UBER CRASH NIGHTMARE: Who Pays When Disaster Strikes?

No one ever expects their Uber ride to end in a disaster. However, the reality is that accidents happen even when you are just a passenger trying to get from one place to another. When an Uber accident happens, you may be left with severe injuries, substantial damages and losses, and many questions. If you were involved in an Uber accident, you may be wondering, “Who is responsible for paying for my injuries and damages?” Is it Uber, or the driver’s insurance company? And what happens if another driver is to blame for the accident? If this is your situation, you should know you are not alone. Also, you should know that you have legal options. At The Law Offices of Paul A. Samakow, P.C., we have helped many rideshare accident victims get the answers they need and pursue their deserved compensation. 

How Do Uber Accidents Happen?

Uber accidents can happen for the same reasons as any other crash. Some of the most common causes of Uber accidents include;

• Speeding
• Drowsy driving
• Reckless driving
• Driving while impaired
• Distracted driving

After suffering injuries in an Uber accident as a passenger, it may not be obvious who is responsible. In the following sections, we look at who can be held liable in an Uber accident, how Uber’s insurance coverage works, and when this insurance kicks in.

Who Can Be Held Liable After an Uber Accident?

If you have been in an Uber accident in Maryland, Northern Virginia, or the D.C. suburbs, you should know that liability in a rideshare accident is not always straightforward. Multiple parties may share liability.

Here are some of the parties that may be held liable after an Uber accident;

• The Uber Driver: If the Uber driver was distracted, drunk, speeding, or if they violated a traffic law, they may be held liable. While Uber provides insurance coverage for its drivers, the driver’s actions are still relevant.
• Uber: Uber drivers may be independent contractors, but the company may be held liable in certain circumstances, such as if the company failed in its duty, for example, by failing to screen a driver properly.
• Another Motorist: Sometimes, another driver (not the Uber driver) is to blame for the crash. In such a case, the other driver’s insurance company may be responsible for your injuries and damages.
• Third Parties: If another third party, such as a vehicle part manufacturer, government entity, or maintenance provider, is to blame for the accident, you can hold them accountable.

Since more than one party may be to blame for an Uber accident, determining who is at fault requires a thorough investigation. That is where an experienced auto accident attorney comes in. An attorney can help uncover the facts and hold every negligent party accountable.

When Does Uber’s Insurance Coverage Kick In?

While Uber has a $1 million insurance policy on all its drivers, this coverage is not always applicable. Generally, the applicability of this coverage is based on the driver’s activity on the Uber app.

Here is a breakdown of how Uber’s insurance coverage works;

• When the App is Off

Uber drivers are not covered when the app is off. In such a case, the Uber driver is considered off-duty or is said to be using the vehicle for personal reasons. If your accident happened in such a situation, the driver’s personal auto insurance is the one that will apply. 

• When the App is Online, But the Driver is Waiting for a Request

Uber drivers have limited coverage when the app is on, but a request hasn’t come in. In such a case, Uber covers,

• Up to $50,000 per person for injuries
• Up to $100,000 per crash for total injuries
• Up to $25,000 per collision for property damage

However, Uber only covers damages if the driver’s insurance company does not.

• When the Driver Has Accepted a Ride or Has a Passenger

Once an Uber driver accepts a ride request, the company’s $1 million insurance coverage kicks in. This insurance policy is meant to protect both the driver and the passenger in the event of a crash.

Uber’s $1 million policy covers bodily injury and property damage and includes uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage (UM/UIM). This means that if another driver caused your accident while you were riding in an Uber and they don’t have insurance or have insufficient coverage, Uber’s policy can step in to pay for your injuries and damages.

Click here for more on Uber’s insurance coverage.

What Damages Can You Recover?

If you were involved in an Uber crash, you may be eligible to recover all the damages and losses you’ve suffered, including;

• Medical expenses (past and future)
• Lost wages
• Loss of earning capacity
• Pain and suffering
• Emotional distress
• Property damage

In cases involving catastrophic injuries such as traumatic brain injuries, insurance companies may try to minimize or deny claims. A skilled attorney can help you fight back.

What to Do After an Accident

If you are involved in an Uber accident in Maryland, Northern Virginia, or the D.C. suburbs, here are the steps to take;

• Call 911, report the accident, and get emergency medical help
• Collect evidence
• Exchange information with the Uber driver and any other driver involved
• Report the accident to Uber through the app
• See a doctor
• Contact a skilled car accident attorney

The sooner you contact an attorney, the better.

Take Control After an Uber Crash

If you have been in an Uber crash in Maryland, Northern Virginia, or the D.C. suburbs, it is vital to take action right away. Don’t face insurance companies and complex claims on your own. Our skilled car accident attorneys at The Law Offices of Paul A. Samakow, P.C. can investigate your accident, determine who is liable, and help you fight for the compensation you deserve. We know how to stand up to large insurance companies and protect your rights every step of the way. We will handle the legal aspects of your case work tirelessly to get you the justice and compensation you deserve while you focus on your health. Contact us today to schedule a consultation.