Uber provides many with an easy way to enjoy a night out. You can hail a ride at any time so that you don’t have to worry about bus or train schedules. Rideshare services may be more convenient than owning a car but you still have the risk of car crashes.
If you use Uber, you should know what to expect in the event of an accident. If you are injured while riding in an Uber car, you may have a right to compensation but you must know who is liable. Learn who may be held responsible for an Uber crash.
Parties Who May Be Responsible in an Uber Crash
If you are involved in a collision while riding in an Uber vehicle, that does not automatically mean that the Uber driver is responsible for the crash. The person who is liable for your accident may depend on what state the collision took place in.
No-Fault State
In no-fault states, it doesn’t matter who caused the accident. Each driver is responsible for their own damages. Both drivers file an insurance claim with their own insurer.
At-Fault State
In at-fault states, the driver who caused an accident will be liable for damages. Their auto insurer will pay for everyone’s financial losses, including vehicle passengers.
It’s important to keep in mind that several parties may contribute to a traffic accident, including:
- Your Uber driver
- Another driver
- A driver’s employer
- The owner of a poorly maintained vehicle
- A mechanic who improperly repaired a vehicle
- A local government that failed to maintain roads
- Cyclists using the roadway
- Pedestrians who interfere with traffic
- Passengers who distract a driver
Several states follow contributory or comparative negligence rules. This allows for more than one party to be assigned fault for a collision. Depending on how strict your state is, a party who is partially responsible for causing an accident may still be compensated for damages. A car accident lawyer in your area can help you further understand traffic laws that apply to your case.
For a free legal consultation, call (800) 537-8185
Understanding Uber’s Auto Insurance
Unfortunately, not all states in the U.S.require drivers to carry auto insurance. That means there’s a chance that a driver involved in your accident does not have insurance coverage. Luckily, Uber requires their drivers to carry auto insurance nationwide.
If an Uber driver’s insurance company does not provide rideshare coverage, Uber offers drivers commercial auto insurance coverage. When an Uber driver is waiting for a ride request, they provide:
- $50,000 in bodily injury per person
- $100,000 in bodily injury per accident
- $25,000 in property damage per accident
When Uber drivers are driving to pick up a passenger or driving with a passenger in the car, Uber provides:
- $1,000,000 third-party liability
- Uninsured/underinsured motorist bodily injury
- Contingent comprehensive and collision
The tricky part is knowing when a personal auto insurance policy is active and when Uber’s commercial auto insurance policy is active. If an Uber driver is inactive or has the app turned off during a car wreck, the personal policy is in effect. Their insurer provides insurance coverage up to the policy limits.
Some companies offer additional rideshare insurance to cover any gaps in coverage.
Will Uber Compensate You After a Car Accident?
If you are injured in an Uber crash, Uber may compensate you for your injuries and other losses related to the accident up to their policy limits. At the very most, Uber will cover up to $1,000,000 if you are hurt in an Uber accident as a passenger.
If your damages exceed this amount, you may need to file a claim against the negligent driver or the company for full financial recovery.
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Can You Sue If You Are Injured in an Uber Car Accident?
Whether you are injured as a rideshare passenger or another driver, you may have a right to sue Uber for an accident. It may not be a straightforward process as Uber employs their drivers as independent contractors instead of Uber employees. The company may try to shift blame onto the driver so that they will not have to compensate you.
What Should You Do If You Are Injured in an Uber Accident?
The very first thing you should do after any traffic accident is to seek immediate medical attention. Even if you don’t feel hurt, you may be in shock. Soft tissue damage and more serious injuries may not be immediately apparent. If you want too long to see a doctor, the insurance company may claim your injuries are unrelated to the collision.
Hiring a lawyer may be your best protection after suffering injuries in an Uber car crash. Insurance and rideshare companies are privately owned businesses that look after their own financial interests. To ensure you are treated fairly, you should have your own legal representative who will advocate for you.
Your lawyer can:
- Investigate the cause of your crash
- Identify the liable parties involved
- Calculate the total cost of your losses
- Negotiate your compensation with insurance
- Take your case to court if needed
- Explain relevant laws
- Offer you legal guidance
A statute of limitations will apply to your Uber collision case. You may have a few years or as little as one year to initiate litigation following a traffic accident. The time limit varies by state.
The sooner you ask a lawyer to review your case, the sooner it may be resolved. Most law firms offer free consultations to help you assess your options after an Uber crash.
Questions?Call (800) 537-8185
to find a Morris Bart office near you.
