Ride-sharing services have become a popular and convenient way to get around Kansas City. Whether you’re a passenger or a driver, it’s important to understand what happens if you’re involved in an accident while using one of these services. From insurance coverage to how claims are filed, the process can get complicated—especially when dealing with the ride-share company, other drivers, and insurance companies.
In this post, we’ll break down everything you need to know about accidents while using a ride-share service, how to protect your rights, and what steps to take to ensure you’re properly compensated.
Ensure Safety First and Call for Help
Just like any other accident, the first thing you should do is make sure everyone is safe. Check yourself, other passengers, the driver, and any other individuals involved in the accident. If anyone is injured, don’t hesitate to call 911. Even if the injuries seem minor, it’s essential to get medical attention as some injuries can worsen over time.
Once everyone is accounted for, it’s important to report the accident to the authorities. In Missouri and Kansas, having a police report is crucial for establishing an official record of the incident, which will be necessary when you file insurance claims or take legal action. Make sure to exchange information with all parties involved and take down the contact details of any witnesses.
Gathering Information Is Key
If you’re a passenger or the driver in a ride-share vehicle, you’ll need to collect the same information you would after a traditional car accident. Here’s a list of what you need to gather:
- Driver’s information: This includes the name, contact details, driver’s license number, and insurance details of the ride-share driver.
- Other party information: If another vehicle was involved, gather the other driver’s name, contact details, and insurance information.
- Photos: Take photos of the accident scene, vehicle damage, and any injuries, as well as road conditions, traffic signs, or signals that may have been relevant.
- Witnesses: If there are any witnesses to the accident, collect their contact details and ask if they would be willing to provide statements.
The more documentation you have, the easier it will be to file a claim and prove your case, especially if there’s any dispute over who is at fault.
Understanding Insurance Coverage in a Ride-Share Accident
One of the most confusing aspects of a ride-share accident is understanding how insurance works. The insurance coverage in ride-share accidents is different from a typical accident because both the ride-share company and your personal insurance may be involved. Here’s how it typically breaks down:
- When the ride-share driver is not on the clock: If the driver is not logged into the ride-share app or is not en route to pick up a passenger, their personal car insurance will apply. However, depending on the circumstances, this coverage might not be sufficient.
- When the driver is logged into the app but hasn’t accepted a ride: The ride-share company’s insurance often provides limited coverage in this situation. This typically covers injuries to passengers and other drivers, but the limits may not be as high as when a passenger is actually in the vehicle.
- When a passenger is in the car or the driver is en route to pick one up: This is where the ride-share company’s full insurance coverage kicks in, often offering liability coverage for bodily injury, property damage, and sometimes even uninsured motorist coverage. This is the best-case scenario for passengers because the ride-share company usually has more comprehensive coverage in place.
If you’re involved in an accident while riding with a ride-share service, it’s important to confirm exactly which insurance coverage applies in your situation. If you’re the driver, you should also check with the ride-share company to verify which policy covers the accident.
Filing a Claim with the Ride-Share Service
Once you’ve gathered all the necessary information, the next step is to file a claim. If you’re a passenger, you will likely file a claim with the ride-share company’s insurance, which will typically involve submitting the details of the accident, photos, and any police reports.
As a driver, you’ll also need to file a claim with the ride-share service’s insurance if you’re involved in an accident while carrying a passenger or en route to pick one up. If you weren’t actively working at the time of the crash, your personal insurance may be your first point of contact.
In some cases, you may need to file a claim with your own insurance company as well—especially if the ride-share company’s insurance coverage doesn’t cover all the damages. Your personal auto policy, especially if you have uninsured or underinsured motorist coverage, can step in to cover any gaps.
What to Do If the Insurance Process Becomes Complicated
The ride-share accident claim process can sometimes get complicated, especially if there’s confusion over which insurance company is responsible or if the other party doesn’t cooperate. Here’s where an experienced personal injury attorney can make a big difference. A lawyer can help you navigate the often-confusing world of ride-share accidents, ensure that your claim is handled properly, and negotiate for the compensation you deserve.
An attorney can also help if you’re dealing with issues like:
- Uncooperative drivers: If the ride-share driver or the other driver involved in the accident is difficult to reach or refuses to provide the necessary information, an attorney can help you take legal action.
- Disputes over fault: If there’s any dispute over who is at fault for the accident, your attorney can help gather the evidence you need to prove your case.
- Complex insurance claims: Insurance companies don’t always have your best interests in mind. A lawyer can help ensure that the insurance company is not trying to minimize your compensation.
Consult a Lawyer
If you’ve been involved in an accident while using a ride-share service and are struggling to navigate the claims process, it’s time to speak with an experienced personal injury lawyer. At KC Car Crash Lawyers, we understand how complicated these cases can be and are here to help.
Whether you’re a passenger or a driver, we’ll help you figure out which insurance coverage applies to your accident, ensure that all claims are filed properly, and fight for the compensation you deserve.
If you’ve been injured in a ride-share accident in Kansas City, contact us today at 816-825-5704 for a free consultation. Remember, you don’t pay unless we win your case.