Uber has become synonymous with ridesharing services and is often the first company people think of when looking for quick transportation.
However, when an accident happens involving an Uber driver, you can wind up in the middle of a complex legal situation. For example, when an Uber driver is involved in a car accident, determining how insurance coverage is applied will depend on what they were doing when the crash occurred.
If you or a family member were injured because of a negligent Uber driver, our legal team wants to learn about your experience. So call us about our free case assessment today.
Uber-Related Accidents Different from Other Commercial Company Car Accidents
If you are in an accident with an Uber, Lyft, or another rideshare vehicle, you will have additional red tape to cut through. For example, you will likely sort out compensation issues with the at-fault driver and the insurance company in a standard car accident.
However, if a rideshare driver causes your accident, you also need to negotiate with the parent company. Additionally, Uber operates differently than limousines, taxicabs, or other standard passenger transportation services in that Uber drivers:
- Usually don’t possess a commercial driver’s license or commercial vehicle insurance
- Rely on a smartphone app to receive job bookings
- Transport their passengers using their personal vehicles
- Are considered independent contractors rather than Uber employees
For a free legal consultation, call (800) 537-8185
How does Insurance Coverage Work When an Accident Occurs?
Discerning liability in a rideshare accident can be challenging because Uber drivers are not considered company employees. Conversely, taxi services and other transportation firms would be held responsible for any accident-related injuries because their drivers are employees.
Despite this, depending on your state, Uber carries a $1 million insurance policy; nonetheless, passengers and the company are protected by an insurance plan that can be divided into three parts based on the activity of the Uber driver when the accident took place.
When the Uber Driver Is Not Available for Passengers
If the Uber driver utilizes their vehicle for private use and is unavailable to take ride requests from customers, Uber’s policy would not apply. Rather, the driver would be covered under their personal insurance, and their coverage limit would be in effect.
When the Uber Driver Is Available But Has No Passengers
If the Uber driver is ready to pick up riders and available on the mobile app but is not transporting a passenger when the accident happens, the driver’s private insurance is the primary policy.
However, Uber extends supplemental liability coverage in these circumstances with up to $50,000 per injury and a maximum of $100,000, plus $25,000 in property damage. For this coverage to take effect, the Uber driver must request it and only when their personal liability policy fails to cover all the damages.
When the Uber Driver Is Available and Is Transporting a Passenger
When the Uber driver is transporting a passenger, Uber’s $1 million liability policy will take effect and cover the passenger and the driver. Moreover, if a pedestrian, cyclist, or another third-party individual is injured, Uber’s insurance policy will provide coverage any time the driver carries a rider.
Uninsured Motorist Coverage
Finally, Uber’s $1 million uninsured motorist policy will kick in if an uninsured or underinsured motorist causes the accident.
Why You Should Hire an Accident Injury Attorney
If an Uber driver hurts you, you have the right to seek compensation for your injuries. Yet, it can be challenging to get the money you deserve following an accident. Insurance companies often refuse to pay and will do what they can to diminish your payout.
Navigating a complex legal claim on your own is difficult, but even more so while you are trying to recover. The best thing you can do is hire a lawyer who understands how to manage and win these types of cases. While you focus on getting better, our experienced attorneys will manage all facets of your case.
When you hire our personal injury attorneys, you can rest assured, we will:
Safeguard You and Your Family from Manipulative Insurance Companies
Uber may be required to offer policy coverage in case of an accident by one of their drivers; however, it doesn’t mean they will be inclined to pay. That’s because insurance companies are not on your side and are focused on their bottom line. They might even refuse to approve your claim without an investigation.
Other companies may contact you following your accident and try to frighten you into taking a low-ball offer.
Our expert team of lawyers understands the strategies and schemes insurers will utilize to minimize compensation payouts. That’s why we are committed to protecting your rights and ensuring you receive everything you are entitled to.
Establish the Liability and Cause of the Accident
If your Uber driver injured you, it’s vital to gather as much evidence as possible against them. Our attorneys will thoroughly investigate your accident to figure out how and why it happened. We will also work to ascertain if anyone else was at fault.
Keep in mind that anyone who contributed to the cause of your injuries could be held liable. Our experienced team will recover compensation from each person or entity that caused your suffering.
Value Your Case Properly
To ensure you recover the maximum compensation you are entitled to, we need to verify that your case was correctly valued. Our team begins by performing a comprehensive investigation of your injuries and the accident that caused them.
They will review the type and severity of your damages and the proper value of each injury by working closely with various healthcare industry experts.
As soon as we’ve calculated your damages, we will contact the defendants and the insurance companies to negotiate a settlement. We’ll pursue compensation for:
- Disability
- Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
- Loss of consortium with your spouse
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Lost wages
- Pain and suffering
- Past and future medical bills
- Property damage
If the compensation offers are too low, we’ll take your claim in front of a judge and fight for the money you deserve.
Click to contact our personal injury lawyers today
Contact an Accident Lawyer for Your Uber Driver Injuries
With the various rules that regulate how liability insurance is applied to rideshare company accidents, it’s vital to have an experienced law firm on your side to protect your interests.
Since 1980, Morris Bart has been protecting clients’ rights in communities throughout Louisiana, Alabama, Mississippi, and Arkansas. We have added more than 150 skilled attorneys in more than 15 offices, all dedicated to recovering maximum compensation for your Uber driver injuries.
Questions?Call (800) 537-8185
to find a Morris Bart office near you.