Almost everyone opens up their rideshare app when they don't have a car available.
There are also plenty of times people might need an Uber ride, like if they've been drinking or just landed in a new city.
But not many people think about what happens if you are involved in an accident as an Uber passenger.
How do you know who the at-fault driver is? Who's insurance company handles the accident? Can you file a personal injury lawsuit against a rideshare company?
To answer these questions, it's essential to understand what happens if you get into an accident with Uber and what to do if you've been injured.
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Like any other car accident, liability depends on who is at fault for the accident.
If the other vehicle driver is at fault for the accident, they will be held liable.
Ride-share drivers are considered independent contractors and if they cause the accident, they will be held liable.
You can make an insurance claim against their personal car insurance policy to cover your injuries if they have commercial car insurance or a clause that says their car insurance covers rideshare accidents.
However, these situations are unlikely, and the case will typically move up to the company level.
Major rideshare companies like Uber have third-party liability insurance to make sure they have collision coverage.
If the driver's insurance, under no circumstance, can cover the damages from the accident, then Uber has up to $1 million available to compensate you for your injuries.
The presence of rideshare drivers is causing an increase in traffic congestion in major metropolitan areas.
Deadheading is another element of ridesharing services that contributes to traffic congestion. Typically the rideshare driver is experiencing no ride requests during these times.
Deadheading occurs when a ride-share driver is traveling on the roadways but not transporting any passengers.
This congestion leads to more accidents, more accident fatalities, and more medical care as a result.
Uber made nearly 4 billion trips in the U.S. between 2017 and 2018. That works out to about 45 rides per second.
Uber vehicles were involved in 97 fatal crashes between 2017 and 2018, leading to 107 deaths.
Of those, 21% of the crash victims were the riders, 21% were the drivers, and the remaining 58% were third parties.
These new-age taxi services have led to a 3% annual increase in traffic fatalities, and an increase in medical care for victims.
Researchers have analyzed fatal automobile crash rates in cities where major rideshare companies, including Uber and Lyft, have launched.
The number of traffic fatalities went from a low of 32,885 in 2010 to 37,400 by 2016.
If you were a passenger in an Uber accident, knowing what to do next is important.
Accident victims often require medical assistance that need to be covered; they might be out of work, and they're likely suffering from severe pain.
If this has happened to you, you could benefit from the expert legal representation that personal injury attorneys offer. The legal process can be a confusing and having someone on your side will make things easier.
After an accident with an Uber, you should always call 911, ensure everyone involved is okay, and get medical attention for those who need it. Having a copy of the police report will also be beneficial down the line when claims process starts.
You also need to make sure you get as much information as possible about the collision.
Take note of the location, time of day, weather, and road conditions.
Get the information of the Uber driver and any other drivers involved in the crash.
Do your best to obtain the following information:
If you can, take pictures of the accident scene and make notes regarding any injuries or personal vehicle damage.
Ultimately, you may be subjected to the Uber driver's plan, the other driver's plan, and the rideshare services plan.
That's why it's crucial to get as much information as you can at the scene of the accident.
The auto insurance coverage that Uber offers changes depending on what stage of the trip the Uber driver was in.
When the Uber app is off, you are covered by the personal insurance policy of the Uber driver.
When the rideshare driver has the app on, Uber provides liability coverage in the form of both bodily injury and property damage.
When the app is on and the driver is waiting for a request, the driver has the lowest coverage amount of any other time during your trip.
Uber's liability insurance coverage limits are:
The liability insurance provider will only protect other people's repair or medical costs when an Uber driver is at fault for an accident.
Uber's full coverage includes a $1 million third-party liability policy, uninsured motorist, underinsured motorist, collision, and comprehensive coverage up to the actual cash value of your car.
If you have been hurt in a car crash involving an Uber vehicle, you can sue.
Personal injury law allows you to formally seek compensation for your injuries by filing a lawsuit against the negligent driver.
To have a successful claim against the auto insurance companies, you need to prove four things:
These are the same elements of negligence in all other car accident lawsuits and personal injury cases.
The only significant difference between suing someone for a typical car accident and suing an Uber driver is the working relationship between Uber and its drivers.
This difference can make it difficult to receive fair compensation for your injuries.
Uber accident settlements will vary depending on the circumstances of your accident.
However, the compensation available after an Uber accident includes:
The aftermath of an Uber accident can be very complicated; assistance from an Uber accident attorney can go a long way.
If you've been involved in an Uber accident and are an injured passenger, it's essential to enlist the help of an experienced personal injury lawyer.
Helping The Hurt has a legal team of committed attorneys who will help you receive the maximum compensation you deserve for your Uber accident injury case.
You should never need to handle a legal case alone. Always remember you have legal options.
If you or a loved one needs help after a rideshare accident, click the button below to schedule your free consultation with one of our expert car accident lawyers.
References:
https://www.avoidjail.net/blog/2021/august/uber-and-lyft-accidents-who-is-liable-/
https://www.dlawgroup.com/uber-lyft-rideshare-accident-statistics/
https://www.reifflawfirm.com/happens-youre-uber-lyft-accident/
https://www.caranddriver.com/car-insurance/a36148122/lyft-insurance/
https://wolfandpravato.com/how-much-is-a-lyft-accident-settlement/
https://www.williammattar.com/practice-areas/rideshare-accident-lawyers/uber-and-lyft-accident-facts/