Posted on Saturday, May 27th, 2023 at 12:00 pm
One moment, you’re in the backseat of an Uber, calmly riding to your destination. Suddenly, you’re in the middle of an accident, reeling from the shock. If you’re reading this, chances are you’ve just experienced that stomach-churning twist of events. It’s normal to feel unsure about what to do next. You might wonder about your rights, the Uber driver’s responsibilities, and the rideshare company’s role. It can seem like a complex, daunting process. But you’re not alone.
Through this blog post, we aim to provide a comprehensive guide on how to navigate this challenging situation. We’ll walk you through the steps you should take, discuss how insurance plays a role, and, importantly, shed light on the legal considerations you need to be aware of in Georgia. Our Georgia car accident lawyers are here to support you, bringing clarity and guidance to an otherwise overwhelming situation. Let’s unravel the complexities together.
Is Uber Liable for Accidents?
When determining liability in a rideshare accident, the waters can be murky. Like most rideshare companies, Uber classifies their drivers as independent contractors, not employees. This distinction is significant because it often allows the company to sidestep direct liability for accidents.
However, Uber also provides up to $1 million in third-party liability insurance to every driver, which can come into play under certain circumstances. Third-party liability means the insurance applies when someone other than the person who bought the insurance causes an accident. As an Uber passenger, it’s unlikely your actions contributed to the crash. So, while Uber is rarely liable for a collision directly, their insurance covers most situations where a passenger might be injured.
Does Uber Cover Accidents?
According to information from Uber, the situations when their liability insurance applies to an accident break down like this:
- The driver has a fare or is en route to pick up a passenger: If an accident occurs during this phase of an Uber ride and the Uber driver caused the accident, the company’s third-party liability policy should cover your injuries. Uber also has uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage if the other driver caused the crash and their insurance cannot cover your losses.
- The driver is logged into the app and waiting for a fare: During this phase, Uber’s third-party liability coverage includes up to $50,000 in losses for a single passenger or $100,000 for all passengers injured in a given crash. Furthermore, Uber’s insurance covers up to $25,000 in property damage during this phase. However, Uber’s insurance only applies if the Uber driver caused the accident and their insurance is insufficient to cover your injuries.
- The driver is not logged into the app: If an Uber driver is not logged into the app, the company’s insurance does not apply. In these situations, you would file a claim against the Uber driver directly or the other driver if they caused the accident.
However, understanding these rules and getting compensation are two different things. Recovering compensation often involves hurdles like proving fault, dealing with insurance adjusters, and possibly facing Uber’s legal team. This is why it’s crucial to know your rights and, when necessary, seek legal assistance to ensure you’re protected.
Read more: How are Personal Injury Settlements Paid?
Can You Sue Uber for an Accident?
The ability to sue Uber directly for an accident is a complex issue with a fair share of legal debate. The key lies in Uber’s classification of its drivers as independent contractors, which protects the company from direct liability for accidents.
That said, it’s important to note that this does not mean you don’t have options in the event of an accident. If you’re injured as a passenger in an Uber, your primary claim will typically be against the at-fault driver. This could be your Uber driver, another motorist, or multiple parties. As discussed earlier, Uber provides a $1 million insurance policy for its drivers, and if you’re injured in a crash, that policy likely covers your injuries.
Directly suing Uber is more feasible when evidence shows the company acted negligently. For instance, if Uber allowed a driver with a known poor driving record or a history of DUIs to drive for them, you could potentially have a case against Uber. However, these situations are complex and require detailed knowledge of the law and the specific circumstances of your case. This is why it’s essential to seek the advice of an experienced personal injury attorney. They can help clarify your legal options, guide you through the process, and work towards the best possible outcome for your situation.
Read more: How to Sue Uber for An Accident
Contact Us for a Free Consultation
In the end, your health and well-being are the top priority. So, ensure you get the help you need after an Uber accident. Remember, you’re not alone in this journey, and there’s help available to navigate this challenging situation. Call (770) 205-8827 or reach out online today for a complimentary case evaluation with a member of our team.