverage, the TNC company is required to provide coverage and has a duty to defend the claim. Uber, Lyft, and certain other companies voluntarily carry liability insurance for their drivers up to the limits described above.

Under Massachusetts comparative negligence law, fault for an accident might be shared between the TNC driver and the other vehicle’s driver. This means the injured person may need to file claims against both parties to force them to pay their allocated amounts. Comparative negligence allows a victim to recover damages even if they are partially at fault, as long as their fault does not exceed 50%. However, their compensation will be reduced by their percentage of fault.

Given the complexities of obtaining financial compensation after a rideshare accident, it is crucial to have an experienced automobile injury attorney who can determine the available sources of coverage and handle the claim effectively, negotiating the fair and adequate settlement you deserve.

The attorneys at Feinberg & Alban PC have helped victims of car crashes throughout Greater Boston and Worcester, Massachusetts, get optimal compensation for their injuries. Call us today at or contact us online to schedule a free consultation.