What You Need to Understand About Uber Accident Injury Claims

Are you an Uber passenger or driver who has been involved in an accident? 

It can be a confusing and overwhelming experience, especially when filing an injury claim. As the popularity of ride-sharing services like Uber continues to grow, so does the need for understanding the legal process surrounding accidents.

This blog will explore what you need to know about Uber accident injury claims. From the steps to take immediately following an accident to navigating insurance claims and potential legal action, we’ll provide you with the information you need to protect yourself and your rights. 

So, whether you’re a passenger, driver, or pedestrian involved in an Uber accident, keep reading to learn more.

Steps to Take After an Accident Involving an Uber Ride

After an accident involving an Uber ride, it is crucial to take the necessary steps to ensure your safety.

Here are eight steps you should take immediately: 

1. 1. Check for any injuries that may have occurred and call 911 if you or anyone else has been injured
   2. Remain at the accident scene until police arrive and obtain a copy of their report
   3. Seek medical treatment, even if you feel fine
   4. Collect contact information from all parties involved and any witnesses present during the event
   5. Take photos of the scene if possible
   6. File a detailed report with Uber within 24 hours of the accident
   7. Notify your insurance company
   8. Consult a personal injury attorney

Understanding these steps helps put claimants in a better position to resolve their cases successfully.

Whose Insurance Will Cover a Rideshare Car Accident?

Understanding how your insurance coverage may affect your claim after an accident involving an Uber ride is important.

In some cases, you may be able to use multiple forms of insurance depending on the circumstances. Here’s what you should know.

The Other Driver’s Insurance Policy

If the other driver is responsible for causing an accident, they are usually held legally accountable (liable) for covering the losses associated with the accident. As an Uber passenger, if you suffer an injury such as a broken arm due to a driver crashing into your vehicle, you have the right to make a claim with their insurance company for compensation, similar to how you would if the accident occurred while driving your own vehicle.

The Rideshare Driver’s Insurance Policy

Drivers operating their cars under the Uber platform may need to carry additional liability policies that protect them from injury or property damage caused by them during rideshare operations. You might be covered under their personal policy if you were injured while the rideshare driver was off-duty or had the Uber app turned off.

Uber’s Insurance Coverage

As part of its business model, Uber also provides additional coverage for passengers who get into accidents while using its services. As of 2022, if you sustain injuries caused by a rideshare driver who was waiting for a ride request, Uber will provide coverage up to $100,000 for bodily injury per accident (with a maximum limit of $50,000 per person) and $25,000 for property damage. 

However, if the injury occurred when the rideshare driver was picking up passengers or during the ride, Uber will offer liability coverage up to $1 million.

Understanding these details can make all the difference when it comes time to settle out-of-court or pursue legal action through litigation.

Who is Liable for Accident Injuries in an Uber Ride?

When it comes to determining who is at fault for an Uber accident injury, there are a few factors to consider. Generally speaking, the liability falls on one of the drivers involved in the accident or Uber itself.

In cases where either driver is at fault, they may be held personally responsible if they were not driving safely or abiding by traffic laws. In addition, if the vehicle needed repairs and those repairs weren’t made before the passenger entered the car, this could result in personal liability from the Uber driver. 

On the other hand, if there’s evidence suggesting that Uber should have known about a problem with one of their drivers and neglected to act appropriately, they, too, can become liable for any injuries resulting from an accident. This includes issues such as dangerous driving behaviors that went unchecked even after passengers had filed complaints.

No matter who becomes liable for an accident injury sustained while riding with Uber, knowing your rights and understanding what kind of damages you may be able to recover will help ensure you get adequate compensation for your losses.

What Kinds of Damages Can Be Recovered in an Uber Accident Injury Claim

Several options are available for seeking damages in an Uber accident injury claim. 

Let’s look closer at each option:

1. Pain and suffering: This covers physical discomfort and emotional trauma resulting from the incident. 
2. Medical expenses: If you have incurred any medical bills or need ongoing treatment due to your injuries, you might be eligible for reimbursement from the insurance company.
3. Lost wages: In some cases, you may experience a temporary or permanent disability that prevents you from working. If so, you could also seek reimbursement for lost wages during this period.
4. Property damage: The cost of repairing or replacing damaged items (including vehicles) is generally covered by insurance policies provided by companies like Uber – up to certain limits listed on the policy. 

It’s important to understand the damages available to ensure you’re getting the maximum compensation for your injuries.

Can You Sue Uber for an Accident? 

Yes, you can sue Uber for an accident. However, while it is possible, it’s important to note that filing a lawsuit can be more difficult than it seems. 

This is because Uber drivers are classified as independent contractors rather than employees, which means that the company may not be held fully responsible for their actions. 

However, there are certain circumstances where it may be appropriate to consider suing Uber, such as:

• Your damages exceed the limits of your rideshare driver’s insurance policy
• You were sexually assaulted by a rideshare driver
• You believe the company was negligent in hiring, training, or retaining the driver who caused harm to you.

In these cases, it may be necessary to file a lawsuit against Uber to seek compensation for your damages. However, it’s important to seek legal advice from an attorney with experience in Uber accident cases, as the specific details and requirements of such cases may vary depending on the circumstances and your location.

How to File an Uber Accident Injury Claim

Filing an Uber accident injury claim is complicated, but having the right information can make it easier. The first step in filing a claim is to notify your insurance provider and file a police report if necessary.

Additionally, you should obtain any medical records related to the incident and collect other evidence that may be useful when making your case.

It’s also important to understand the statute of limitations for filing an injury claim. Different states have different requirements, so research this before taking action. Most states require claims to be filed within two years, but there are exceptions depending on the state where the accident occurred. 

Once you know what rules apply, you’re ready to start assembling your claim with all relevant documents and evidence. Be sure to include any photographs or videos taken around the time of the accident too! With this information gathered and organized into one place, you can now submit your Uber accident injury claim with help from an experienced attorney.

Do You Need a Lawyer for an Uber Accident Injury Claim?

While hiring a lawyer for an Uber accident injury claim is not mandatory, consulting with one is highly recommended.

An experienced personal injury lawyer can:

• Provide you with guidance and support throughout the claims process
• Help you understand your legal rights and options
• Negotiate on your behalf with the insurance company to ensure that you receive fair compensation for your damages
• Help you gather and present evidence
• Communicate with the involved parties, and
• Represent you in court if necessary

In cases where the injuries are severe or permanent, having a lawyer may be crucial to ensuring that you receive the full compensation to which you are entitled to.

Ultimately, the decision to hire a lawyer for an Uber accident injury claim depends on the specific circumstances of your case and your personal preferences.

If you have any questions about your case or want to find the best legal representation, contact Injury.io today.

Justice McDaniel is an experienced copywriter and blogger. She has over three years of experience providing outstanding legal content that ranks.