Who is Liable for Damages After an Uber Accident?
Liability for an accident depends on who was at fault, whether or not an Uber vehicle was involved. The police officer who makes the report will render an opinion on where the blame lies.
Depending on the circumstances, the actual compensation will come from the driver’s insurance company, that of the other party, or possibly both. An Ellis personal injury lawyer can give you advice tailored to your specific circumstances.
Fault vs. no-fault coverage
The auto accident laws in most states are based on the “fault” model, in which the person or persons who caused the wreck are liable for making good on the bodily injury portion of the damages. This is typically covered by the at-fault driver’s insurance.
12 of the 50 states have a “no-fault” system, which means that accident victims are allowed to file a bodily injury claim with their own insurer, regardless of who caused the collision. The states that operate under this system are:
- Florida.
- Hawaii.
- Kentucky.
- Michigan.
- Massachusetts.
- Kansas.
- New York.
- Kansas.
- New Jersey.
- Utah.
- Pennsylvania.
- Michigan.
Puerto Rico also operates under a no-fault system.
Please note that no-fault insurance only covers bodily injuries resulting from the crash. The at-fault party is still responsible for any damage to the vehicles themselves.
This is why it’s important for you to always carry uninsured motorist protection, just in case the driver who hits you lacks coverage.
What type of coverage do Uber drivers carry?
Uber drivers are required to have insurance on their vehicles. Uber also provides supplemental coverage to protect passengers in the event of an accident. Currently the maximum limit available is $1 million.
Who’s at fault in an Uber accident?
Uber drivers are governed by the same laws that cover all motorists. This means that liability for a crash is determined by who was at fault in the incident.
Sometimes issues of liability are open to dispute. In such cases, the parties may need to go to court. Most often, however, the matter is settled by the officer who investigates the accident and/or the insurance adjustors. These determinations are usually quick and straightforward.
Nevertheless, it’s still a good idea to consult a Los Angeles personal injury firm after an accident. Here’s why:
- Attorneys are able to uncover aspects of a case that police officers and adjustors may miss: For example, quite often a safety defect in one of the vehicles contributes to a wreck. This may mean that the automaker itself is liable for the crash.
- Attorneys can help you to get fair compensation for your injuries and other losses: Sadly, insurance companies often try to get away with offering accident victims a token settlement. Having a skilled attorney in your corner sends the message that you’re serious about being treated fairly.
- Attorneys can connect you with highly qualified healthcare providers and other professionals: This can make the recovery process easier and more beneficial.
Once you’ve decided to seek help from a law firm, the next step is to choose the right practice. Here are three compelling reasons to consider Ellis Injury Law:
- Our focus: We concentrate our efforts on personal injury and auto accident cases, so you can benefit from our expertise.
- Our free consultations: You never have to worry about out of pocket costs when you trust your case to an Ellis personal injury lawyer.
- Our track record: Our attorneys have recovered more than $350 million for their clients, funds which have helped a number of people to get past their injuries and live better lives.
The time to talk to a Los Angeles Uber accident lawyer is now before the window of opportunity closes. Get in touch with Ellis Injury Law today to start the ball rolling. We’re available 24/7 for your convenience.