When there’s an Uber car accident, everyone assumes the driver is at fault and liable. But this is not always the case.
Imagine you’re an Uber driver, driving your vehicle to pick up a passenger. As you approach a green light, suddenly, another car runs a red light and crashes into the side of your vehicle causing significant damage to both cars.
In this situation, it is clear that you, as the Uber driver, cannot be blamed for the accident. The other driver clearly violated traffic laws by running a red light, and their reckless actions led to the collision with your vehicle.
The case turns into an Uber driver accident not at fault from an assumption of the Uber driver being at fault despite the initial assumption due to the evidence and witness testimonies. This shift in liability places the responsibility for the accident solely on the driver who ran the red light.
Seeking legal assistance will help ensure that you receive the proper compensation for the damages to your vehicle, any injuries sustained, and any loss of income resulting from the accident. Remember, a thorough investigation can reveal the true liability and support your rideshare accident case.
Understanding Uber Accidents and Liability
It is important to find out who is responsible and liable for an Uber driver accident. We advise you to get legal assistance.
An Uber accident lawyer will thoroughly investigate your accident to determine the liable party and associated insurance.
To prove liability, you need to consider three elements :
- In a given circumstance, the at-fault party had a duty to use care to prevent causing physical injury and property damage to others.
- The at-fault party breached this duty by taking careless or reckless actions.
- Because of this breach, an accident occurred that injured you.
Uber Accident Settlement Amount when Uber Driver is Not At Fault
Uber accident settlement amounts depend on many factors, and the most important factor is your injuries’ severity.
If your case is minor, it may settle under $15,000, but if you suffer no injuries or get a little pain, you may not get any compensation.
When your case is major, and you get catastrophic injuries, your case could be worth more than Uber’s insurance coverage.
As an Uber driver, Uber maintains auto insurance on your behalf when you accept a passenger trip. And if you get involved in a crash, and someone else is at fault, and they don’t have enough insurance, or in the case of a hit-and-run, this protection could cover you.
Proving who is liable for an Uber car accident is not easy, so seeking advice from rideshare accident lawyers is always recommended.
Insurance For Rideshare Uber Drivers
1. Offline or the driver app is off: If the app is off, and you use your vehicle for personal reasons, then your own chosen personal insurance policy will apply.
2. Online or waiting for a ride request: If the app is on, and you are waiting for a ride request, Uber maintains third-party liability if your personal auto insurance does not apply and if you do not maintain applicable insurance of at least this amount :
- $50,000 in bodily injury per person
- $100,000 in bodily injury per accident
- $25,000 in property damage per accident
3. En route to pick up passengers and during trips: You are fully covered by Uber’s insurance policy of $1 million in property damage if you have accepted a passenger and are on the way to pick them up or transport them while on the clock.
You would apply this if your Uber got into an accident while you were a passenger :
- $1,000,000 third-party liability
- Uninsured/underinsured motorist bodily injury and first-party injury insurance; however, this coverage varies by state
- Contingent comprehensive and collision; may apply to damage to your vehicle if you have personal insurance that includes comprehensive and collision coverage for that vehicle while you’re not using the Driver app.
- Up to the actual cash value of the car with a $2,500 deductible; however, certain vehicles offered through the Vehicle Marketplace are subject to a $1,000 deductible.
You can learn more about the Uber accident policy and coverage here.
Types of Uber Accidents
When you are involved in an accident while driving for Uber, it is crucial to understand what next steps you should take and the support available to you and your passenger.
1. Uber Accidents as a Passenger
Uber passengers are not at fault in an accident by default.
Immediately seek medical attention and file a report to Uber. When you report an accident, an Uber representative will reach out to you regarding the accident. Be sure to take photos from every angle that will help you in the Uber accident settlement.
Navigate to the app and click to
“Riders” then to
“Help with a trip”
“I was involved in an accident”
2. Uber Accidents as an Uber Driver
When an Uber accident happens, move your vehicle to the side of the road, check yourself and your passenger if there is any bodily injury that requires medical attention, and call for immediate first aid.
If no one is injured, report the car accident to Uber and local law enforcement.
Take photos and videos of damage to your vehicle or any other vehicles involved and the surrounding areas. Get the information and contact from any witnesses available and file an accident report with Uber.
Top 5 Steps to Take After an Uber Driver Accident Not At Fault
When you are a driver in an Uber accident but not at fault, protecting your legal rights following an Uber car accident is essential to get the justice you deserve.
1. Prioritize Safety
Get to a safe place.
Most accidents happen in the middle of the road, so move your vehicle to a safe spot to avoid further accidents or injuries.
2. Seek Medical Attention
Call 911 immediately if you see bodily injuries have been incurred to anyone. The police and paramedics will come to the scene and make a report, which is crucial to your insurance claim.
3. Get Medical Evaluation
Many injuries, such as whiplash, may not show up until days or weeks after the accident. So, getting a medical evaluation after an accident is always safe.
4. Gather Information
If there are any witnesses, get their contact information. Their testimony will help if there is any dispute.
5. Contact Authorities
You should report your accident to Uber. Rideshare companies carry liability insurance, and one of their representatives will contact you to confirm and know any other information required.
Additionally, filing a claim with your insurer if you have car insurance is important. Hiring a car accident lawyer who will look into your case can help you get compensation for your medical treatment and property damage. Still, you should check if your insurance can cover all your losses.
Conclusion
In conclusion, not all Uber driver accidents are the driver’s fault. It’s important to know your rights and seek legal assistance if needed. Proving liability and understanding insurance coverage is key. Following the necessary steps, such as prioritizing safety, seeking medical attention, gathering evidence, and reporting the accident, is crucial. Consult with professionals to ensure proper compensation.
FAQs
How long does it take Uber to investigate an accident?
When you report your accident, one of the Uber representatives will contact you within 24 hours for your injury update and gather any other information required, such as the number of parties involved, pictures of the damages, and your injuries as per their protocol.
The duration of resolving an Uber accident claim varies from case to case. The claim may be settled quickly in instances of minor injuries and vehicle damage. However, if there are severe injuries involved or if there is a liability dispute, the settlement process for the Uber accident can be lengthy.
Can you still drive for Uber after an accident?
Yes, you can continue driving for Uber after an accident, but there are important considerations:
Report the accident to Uber and provide necessary documents, such as police reports.
Inform your insurance company as they may choose to non-renew or cancel your coverage.
Your auto policy might not cover you for commercial use so additional insurance may be needed.
It’s worth noting that Uber has a policy where drivers involved in three accidents within three years, regardless of not being at fault, may have their accounts deactivated to avoid liability.
How does Uber cover an accident?
Uber provides commercial auto insurance for you, but only if you have comprehensive collision coverage on your personal auto insurance.
