Ridesharing services like Uber have revolutionized transportation, offering convenience and ease of travel. However, accidents can happen at any time, even when riding with a hired driver. It’s crucial to be prepared and know what steps to take if you find yourself in such a situation. Rideshare accidents can occur due to various factors, including negligent driving, distracted driving, adverse weather conditions, or other external factors.
Understanding the causes and frequency of rideshare accidents is important for both riders and drivers. It’s important to note that accidents involving Uber are relatively rare, but being prepared for any possibility is crucial. In this article, we will explore what to do if you are in an Uber accident, the legal implications surrounding rideshare accidents, and the role of Uber in providing coverage for accidents.
What Coverage do Uber Drivers Have?
One of the most pressing concerns for passengers involved in an Uber accident is whether or not they will be covered by insurance. While Uber drivers are not considered direct employees of Uber, making Uber not directly responsible for accidents that may occur, they do have policies in place to help. Uber maintains insurance policies that provide coverage for accidents that occur during an active ride. However, the level of coverage depends on the specific circumstances of the accident. Once a driver accepts a passenger trip, Uber provides uninsured motorist bodily injury coverage for that ride. This protects those in the vehicle if they happen to get in a crash at no fault of their own where the other driver does not have adequate insurance to cover the damages resulting from the accident.
If the Uber driver is at fault, their personal insurance alongside Uber’s insurance policy will ensure that you as a passenger are well protected. All Uber drivers are required to have insurance in order to accept rides from passengers which allows riders to have peace of mind during their trip.
In the situation where you are driving your own vehicle and are hit by an Uber driver, the coverage will depend on the driver’s status at the time of the accident. If the Uber driver caused the accident when they were not actively driving for the company, their personal insurance policy would be the sole coverage available for the accident. If the driver is active in the app, awaiting ride requests, but have yet to accept a ride, Uber will cover up to $100,000 per accident and $50,000 per person involved. Once the driver has accepted a ride, up until they drop off their passenger at their destination and mark the ride complete in the app, there is a $1 million policy through Uber that is in effect. This policy provides per-accident personal injury coverage.
What to Do If You Are in an Uber Accident
Being involved in an accident can be a disorienting and stressful experience. To ensure your safety and protect your rights, it is crucial to know what steps to take immediately following an Uber accident. This section provides a step-by-step guide on what to do if you find yourself in such a situation.
Whenever you have been in an accident, whether Uber related or not, it is important to call 911 immediately. Even if the accident seems minor, it is imperative to have a record of the accident. The next important step is to make sure that everyone involved is safe, and to assist those who may be injured. Once it is safe to do so, take photos of the damage to all vehicles involved, and be sure to take photos of the scene surrounding the accident as well. Documenting everything, including the accident, medical bills, lost wages, and insurance communications, is vital to ensuring you receive proper compensation for your losses, because this is preserving evidence.
When it comes to a crash involving an Uber driver, Uber requests that you report the crash on their website. You are able to do this as the Uber driver, the rider, or the third-party driver. The form to submit information regarding an accident is available on Uber’s official website under the “Driving & Delivering” tab. Fill out and submit this form as soon as possible, as Uber conducts their own investigation of accidents that involve the app and the investigation can take a while. You do not want to delay the filing of your claim.
Next it is vital to get examined by a medical professional as soon as possible after the accident, even if you do not feel that you are injured. Injuries may take a while to present themselves because of the shock and adrenaline that set in after an accident and if you fail to obtain treatment, an insurance company may claim that your injuries were not a result of the accident.
When dealing with insurance companies after an accident, it is highly beneficial to seek guidance from a personal injury attorney, such as those at Carey Leisure Carney, to guide you through the process. Handling a claim alone can be a frustrating endeavor that causes unnecessary stress on top of the stress of the accident itself. The following section will discuss when it may be advantageous to consider legal representation.
When to Seek Legal Representation
When it comes to seeking compensation for injuries sustained in an Uber accident, it’s essential to understand the legal aspects involved. In these accidents, it can be challenging to determine liability, where bills will be paid from, and the extent of coverage. By hiring a skilled attorney, you can trust that the attorney will find any and all coverage available to provide you with the compensation you deserve. While it is possible to handle a claim on your own, it can be difficult navigating the unique legal issues presented when a company such as Uber is involved in your personal injury claim. It is more important that you focus on taking care of yourself and prioritizing your recovery and allow an attorney that has extensive knowledge in the field to fight for you. At Carey Leisure Carney, we prioritize your well-being and strive to alleviate the stress of managing a car accident claim so you can focus on the future.
How Carey Leisure Carney Can Help
Being involved in an accident while riding in an Uber can be a traumatic experience, but knowing what steps to take after an accident can help alleviate some of the stress and uncertainty. With our years of experience, credibility, and commitment to providing the highest quality customer service, you can count on Carey Leisure Carney to take a hands-on approach for your rideshare accident and give your case the attention it deserves. You are not just a number to us.
Whether you are in Clearwater, Florida, or a surrounding city, we will quickly get you the help you deserve after your accident. We can also assist you in gathering evidence, evaluating the accident scene based on your statement and photos, and supporting your case.
Contact us today at (727) 799-3900 for a free, no-obligation consultation and case evaluation. At Carey Leisure Carney, we are dedicated to helping you get the compensation you deserve following your rideshare accident.