Uber or Lyft has long been the preferred means of private transportation in the United States. With so many Uber and other drivers on our highways, freeways, and city streets, the danger of a rideshare vehicle accident is significant. In New York City, a huge percentage of the cars on the road now are Uber, Lyft, and other such rideshare services.
Many people rely on rideshare services for ride requests like Uber to get around every day. While the lovely break from driving may help you relax, there is still the risk of being involved in rideshare accidents. Dealing with Uber car accidents may be difficult, especially when you do it without the help of a personal injury lawyer.
So what happens if you get in an accident with uber? Uber’s insurance company provides accident insurance. Whether you were an Uber passenger or a pedestrian hit by an Uber driver, you may be entitled to compensation for you to pay your medical bills. Contact an Uber accident lawyer immediately to learn more about the personal auto insurance policy and steps involved in bringing a claim against Uber for fair compensation.
Steps You Should Take After An Uber Accident
Being involved in an Uber accident, no matter how small, can be stressful, which is why knowing what to do following the incident is vital. Accidents happen, as they say, so it’s essential for you to know what to do. If you have the misfortune to get into an accident, this step-by-step checklist will guide you in knowing the appropriate course of action.
Contact the Police
Being involved in an Uber car accident may be overwhelming. One of the most critical steps you should do is call the police immediately to help, calm the situation down, and make a report of an accident. You and the Uber driver must stay at the accident scene so you can speak with the police also, depending on medical necessity. The police will speak with anyone involved, even witnesses, to understand how the accident occurred.
Get Contact Information From Everyone Involved
State rules vary about the information you must exchange with another driver following an accident. You would need to share names and insurance information at the very least. Yet, you might also attempt to get other relevant information, such as:
- The telephone number of the opposing driver;
- Driver’s insurance company;
- Witnesses’ names and contact information; and
- Name, badge number, and phone number of the law enforcement officer responding to the accident.
Report the Accident
Having a law enforcement officer responding to the accident and making a report is not enough. If you are involved in an Uber accident, you must immediately report it to:
- Your insurance company
- Uber
- The other driver’s insurance provider
Keep in mind that several insurance providers have set a time limit in which you can bring a claim after an accident. Failing to act quickly can void your ability to recover any damages or losses.
Contact an Uber Accident Lawyer
Both victims and Uber drivers need representation capable of sorting through the legal concerns and liability coverage that arise in motor vehicle accidents. Uber accidents present a unique legal problem, which is why you should contact or hire a personal injury attorney. It’s critical to speak with the best personal injury lawyers before discussing or accepting an insurance company settlement offer.
An Uber accident can be very complex for anyone unfamiliar with the laws surrounding this type of accident. So having an Uber accident attorney on your side can help you make informed decisions. Hiring a lawyer can help you guarantee that you can recover any losses the accident may have incurred on you.
Was The Uber Driver Driving At The Time Of The Crash?
Uber does not offer coverage for drivers who do not use an Uber app. But it’s possible to get compensation if you were hit by an Uber driver who wasn’t actively looking for a ride or carrying a customer. The driver’s personal car insurance coverage will pay for your damages.
Uber will cover physical injury/death and property damage up to a limit if the driver had the app open and was waiting for a passenger at the time of the accident. Uber will cover up to:
- $50,000 in bodily injury/death per person;
- $100,000 in bodily injury/death per accident; and
- $25,000 in property damage per accident.
Suppose the Uber driver accepted a ride and was on his way to pick up a passenger or was already carrying a passenger at the time of the accident. In that case, Uber’s $1 million insurance policy will kick in.
Remember that this coverage doesn’t always come into play right away. In fact, it might only come into play when the driver’s own insurance policy isn’t enough to cover the damages. However, because the driver was working when the accident occurred, their own insurance provider may refuse to pay a claim. At this point, you can turn to Uber’s insurance coverage.
Is There A Time Limit In Filing A Claim?
The time constraints for filing a car accident insurance claim vary according to the insurance provider and state legislation. A claim has a time limit, and bringing a lawsuit too late may result in your claim refusal. A statute of limitations is the legal phrase for this filing deadline. You do not have to resolve your claim within the statute of limitations.
Even though federal law does not specify a time limit for filing a claim for an accident, it is left to each state to establish how much time individuals have before it becomes difficult to pursue a claim. The statute of limitations varies by state and might range from one to four years. Speak to a personal injury lawyer to know the deadline for filing a claim in your state. In New York, for lawsuits against Uber, you generally have three years from the date of the accident to file the lawsuit. And, you have to file insurance paperwork much more rapidly, generally just 30 days from the accident, in order to be covered for lost wages and medical care.
What Compensatory Damages Are Available To Uber Accident Victims?
The purpose of compensatory damages is to recompense vehicle accident victims for the expenses and losses incurred from the accident and after injuries. Medical bills, lost income, mental and emotional agony, and pain and suffering are all examples of compensatory damages. The at-fault driver or insurance company handles these costs. For the passengers, the insurance coverage applies from the moment a passenger enters the Uber car until the passenger exits the vehicle.
Can Uber Deny Accident Claims?
In a nutshell, yes — and they do deny claims. As with any insurance firm, Uber’s insurer is in the business of profit, and denying claims demonstrates to be an effective method. Uber may dispute your claim by claiming that its driver was not at fault for the accident or by simply refusing liability. Because Uber does not consider its drivers as employees, they can refuse claims involving drivers who are distracted, intoxicated, or driving irresponsibly.
If your claim is refused, you may file a suit against Uber for damages. You must engage with an attorney who has experience managing these types of claims, as the law surrounding Uber accidents and culpability is quite complicated.
Speak To An Uber Accident Attorney Before Settling Your Claim With Uber
Uber accidents can happen when the Uber driver is actively driving for a passenger or while the driver is using the app waiting for a passenger. When either of the two scenarios happens, the accident may impose a claim on the victim’s insurance company or Uber’s insurance carrier.
Uber’s insurance provider or the at-fault insurance company may try to make a quick settlement offer to you. This offer doesn’t truly compensate for the exact cost of your damages and losses. They usually lowball a settlement offer to save money. You must not be fooled by this. You need to obtain what you deserve.
Before accepting any settlement offer from them, you must speak with an Uber accident lawyer first. They can give you an ideal settlement amount that can compensate for all your losses and damages.
Injured In An Uber Accident? Contact An Uber Accident Lawyer Today
Accidents caused by Uber or other ridesharing services such as Lyft might be costly. But you do not have to bear the brunt of high medical fees and repair shop prices alone. Our experienced lawyers can help you seek compensation from rideshare companies.
We offer a no-obligation consultation for personal injury cases at our law firm. You also don’t have to pay us any upfront fees unless we successfully win your case. We are available to clients 24 hours. Call or text us at (646) 217-0749 for a free consultation that is protected by an attorney-client relationship. We also handle other car accident cases. With Us, It’s Personal.