Rideshare Accidents in Alberta
Rideshare companies, notably Uber and Lyft, have became very popular across Alberta and Canada. According to recent studies, approximately 23.4% of the Canadian population will use rideshare services in 2025. It is also predicted that the number of users in the rideshare marked will reach 10.04 million users by 2029.
With increased usage comes greater concern about liability and insurance coverage if you are involved in an accident while a passenger in an Uber or Lyft.
In short, you should be covered under the rideshare company’s insurance policy and you can bring a claim if you suffered injuries from the accident.
Determining Liability: Driver, Rideshare Company, or Third Party?
For every motor vehicle accident, one of the first questions to ask is, who is responsible for causing the accident? In some accidents, both drivers are to blame.
The analysis for the determination of liability does not change simply because an Uber or Lyft driver is involved. What should be clear is that you, as a passenger, are not responsible for causing the accident. However, if you do not wear your seatbelt, you many have your compensation reduced.
If you are in an accident, try and get the contact information from your driver and from the other driver. Try and take photographs of the accident scene and of any injuries you have suffered. Be sure to keep the receipt of your Uber and Lyft fare to help prove that you were in the vehicle when the accident occurred and that it was after you accepted a trip.
Should you be injured in the accident and it is necessary to start a claim, it is possible that the rideshare company will be named as one of the defendants. This is because the rideshare company has a responsibility to ensure competent and capable drivers are driving for the company.
Insurance Coverage: Personal and Commercial Policies
If your ride has started, you will have access to the driver’s commercial insurance policy through the rideshare company. Even though drivers use their personal vehicles, the driver will have coverage under the rideshare company’s insurance.
The insurance coverage for drivers depends firstly on whether they are logged into the app. The coverage applies if they are logged in and waiting for a ride request, and when logged in and picking up passengers or giving rides. Given that you are a passenger, it is assumed that the insurance coverage that applies is when the driver is giving rides to passengers.
Uber has insurance to cover you if you are involved in an accident while using the Uber app.
In Alberta, Uber maintains $2 million of coverage to protect passengers injured in an accident, including a hit-and-run or accident with an underinsured driver. You may also be entitled to Section B benefits through Uber’s coverage. These are benefits to assist you with recovery.
For Lyft in Alberta, Lyft maintains insurance policies that covers passengers when they are involved in a accident.
In Alberta, the insurance for ridesharing accidents has a limit of $2 million. You may also receive Section B benefits.
Documenting Your Injuries and Losses After a Rideshare Accident
Properly documenting your injuries after an accident is important for both your recovery and your claim. You should be proactive in speaking with your doctor and following the advice of your healthcare professionals.
If you sustain serious injuries in the accident, you should try and get to the hospital as soon as possible, by ambulance if necessary. In any case, you should make an appointment with your family doctor as soon as possible so that you can be examined and your injuries reported. If treatment is recommended, it is important to follow that advice. Our experienced team at Preszler Injury Lawyers in Alberta can help you arrange treatment through the insurance company.
It is recommended that you keep all your documents in one dedicated file, whether physical and/or electronic. This includes all correspondence with your doctor and/or other treatment providers. You should also keep all your receipts to ensure that you recover all of your loses. Take careful notes of conversations with your doctor/treatment providers and details of your appointments, both in-person and over the phone, to ensure accuracy.
If you have any questions about keeping records and documenting your injuries, please see this dedicated blog article to learn more on this topic.
Dealing With the Rideshare Platform’s Claims Process
If you are in an accident while a passenger in a rideshare vehicle, you should report the accident to the company, ideally through the company’s app. Certain information will need to be provided. They will need to confirm that there was an accident, that you were in the vehicle as passenger, and were in the middle of a trip when the accident happened. Whether a trip had started through the app impacts the insurance coverage.
A representative from the company or its insurance company should reach out to you, possibly to help you get treatment or possibly to settle your potential claim as quickly as possible.
Tips for Hiring a Lawyer Experienced in Alberta Rideshare Claims
Our team at Preszler Injury Lawyers is well-experienced in representing people injured in motor vehicle accidents in Alberta. Our experience includes advocating for victims of accidents while rideshare passengers. With us on your team, you will not need to deal with the rideshare company or its insurance company. Our team will help arrange for your Section B benefits and, if necessary, pursue a tort claim to seek damages for your injuries.
If you’ve been injured as the result of an accident, Preszler Injury Lawyers may be able to review your circumstances and provide you with useful legal advice.
To discuss your case in a free, initial, no-obligation consultation, call us toll-free at 1-888-494-7191 or fill out our Case Evaluation form to book a free initial consultation.
