Getting into a car accident is scary, but it can feel even more confusing when you ride as a passenger in an Uber or Lyft. Because rideshare drivers operate as independent contractors rather than traditional employees, the rules that determine who pays your medical bills differ. Gaining a clear understanding of your rights after a collision is the first step toward getting the help you need.
Who is liable for injuries?
Liability is the legal term that identifies who is at fault and who must pay for damages. If your rideshare driver causes the accident, they are liable. If another car hits you, that driver takes responsibility. While rideshare companies argue that vicarious liability does not apply to contractors, Connecticut law still requires their insurance to cover active trips.
If multiple people share fault, Connecticut applies a modified comparative negligence rule. Under this law, you can only recover money if you hold 50% or less of the fault. If a party holds 51% or more responsibility, they cannot collect any damages. As a passenger, you will almost always qualify as an innocent party entitled to compensation.
How does rideshare insurance coverage work?
In Connecticut, the available insurance depends on the period of the app at the time of the crash:
- Period 1 (Personal use): The app is off. Only the driver’s private insurance applies.
- Period 2 (Wait mode): The driver logs into the app but has no passenger. Per Conn. Gen. Stat. § 13b-123, the policy must provide $50,000 per person and $100,000 per accident for bodily injury.
- Period 3 (Active trip): From ride acceptance to drop-off, a $1M liability policy applies. This includes $1M in uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage if the other driver lacks insurance.
This structure ensures that you have protection as long as you are on an officially recorded trip. Thus, you need to confirm that your ride was active so that high-limit insurance can potentially cover your recovery.
How do you maximize your recovery?
To protect your claim, report the crash in the app immediately to create a digital record. Take photos of the scene, save your digital receipt and seek medical attention right away. It is also helpful to consult a lawyer. They may help review your case and guide you through insurance negotiations. They may also help confirm that insurers have correctly verified your travel period.