Uber is a well-known ride-sharing mobile app that has been in operation for many years. Many people use Uber as their preferred transportation service, but what happens when an accident occurs? Because there are so many factors involved, answering this issue might be difficult. For example, who pays for the damages if you’re in an Uber accident and it’s not your fault?
This blog post will explore some of these questions and provide answers about your rights after an Uber car crash.
Liabilities In An Accident Caused By An Uber Driver
Suppose you’re a passenger of an Uber or Lyft driver, and they cause the accident. In that case, the rideshare driver would be responsible for paying compensation. Uber and Lyft drivers must carry insurance coverage before getting passengers via the app. This ensures that they can be responsible for their passengers when a collision accident ensues.
However, there are cases when a driver’s insurance is not enough to cover the victim’s medical bills. In this scenario, Uber’s additional coverage will kick in. Uber’s liability insurance coverage can reach up to $1 million, depending on the circumstances. Thorough identification is needed to determine how much liability coverage you can receive.
Establishing Liability For An Uber Accident Claim
Establishing responsibility in an Uber or Lyft accident can be complicated. It’s hard to pin down the responsibility to one party without undergoing a thorough investigation first. In most rideshare accidents, rideshare drivers carry the obligation to cover for their passenger’s injuries. However, there are cases when a third-party driver or pedestrian is responsible for the accident.
In the previous years, major rideshare companies tried to avoid taking liability for their drivers. However, there are cases when a driver’s insurance is not enough to cover the victim’s sustained injuries. Because of this, Uber provides additional coverage for passengers who are involved in a rideshare accident.
Appointing liabilities to the appropriate party needs careful evaluation. The liability of a rideshare company depends on the nature of the accident.
The Driver Was Not Using The Uber App
It’s possible that the Uber or Lyft driver wasn’t using the rideshare app when the accident occurred. In this case, the rideshare driver will take full responsibility for the victims’ injuries. They will use their own insurance to cover the victim’s damages.
This is because Uber does not take responsibility for the accidents caused by their off-duty drivers. These drivers cannot enjoy the coverage Uber has for their on-duty drivers.
The Driver Logged Into The App And Was Waiting For A Ride Request
If the rideshare driver logged into the app and waited for a passenger when they got into an accident, they would be liable. However, most insurance companies deny an accident claim. For this reason, Uber’s contingency policy will take effect.
Uber’s contingency policy will provide coverage for the driver if they are not at fault. This policy can be up to $50,000 per individual and $100,000 per accident. Uber will also cover $25,000 in property damage per accident.
The Driver Logged Into The App And Was Carrying A Passenger
If the rideshare driver logged into the app and was carrying a passenger when they got into an accident, Uber’s coverage policy is applicable. A victim can receive up to $1,000,000 third-party liability. Victims are also eligible to receive contingent comprehensive and collision coverage. In addition, Uber will also cover for accidents with an underinsured driver.
It’s worth noting that Uber’s car insurance and accident insurance policy may change per state. You must employ the help of an Uber accident lawyer about your accident. They can help you identify if your accident is eligible for Uber’s coverage.
Uber’s Car Accident Insurance Coverage
You need to understand a few pointers about Uber’s car accident insurance coverage. Uber uses a different level of insurance coverage depending on the period. To further understand this unique policy, you can read through below:
- Period 0: A driver is logged onto the app but has not received a ride request. Uber’s contingent liability coverage will not take effect in this period. If an accident occurs, the rideshare driver will fully account for the victim’s damages.
- Period 1: A driver is online and has received a ride request, but the passenger has not yet been picked up. If an accident occurs, Uber’s contingent liability coverage will take effect in this period. The rideshare driver’s personal insurance policy will be primary, while Uber’s contingent policy serves as excess coverage.
- $50,000: bodily injury coverage per person
- $25,000: property damage coverage
- $100,000: bodily injury per accident
- Period 2: This period is when a driver accepts a rider’s request. The driver starts driving toward the pick-up destination with no passenger yet in their car. Uber’s contingent comprehensive and collision coverage takes effect during this time frame. A victim is eligible for up to $1 million protection against damages caused by a rideshare driver while they are on their way to pick up a passenger.
- Period 3: Uber’s contingent comprehensive and collision coverage takes effect when a rideshare driver has picked up their passenger. A victim is eligible for up to $1 million protection against damages caused by an accident with an uninsured or underinsured motorist. This policy will also cover the injuries sustained in accidents involving hit-and-runs where Uber’s drivers were involved.
You Should Gather Evidence To Hold The Negligent Party Liable
The best way to build your case is by gathering as much evidence as possible. This will help you track Uber’s coverage and show the court that they should be held liable for an accident. You can record video of a scene, take pictures of the damage done, or hire a rideshare crash investigator. Here are some measures you may take to assist you in recovering damages from your accident.
- Seek a lawyer: The first step in building a solid case is to hire a lawyer. An uber accident attorney can help you identify the pain points of your case. Moreover, they are also helpful in collecting evidence to support your claim.
- Gather witness testimonies: After the accident, you can collect witnesses’ contact information. You can contact them if they are willing to testify about your accident.
- Photographic evidence: Taking photographs and videos of the accident scene is the most convenient way of preserving evidence. Take photos of the Uber driver’s car and their legal documents.
- Medical reports: If you sustained an injury from the accident, you could request a copy of your medical report. This document will stand as proof of the injuries you suffered from the car accident.
- Police reports: Calling an authority after an accident is a must. They will create a statement of the accident, and you can obtain a copy of this document.
Suppose you’re involved in any form of a car accident with another motorist. In that case, it’s important to speak with experienced personal injury lawyers about your rights and options. An Uber crash lawyer may also help determine if you are eligible to receive compensation from other parties responsible for causing the wreck.
Contact An Experienced Personal Injury Lawyer Right After Your Uber Accident!
Car accidents happen all the time. It’s important to have an Uber accident lawyer that you can contact for astute legal advice. Giordano Law Offices Personal Injury & Employment Lawyers is ready to help you with your Uber car accidents. Our law firm handled many car accident cases in the past, and we can help you now!
We believe in valuing our attorney-client relationship. Suppose you need a reliable and experienced personal injury lawyer to handle your car accident case. In that case, our law firm is your best choice! Contact us now at (646) 217-0749 for a free consultation. You can also reach us by filling out our online contact form.