What Happens When I Get Into An Accident While Driving For Uber, Lyft Or DoorDash?

More people than ever before are driving for apps like Uber, Lyft, and DoorDash. In many ways, these apps provide people with greater freedom, allowing drivers to earn money while working independently and flexibly. In other ways, however, these apps pose a serious safety risk not only to the general public, but also to the drivers themselves. With pressure to be timely and complete as many trips as possible, drivers often find themselves rushing – sometimes while having to glance at instructions on their apps while behind the wheel. But what happens if you get injured while driving for one of these apps?

These Drivers Are Constantly Getting Injured 

A quick glance at the latest headlines shows you that these app drivers are constantly getting injured – whether it’s a car crash, a bicycle crash while delivering a pizza, or even being assaulted by random strangers. There are even numerous reports of DoorDash drivers being shot at within the past few years alone.

What Kind of Insurance Coverage Do I Need as a Driver? 

• DoorDash: This company requires its “Dashers” to obtain the state’s minimum liability coverage. However, New Hampshire does not require you to obtain insurance – so what happens next? One thing to remember is that DoorDash offers excess auto insurance – but this isn’t going to protect the DoorDash driver and won’t pay for damage to the driver’s vehicle. In addition, this insurance only covers injuries to other people and not your own injuries. You should also know that your personal car insurance policy may not cover you, since driving for a meal app is considered a “commercial activity.”
• Uber/Lyft: Uber also requires you to maintain your own insurance policy in accordance with state laws – but once again, New Hampshire has no state laws regarding insurance mandates. When you’re “offline,” your personal insurance policy applies. When you’re “available” or waiting for a ride request, Uber gives you third-party liability coverage if your personal auto insurance doesn’t apply – but this doesn’t cover your injuries or your property damage. If you’re heading to pick up a rider or you’re carrying a rider, you get even more insurance coverage through Uber.

The bottom line is that you should speak with your insurance company and make sure that you have the coverage needed to protect you while you are working for Uber, Lyft, DoorDash, or other similar businesses. You may be able to find specialized “rideshare insurance” in New Hampshire. Or a rider on your policy that provides coverage. Otherwise, you might need to choose commercial auto insurance. Without coverage, you may find yourself with a car that cannot be repaired or injuries that are not covered by uninsured motorist coverage. We receive calls on a regular basis from individuals who find themselves unable to repair their cars after a crash because they didn’t realize their collision coverage did not apply while they were working for an entity such as DoorDash, Lyft or Uber.

Where Can I Find a Qualified Personal Injury Attorney in New Hampshire? 

The Law Office of Manning Zimmerman & Oliveira PLLC is standing by to assist injured drivers, whether you were working for Uber, Lyft, DoorDash, or any other similar app, we know that these auto accidents in New Hampshire can be career-ending and life-changing, and you need to pursue the greatest compensation possible. With our help, you can do just that – so get in touch today and book a consultation. Our Manchester personal injury lawyers will guide you toward the justice and compensation you deserve.

Sources: 

help.doordash.com/dashers/s/article/Does-DoorDash-have-auto-insurance?language=en_CA&ctry=CA&divcode=BC

uber.com/us/en/drive/insurance/