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People who use rideshares expect to get to their destinations safely. However, if they are ever in an accident, they may wonder who’s actually liable after an Uber or Lyft accident in Jackson, MS. Whoever caused the crash, but also, importantly, what the rideshare driver was doing when the crash happened, are important factors when determining liability and filing a claim.
Liability in a Rideshare Accident
Negligent drivers should be held accountable for their actions behind the wheel. As a result, the driver of an Uber or Lyft vehicle could be liable if their careless actions caused a crash. However, another motorist can also be deemed responsible for a crash. It’s even possible for fault to be split between parties.
However, if you were injured as a passenger in an Uber or Lyft vehicle, establishing fault is only part of the battle. Depending on what the driver was doing at the time of the crash, a different insurance policy with different coverage limits may apply to your Lyft accident claim.
Traffic Accidents Remain a Risk Across Mississippi
There are dozens of traffic crashes across Mississippi each day. Many involve moderate injuries, but some accidents cause serious or fatal injuries. According to Mississippi’s Office of Highway Safety’s fiscal year 2024–2026 Triennial Highway Safety Plan, the state saw an average of 711 traffic fatalities and 2,520 severe traffic injuries annually between 2018 and 2022. Across those years, Mississippi’s average was 1.76 deaths per 100 million vehicle miles logged.
Uber and Lyft passengers can be injured just as any other motorist would be. They might be involved in crashes caused by speeding, distracted driving, unsafe lane changes, or drivers failing to yield. Any one of these incidents can cause serious injury to passengers in Uber and Lyft vehicles.
How Rideshare Insurance Changes During a Trip
According to Mississippi’s regulations for rideshare accidents, Transportation Network Company drivers are obligated to possess distinct insurance limits, contingent upon their present actions. For TNC drivers logged in and awaiting a requested ride to be fulfilled, Mississippi law requires a minimum of $50,000 per person and $100,000 per accident for bodily injury or death coverage. They’re also obligated to carry $25,000 worth of property damage coverage.
Once a passenger requests a ride and that ride is accepted by a driver, that required coverage changes significantly. Mississippi mandates that TNC drivers carry no less than $1 million in primary auto insurance liability coverage when they are on a prearranged ride. That period starts as soon as they accept the ride request, which means the higher coverage limit applies both while drivers are driving and picking up their passenger and while the passenger is actively riding.
Uber describes the same general coverage on its website for its rideshare operations across the U.S. If a driver is not logged into the Uber or Lyft app at all, a driver’s own auto insurance policy could apply.
Hire a Rideshare Accident Lawyer in Jackson, MS
You may want to hire a rideshare accident lawyer to help you determine who caused the crash and what insurance tier was active at the time of the crash. Your Jackson Uber accident attorney can analyze the accident, inform you of applicable rideshare accident laws, and advocate on your behalf. Chhabra, Gibbs & Gustavis, P.A. can help. Contact us today for more information.
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