If you use Uber services, you should be informed about the coverage if you get into an accident. One of the most important things is to know whether, how, and when will Uber cover injuries from a car accident.
As a professional corporation of law offices, we are here to help you. Whether you are a driver, passenger, or a third party in an Uber accident, we will make sure the proper coverage applies and that you get the right treatment.
Will Uber Cover Injuries From a Car Accident?
Uber is one of the most popular ride-hailing services actively used by 130 million people worldwide in the first quarter of 2023. Of the many reasons why people use the Uber app, the most important ones are reliability and safety.
Uber has evolved through the years and now has commercial auto insurance. Currently, the carriers are Farmers Insurance, Liberty Mutual Insurance, and Progressive. Each state in the U.S. has insurance from one of these companies.
The insurance maintained by Uber applies only:
- While the driver has an available status on the Uber app,
- While waiting for a request,
- En route to pick up riders, and
- During trips.
Driver’s Coverage if They Are at Fault for the Accident
When the driver is at fault, he or she is insured for liability to a third party. The insurance covers the following when a covered accident happens, but the driver hasn’t received a trip request:
- Minimum $50,000 coverage in injury liability per person,
- Total liability per accident of $100,000,
- Property damage liability of $25,000 per accident.
On the other hand, when the driver is in a covered accident with an accepted ride request, the liability to a third party is raised to at least $1 million. The contingent comprehensive and collision insurance will also apply if the driver has paid a $2,500 deductible.
Driver’s Coverage if They Are Not at Fault for the Accident
In most cases, the uninsured/underinsured motorist bodily injury insurance and first-party injury insurance are applicable here. Bodily injuries to the driver and the rider are covered with Uber-maintained insurance when a ride has been accepted.
In other words, this type of insurance is only applicable from the moment the driver accepts the trip until it ends. Additionally, the driver and riders may be covered under this insurance when a hit-and-run occurs.
It is important to note that the uninsured/underinsured motorist bodily injury insurance and first-party insurance cover the following:
- Medical payments, or
- Personal injury protection
Expert tip: If you are an Uber driver, ensure you purchase supplemental ride-sharing insurance for your vehicle. This way, the damages to the car and personal injuries will be covered, and you won’t need to wait for Uber insurance to cover it.
Rideshare vs. Delivery Driver’s Insurance Coverage
There are slight differences in whether will Uber cover injuries from a car accident for rideshare drivers and delivery drivers. Because rideshare drivers are transporting passengers, they also have uninsured/underinsured motorist bodily injury and/or first-party injury insurance when they are on their way to pick them up and during trips.
Cases When Uber Insurance Doesn’t Apply
The auto insurance maintained by Uber doesn't cover accidents that happen when the Uber driver is offline or their app is off. In such cases, the accident falls solely on the driver, and the coverage will depend on the personal insurance company the driver has chosen.
Being in an accident as an Uber driver or rider in these circumstances is tricky, and we advise you to contact us immediately if that happens. We will assist you through the entire process.
Passenger Rights When They Are Part of an Uber Accident
The cases of passengers involved in Uber accidents are complex. Thus, it is important to contact a lawyer. If you choose to give your trust to us, we offer free consultations. We would love to hear your side of the accident in person, by phone, or via video conferencing.
What is important for you and your case is to have the best outcome. But, to do that, we will need a little help from you. Here is what you should do:
- Get medical reports: Even if you are not physically injured, you must get checked out by a doctor. We can use the record as evidence during our case.
- Analyze the place of the crash: Write down or remember everything you see at the accident site, including road conditions.
- Gather information: Collect all information about the driver, name, insurance information, phone number, address, contacts from witnesses, etc.
- Take media proofs: If you can take pictures or videos from the scene.
What to Do if You Were in An Uber Crash
Both passengers and drivers need to report the accident. Before doing so, it is important to check that everyone is safe and call the emergency services and the police. You can call them by using a phone number or by using the Emergency Assistance feature on the Uber app.
To report an Uber accident as a driver, you should contact support by following these steps:
- Open the Uber app,
- Go to Help,
- Select Trip Issues and Adjustments.
- Fill out a crash report.
If you are a passenger, you can contact support by using the app or submit an accident report. It might be best to seek help from us immediately. We will give you guidance on how to fill out the report.
You can also report an Uber accident if you are not using their services. This applies to when an Uber driver hits you as a pedestrian or while you were riding a bike.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can You Sue if You Get in an Uber Car Accident?
Yes, you can sue if you get in an Uber car accident and you get injured. However, how you do it depends on the circumstances. The way it is most commonly done is by filing a personal injury claim with Uber or suing the driver at fault.
How Much Can I Get if I Get in an Uber Car Accident?
Uber accident claims vary according to the severity and types of injuries. Having this in mind, the victims in an Uber accident can get from a few thousand dollars to amounts exceeding one million, with the right representation.
What Are the Legal Damages Considered in an Uber Accident?
Some of the legal sufferings that might occur from an Uber accident are medical expenses, pain, suffering, emotional distress, lost earnings, permanent disfigurement and diminished quality of life.
Conclusion
Knowing your rights before an unwanted situation occurs will help you act accordingly. At Law Offices of Steers and Associates, we have North Hollywood lawyers who specialize in personal injury law.
We can answer all your questions, and you can find out if and how will Uber cover injuries from a car accident. What’s more beneficial for you is that our lawyer when an accident by Uber takes the cases on a contingency fee basis.
There are no legal fees unless we get a verdict or settlement for your benefit. We tend to obtain the highest compensation possible for your injuries.
