Auto Accident
The name “Uber” has become synonymous with ridesharing.
Even though there are other ridesharing services, Uber has become so popular that it’s the first thing many people think of when they need to catch a ride somewhere.
Uber can be a very convenient way to get around town, especially in cities like Los Angeles where parking can be difficult and many tourists need to get around. But when crashes happen involving Uber drivers, you can find yourself in the middle of a complicated legal situation.
Uber accidents & insurance
When Uber drivers are involved in car accidents, insurance gets more complicated than it does for accidents involving two regular drivers. The insurance that applies in an Uber accident depends on how the driver was using the app at the time of the accident.
Uber driver was logged out of the app
If an Uber driver is involved in a car accident while they are using their car for personal purposes and are not logged into the app as a driver, the accident would be covered by the driver’s personal auto insurance. All Uber drivers are required to have personal auto insurance to be able to drive for Uber.
Uber driver was available, but without a rider
What happens when an accident involves an Uber driver who is logged into the app, but is waiting for their next ride request? In this case, Uber’s insurance has a contingent collision policy that will cover damages if an Uber driver’s personal auto insurance doesn’t cover the damages. Some personal auto insurance policies will deny claims that occur in these situations because of stipulations in the policy about the car being used for business purposes, so Uber’s contingent collision coverage will step in if that happens.
Accidents during Uber rides
Uber has an insurance policy that covers up to $1,000,000 in damages per crash for accidents that occur during an Uber ride. This applies to accidents that occur between the time a ride request is accepted and the time a passenger is dropped off. If the accident involved an uninsured or underinsured motorist, this insurance policy will provide coverage for the accident.
Liability in an Uber accident
If you are injured in an accident where the Uber driver was at fault, California law states that injured riders usually only need to make their claim against Uber, not against the driver as well. However, if the accident was not the fault of the Uber driver, a claim could possibly be made against the at-fault driver, but it could also be made against Uber as well. For example, if the accident was caused by an underinsured driver, a claim could be made against Uber for damages not covered by the at-fault driver’s insurance.
In cases when an accident is not the fault of the Uber driver, claims can be made against the at-fault driver.
Who can make an Uber accident claim?
Uber riders aren’t the only ones who can potentially make a claim for damages caused by accidents involving Uber drivers. Claims can also be made by:
Common accidents suffered by Uber riders
Damages in an Uber accident claim
If you’ve been in an accident involving an Uber driver, some types of damages you may be entitled to include:
- Medical expenses, including future medical expenses
- Lost income
- Pain and suffering
- Rehabilitation and physical therapy
Contact a Los Angeles Uber accident lawyer
Uber accidents can be quite different from standard car accidents. With all the rules involving insurance and liability, it’s important to have someone on your side who understands the law and can fight to protect your best interests. Insurance companies have a vested interest in paying out as little as possible for accidents, but at The Wallace Firm, we don’t settle for less. We’ll be on your side every step on the way to help you get all of the compensation you need. Let us do the hard work while you focus on your recovery. Contact us today for help with your claim.