I'm a rideshare driver who was not injured in an accident. Can I claim wage loss?
Uber and Lyft drivers may be able to demand that the at-fault driver’s insurance company pay them for lost income or downtime caused by an accident, but the process for doing so can be complex.
In general, if a driver is involved in an accident that is not their fault, they may be able to seek compensation for lost income and other damages caused by the accident. This may include lost wages from being unable to work due to injuries sustained in the accident or lost earnings from being unable to use their vehicle to work.
However, the process for seeking compensation can vary depending on the specific circumstances of the accident and the insurance policies involved. Uber and Lyft drivers may be covered by multiple insurance policies, including their own personal insurance, the rideshare company’s insurance, and the at-fault driver’s insurance.
To determine who is responsible for paying for lost income and other damages, it may be necessary to consult with an experienced personal injury attorney who can help navigate the insurance claims process and negotiate with the insurance companies on the driver’s behalf, if applicable.
In general, rideshare drivers may have a stronger case for seeking compensation for lost income and other damages if they can provide documentation of their lost earnings, such as pay stubs or tax returns. This can obviously be difficult because Uber and Lyft will suspend the partner account after the car accident is reported. This is why our attorneys suggest screenshotting all metadata that identifies your driving patterns, as well as your 1099-K also located in the app. This evidence would be used to justify your wage loss claim.
It may also be helpful to provide documentation of the accident, such as police reports or witness statements.
Overall, while Uber and Lyft drivers may be able to demand that the at-fault driver’s insurance company pay them for lost income, or downtime, the process for doing so can be complex and may require the assistance of an experienced attorney.
To better understand the process for rideshare drivers, it’s helpful to know a bit about the different types of insurance coverage that may be involved in an accident:
1. Personal auto insurance
This is the insurance policy that most drivers have and that covers their personal vehicle. However, most personal auto insurance policies specifically exclude coverage for accidents that occur while the driver is engaged in commercial activity, such as driving for Uber or Lyft.
2. Rideshare insurance
To fill the gap left by personal auto insurance policies, many rideshare companies, including Uber and Lyft, provide additional insurance coverage for their drivers. This insurance may provide coverage for liability, collision, and uninsured/underinsured motorist claims.
3. At-fault driver's insurance
If another driver caused the accident, their insurance may be responsible for paying for damages, including lost income and other expenses.
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