Many people are using rideshare services, such as Uber & Lyte. Unlike with a taxi company, a driver for Uber & Lyte is an independent contractor, rather than an employee. The difference becomes very important in the event that a person is hurt as a result of the negligence of a driver.
Taxi companies employ drivers who work for the company. The taxi company has its own liability insurance company to cover the vehicle driven by an employee. If a driver is involved in an auto accident with a company vehicle, even if he has no passenger, typically, the taxi company insurance policy covers the claim.
An accident with an Uber or Lyte vehicle may be different. Uber and Lyte have a 1,000,000 policy, which will cover passengers in a vehicle. However, the coverage is different than a taxcab commercial insuance policy. If you are involved in an accident with an Uber or Lyte vehicle which is not transporting passengers (or going to pick up passengers), there may be an issue as to whether the 1M policy will cover your claim.
I recently renewed my auto insurance. The insurance company asked if I use my vehicle for any ride sharing service, such as Uber or Lyte. Ride sharing drivers need commercial insurance to cover claims. If you are involved in an accident with an off-duty rideshare driver, the other driver’s insurance company may deny the claim if he or she does not have commercial insurance.
If you were involved in an acciident with an Uber or Lyt motor vehicle, please feel free to contact
Attorney Robert M. Singer
2572 Whitney Avenue, Hamden, CT 06518
203-248-8278
Serving New Haven Count and all of Connecticut
rsingerct@yahoo.com