Uber Accident Attorney

Getting in a car accident is confusing, stressful, and often life-changing. When an Uber accident occurs, the situation becomes even more complicated. In fact, research shows that since the introduction of commercial ridesharing, the number of car accident-related deaths has increased by 2 -3%.

This gradual evolution of traffic laws involving Uber accidents often leads to a lot of legal confusion. In this article, you will learn what makes an Uber accident different from a standard car accident. You’ll also learn what to do after a rideshare accident if you were the other driver or an Uber passenger. 

Uber Accident vs. Standard Car Accident

In any type of car accident, the claimant seeking compensation needs to establish both liability and damages. Liability refers to who is at fault for the accident. Damages refer to the extent of injury and vehicle damage. When you get into a standard car accident, you can do this by filing a third-party claim with the insurance carrier of the other driver.

Things get complicated when the other driver is a rideshare driver. It is unlikely that the driver’s personal insurance policy will cover the damages associated with the rideshare accident. A personal insurance policy dictates that a vehicle be driven only for personal use, not work. Ridesharing doesn’t count as personal use.

Therefore, the rideshare driver’s insurance carrier can deny the claim if the rideshare driver was carrying a passenger at the time of the accident. If the rideshare driver has a commercial driving license, it is more likely their insurance policy will be able to cover the rideshare accident. 

However, Uber does not require a commercial license or a commercial insurance policy to work for the company, so most drivers do not possess this type of license. This is much more common among taxi and cab services, which operate very differently from Uber.

How Does Rideshare Car Insurance Work?

Some rideshare services have taken steps to address insufficient insurance policy coverage. Uber offers liability insurance to their rideshare drivers.

After an accident, the rideshare driver has to submit the claim to their personal insurance carrier first. When the claim gets denied, the rideshare company’s liability insurance kicks in to cover the cost of the Uber accident. 

Therefore, it is possible to hold Uber responsible for an accident. Whether you are injured in the accident or not, you should definitely hold the company accountable.

Uber Liability Coverage Breakdown

How rideshare liability coverage works can vary depending on when the accident happens. If the rideshare driver is not logged into the Uber app, they are not on the clock. Therefore, Uber does not provide coverage.

When the driver has logged into the Uber app and hasn’t accepted a ride request, Uber provides liability coverage for any accident that is the driver’s fault up to $50,000 per injured person and $100,000 for total injury liability. If the driver has accepted a rideshare request but has not picked up the rider yet, Uber’s liability coverage increases to $1,000,000.

Between the time when the rider enters the rideshare vehicle and gets dropped off, Uber provides liability coverage up to $1,000,000 plus limited coverage for the driver’s car.

What to Do When a Rideshare Accident Happens

So, what do you do when you get into an Uber accident? The answer depends on your role in the accident.

You Are Hit By an Uber Driver

If you are driving a car that gets hit by an Uber driver, stay with your vehicle and call the police to the scene. The police will document the accident and make sure things get handled properly. They will also create a police report which can be used as evidence. 

If anyone was injured in the crash, call for medical assistance right away. Whether you think you are injured or not, it is always in your best interest to get a medical examination following a car accident.

Also, as with any car accident, make sure to exchange insurance information with the Uber driver. Take note of whether or not the Uber driver has a passenger in their vehicle. You also need to make sure to notify Uber of the accident.

You Are a Passenger in an Uber Accident

If you get injured as a passenger in an Uber accident, Uber’s liability insurance should cover your medical costs, lost wages, and any other losses including pain and suffering. However, you must take important precautions, like collecting evidence, filing a police report, seeing a doctor, and consulting with a rideshare accident lawyer. Hiring a lawyer can help you get the compensation you deserve

Similar to other car accidents, always seek medical attention. There are many kinds of hidden injuries you might not notice right away due to adrenaline or shock. These can include everything from whiplash to traumatic brain injury.

Get Help From an Uber Accident Attorney

Getting in an Uber accident is often more complicated than a regular car accident. If you’ve gotten injured in a rideshare accident, don’t lose hope. You may be entitled to compensation for your injuries and losses. Contact the Law Offices of Daniel Kim for a free consultation with an experienced Uber accident attorney.