Does Uber Compensate for Accidents?
Though in many ways Uber and other rideshare vehicles are safe, they can still get in accidents. Depending on the specific circumstances of that accident, Uber does compensate accident victims.
Unfortunately, Uber is not in the business of paying out insurance premiums or settlements to Uber accident victims. Therefore, if you or someone you loved was injured in an Uber accident you need an Uber accident lawyer to help you fight for the compensation you deserve.
Uber insurance coverage and you
As per California state law, Uber has insurance to help cover and compensate accident victims. This insurance policy can cover up to $1 million in some instances, but, as the coverage is based on very specific periods in the Uber ride, the policy doesn’t always do the trick.
Uber’s insurance coverage has three distinct time periods based on the driver’s activity at the time of the accident:
- Not Available – This is the period in which the driver is using his vehicle for personal use or is not logged into the Uber app. In this period the driver’s personal insurance applies and not Uber’s.
- Available – If the driver is logged into the app and available to take on rides but is not in an active ride or request, the primary insurance is the driver’s insurance. However, Uber does cover an additional $50,000 per injury with a $100,000 maximum and $25,000 in property damage if the driver’s personal insurance is not enough.
- Available and Carrying a Passenger – In this period the driver is in an active ride request and has picked up the passenger and is therefore covered by Uber’s $1 million insurance policy.
It is important to note that Uber can still deny any accident victims’ coverage even if they were injured during the third period, and then the driver’s personal insurance might not pay either as the driver was driving for Uber at the time of the accident. In these instances, it is vital to have a lawyer on your side to fight for your right to adequate compensation.
Uber can deny insurance claims
Like any other business, Uber’s insurance company doesn’t want to pay out money to claims. Therefore, it’s not uncommon for Uber to try to deny accident claims.
Accident victims can respond by trying to sue Uber directly or by seeking payment from the driver’s personal insurance. It’s best for victims to retain a lawyer to advise them on the best course of action and represent them throughout the case.
Retain an Uber accident lawyer
The ins and outs of liability, insurance, and compensation for Uber accidents are tricky. However, with the right lawyer on your side, you have a better chance of obtaining the compensation you deserve for your losses and injuries.
Sometimes Uber accident victims are fully compensated through standard insurance channels, but other times, usually in more severe accidents, victims need to seek full compensation through other means.
You can be awarded compensation in an Uber accident lawsuit for losses including but not limited to:
- Medical expenses
- Past, present and future counseling for PTSD and other mental or emotional trauma
- Lost wages
- Diminished future earning capacity
- General pain and suffering
- Mileage costs for traveling to and from treatment
- Disability, scarring, or disfigurement
- Loss of enjoyment in life
Uber sometimes does compensate for accidents, but usually, they need a little nudge from an attorney to make sure they pay out what is owed to victims.
Contact Ellis Injury Law to schedule a free initial consultation to learn more about your rights and to determine if you have a case. We work on a contingency basis, meaning you won’t pay any out of pocket fees.