Uber and Lyft are ridesharing services that have become increasingly relevant forms of transportation in Toronto, in large part due to their accessibility and dependability. But, with that being said, Uber/Lyft drivers are not immune to getting into an accident on the road. If you have been injured in an accident while using this ridesharing service, continue reading to discover how an experienced Toronto Uber/Lyft accident lawyer at Merricks Law Group can help you understand the liability coverage system and the claims process ahead.
What are the common causes of Uber/Lyft accidents in Toronto?
Uber/Lyft accidents happen for many of the same reasons that all other auto accidents happen. And while hazardous road or weather conditions are sometimes the cause, most of the time, an accident is due to the negligence of one of the drivers involved. Examples of such negligence are as follows:
- Ignoring traffic lights and signs.
- Texting while driving.
- Looking at a GPS while driving.
- Speeding, especially when considering local conditions like weather and visibility.
- Driving while drowsy or fatigued, which leads to slowed reflexes in response to road hazards.
- Driving while under the influence of drugs and/or alcohol, which leads to decreased reaction time, poor vision, and poor decision making.
What is Uber/Lyft accident liability coverage in Toronto?
Notably, Uber/Lyft have a liability coverage system in place to help those who have been wrongfully injured in a ridesharing accident to receive the financial compensation they require for their injuries and damages. This coverage system is divided into periods, and as such the compensation you will receive is dependent on which period you fall under. The different coverage periods read as follows:
- Period 0: When an Uber/Lyft driver causes an accident when they are not yet logged into the rideshare app, the companies will not provide liability coverage.
- Period 1: When an Uber/Lyft driver causes an accident when they are logged into the rideshare app but have not yet accepted a ride, the companies will provide liability coverage for up to $50,000 per person injured in the accident or up to $100,000 total injury liability per accident, and up to $25,000 property damage liability.
- Period 2: When an Uber/Lyft driver causes an accident when they have accepted a ride and are on the way to pick up the passenger, the companies will provide up to $1 million in liability coverage.
- Period 3: When an Uber/Lyft driver causes an accident when the passenger is in the car, the companies will provide the injured passenger with up to $1 million in liability coverage and the driver with limited coverage for damage to their car and uninsured motorists’ coverage.
To kickstart your claim, retain the services of a skilled Toronto auto accident lawyer today.
Contact Our Experienced Toronto Personal Injury Firm
If you have been injured in an accident due to no fault of your own, contact a Toronto Personal Injury Lawyer at Merricks Law Group today.
