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Did you ever wonder how much you can claim if you were in an Uber accident? The minimum legal coverage requirements for a typical auto accident are $30,000 for personal injury or death to one person, $60,000 for personal injury or death to two or more individuals, and $15,000 for property damage. If you are hurt in an Uber collision, you may be able to pursue compensation through various insurance policies, including the driver’s coverage and Uber’s additional protection.
Rideshare companies also have insurance policies that can increase driversโ policies. They are required by law to get more than the minimum insurance policy. Uber provides a $1 million policy to cover injuries sustained by passengers, which may be applicable depending on the phase of the ride during which the accident occurred. This policy pays for any damages not covered by the at-fault driverโs policy (up to Uberโs $1 million policy limit).
The value of an Uber accident case can vary significantly, depending on the severity of your injuries and other circumstances involved. Keep in mind that even though the policy has a coverage limit, it only covers real, documented damages. When you or your loved one is injured in an Uber accident, contact the personal injury lawyers at Arash Law, led by Arash Khorsandi, Esq., at (888) 488-1391, so we can help you pursue compensation for your losses or injuries.
Uber Accidents Are Increasing
Over the years, ridesharing businesses like Uber have become increasingly popular, especially in areas with many major cities like California. They make it easy and affordable for people to get where they need to go. But as the popularity of Uber grows, the potential for accidents also increases.
Some risks associated with rideshare apps may be causing the increase in accidents in California. How so? To book passengers, drivers for Uber must use the Uber application on their phones. Uber drivers may become distracted due to having to focus on the road and their phones simultaneously, endangering pedestrians, cyclists, and other drivers. The result is increased rideshare accidents in busy places like San Francisco and Los Angeles.
Because many police departments nationwide must distinguish between rideshare collisions and typical auto accidents, it is impossible to gain accurate data on how many Uber accidents occur yearly. However, research suggests that ridesharing is a contributing factor in between 2% and 3% of all automobile accidents in the U.S.
Uber accident victims often ask personal injury attorneys the following questions regarding the amount of compensation they can seek:
- What is the worth of an Uber accident case?
- What is the average settlement for an Uber accident lawsuit?
- How much is an Uber accident claim payout?
- I was riding in an Uber vehicle as a passenger when another car struck us. Can I sue Uber, and for how much money?
- I was involved in a collision while driving for Uber. What will the settlement be for my case?
Occasionally, an Uber accident caused by the driverโs negligence can result in significant losses depending on the circumstances. If you are a victim of an Uber crash, you may be an innocent driver, employee, or passenger. If you are a victim, you may seek reimbursement for several expenses, provided you have enough evidence and an experienced car accident lawyer to help you justify your claims.
You may have many questions. What happens if youโre in a rideshare accident? What type of legal recourse can you pursue? Can an Uber driver be held liable for causing an accident in California? If you or someone you know was a victim of an Uber mishap, seek legal guidance from Uber accident lawyers. Consult our personal injury attorneys at Arash Law to discuss your case. We can assist you through the legal process.
Accident victims will normally want to know how much money will be awarded to them in reparations for their losses. The worth of a case is based on several important factors. Below is a summary of the most critical factors that can affect the calculation of compensation in a personal injury lawsuit. Any instances involving an Uber or a Lyft accident must consider these variables. You can read more below to learn how much an Uber case is worth or the typical settlement.
Does Uber Compensate For Accidents?
Yes, Uber can compensate victims based on the circumstances of the crash. Victims of Uber accidents can seek compensation in different ways, depending on the facts of each crash or collision.
The Largest Uber Settlements In History
Unfortunately, many Uber settlements are confidential. It is important to note that Uber is insured by multiple insurance companies, depending on the state, including Allstate, Farmers, Liberty Mutual, and Progressive. Settlements vary based on the insurance company handling the claim. For example, Liberty Mutual is known as a generous company among the four used by Uber, although the difference is minimal.
It is also important to note that many Uber accident claims only reach a verdict if they are settled outside of court (this is also why so many settlements are confidential).
Back, neck, spine, and whiplash injuries often require costly medical operations or procedures and may lead to a significant financial burden for the victim.
Neck, back, and whiplash injuries incurred after an accident can permanently disable the sufferer, as they risk damaging the spinal column. If the damage is severe enough, you can risk not ever being able to walk again. Many people with a whiplash injury need numerous doctor visits for the pain, follow-up surgeries, and additional therapies to manage the pain and range of motion.
These issues may also arise from neck, back, or whiplash injuries:
- Limited range of motion.
- Psychological difficulties, such as feeling depressed and missing the joy of life.
- Back pain causing balance or walking difficulty.
- Sudden flare-ups and rising signs and symptoms.
- Future procedures will be necessary to fuse the back. Additional therapies are necessary.
- Continuous ache that never goes away, delayed or drawn-out healing.
- The ability of the upper arm muscles to contract and relax is diminished, and the neck flexors have less range of motion.
- Back and neck pain that doesnโt go away.
For more information regarding Uber settlements, you can seek assistance from our team. If you believe you have a claim, contact us for a consultation, and we can calculate an estimated value based on the details of your case.
When You Are Not Injured, Can You Ask For Your Money Back?
Yes! Uber will still pay you back the amount they charged you for the ride.
How? File a complaint through the app, and your refund will probably be handled within one to two days. You have to report the accident if the police are not contacted because your driver might not do so. This means that even if the driverโs poor decisions and careless behavior contributed to the crash, they could still drive for Uber in good standing.
How Much Can An Uber Passenger Victim Claim?
The amount depends on the details of the claim. Since every accident case is different, available compensation may vary. All victims of incidents that occur while an Uber driver has the app open are protected by the companyโs required insurance policy. Uber’s insurance coverage varies depending on the stage of the ride. Different levels of coverage apply when the driver is online but not yet matched with a passenger, en route to pick up a passenger, or transporting a passenger to their destination. If the Uber driver is found at fault for the accident, you may have grounds to seek compensation through the driverโs insurance coverage for your injuries and monetary losses. In the event of an Uber accident, customers have numerous insurance alternatives.
Remember that California is a comparative negligence state. Thatโs why any party involved in an Uber accident may be held partially responsible. Your Uber driver might not be entirely at fault.
Uber insurance coverage might cover most of your monetary losses (medical expenses, property damage, etc.) in certain circumstances. Still, you might also need to seek further reimbursement from the other partyโs insurance provider.
One approach to pursue appropriate compensation is to write a demand letter and include sufficient proof that can help substantiate your losses.
When Youโre A Pedestrian
Uber’s insurance policy can also cover victims not in the car. For example, an Uber driver strikes a pedestrian in a crosswalk. If the driver had the app open on their phone, regardless of whether they had a passenger in the car, the injured pedestrian can still seek compensation from Uber.
Additionally, California traffic laws provide certain protections for injured pedestrians that may help in pursuing damages from Uber after a collision. The California Vehicle Code requires all drivers to yield the right-of-way to pedestrians in both marked and unmarked crosswalks. It also mandates that all drivers operate their vehicles safely and prudently โ especially when pedestrians are present.
Why Are Uber Drivers At Increased Risk Of Accidents?
Uber drivers are sometimes only professionally licensed and not required to take courses. This means nearly anyone can become an Uber driver. As drivers deal with driving hazards, time constraints, and the pressure to entertain passengers, the lack of proper training can lead to accidents and wrecks directly or indirectly caused by the driver.
Another common cause of every accident is vehicle failure or malfunction. While Uber and other ridesharing companies have some vehicle requirements, they do not test or maintain the vehicles themselves. Since many Uber drivers only do it as a side gig, they may need help maintaining their car after all the extra miles.
Common Accident Causes
The following are some of the common pitfalls of driving for Uber that increase the chances of an accident:
- Vehicles and drivers are not held to tested standards.
- Uber drivers must adhere to tight timelines for each ride.
- Drivers will feel pressure to entertain and interact with their passengers.
- The nature of the hustle encourages drivers to finish rides as fast as possible.
- The fear of low-star reviews puts drivers on edge.
Thankfully, most Uber rides end with passengers getting safely to their destination. The factors listed above, however, come in addition to the risks we all face on the road. This means Uber drivers have to confront many different types of distractions. It is not a surprise, therefore, that the number of Uber-involved accidents is unfortunately increasing every year.
People Also Ask
Does Uber Cover Its Drivers In Crashes?
A driver who gets in an accident while working for Uber is covered by the companyโs insurance. The driver can avoid paying through their own insurance, but as an independent contractor, they cannot use workersโ compensation.
Typically, Uber will cover you if you can show that you were working for Uber when the accident occurred, whether you were looking for passengers, carrying a passenger, or otherwise operating within the scope of employment under Uber.
Uber drivers should have their own auto insurance to increase the amount of compensation available in the event of an accident, even though Uberโs insurance may cover drivers in many situations.
How Long Does It Take To Settle With Uber?
Like many insurance companies, Uberโs provider may take some time to process the settlement. Insurers may offer an amount below what is sufficient if there is not enough evidence to substantiate your losses. This is why hiring a vehicle accident attorney with a specific understanding of and experience working with Uber drivers is recommended. They are familiar with the claims process, including the necessary evidence to validate your claim.
Historically, receiving a reply to a settlement offer can take several weeks. You will need to factor in time spent negotiating, as your injury lawyer will likely advocate for fair compensation for your injuries.
Avoid accepting the first settlement that Uber or another rideshare operator offers you. Allow your Uber accident lawyer to assist you in evaluating a reasonable claim amount.
How Do I Claim With Uber?
After the crash, gather the insurance information from all vehicles involved, including the Uber driver. You will want to know exactly who to contact to submit your claim.
Also, write down other important information, such as:
- The names of the drivers involved in the crash.
- The license plate numbers and vehicle descriptions of all the cars involved in the collision.
- Contact information of the drivers, such as phone number and email.
- All of this information is useful when submitting your claim.
Does Uber Provide Compensation?
Uberโs insurance coverage has three distinct periods based on the driverโs activity during the accident:
- Not Available โ This is when the driver uses his vehicle for personal use or is not logged into the Uber app. In this period, the driverโs personal insurance applies, not Uberโs.
- Available โ 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 driverโs insurance. However, Uber covers an additional $50,000 per injury with a $100,000 maximum and $30,000 in property damage if the driverโs personal insurance is insufficient.
- Available and Carrying a Passenger โ In this period, the driver is in an active ride request, has picked up the passenger, and is therefore covered by Uberโs $1 million insurance policy.
It is important to note that Uber can still deny any accident victimsโ claim even if they were injured during the second or third period. The driverโs insurance might not pay either, especially if they do not cover rideshare accidents. In these instances, accident lawyers can help you explore other avenues for compensation, challenge denials, and advocate for your rights.
How Does Uber Verify Your Insurance?
If youโre an Uber driver, they will verify your auto insurance by checking the stateโs insurance database, but they will only take action based on what they find. Because insurance is a complex subject, you should consult your insurer for any specific questions about your policy. Typically, personal auto insurance doesnโt cover carrying paid passengers, as the vehicle is no longer classified as for personal use but as for hire.
What Are The Survivor Benefits For Uber Drivers?
Since Uber drivers are independent contractors, they may not have a right to workersโ compensation. If accidents happen, they can seek compensation by filing personal injury claims or rely mainly on their savings in case of emergencies. Those with no available remedies may struggle to cover their lost wages or pay their medical costs.
Thatโs why the Driver Injury Protection Insurance of Uber in California is such a great help. This program is designed to provide drivers with an option for coverage in the case of an injury so they can get the medical care they need. Additionally, this program helps ensure the driverโs family isnโt left with nothing in the case of a driverโs death.
The insurance covers the medical and disability expenses caused by collisions and provides survivor benefits to families of those who are killed. Those who use this insurance are covered en route, during their trip, and while online on the Uber app. The premium is charged per mile, meaning drivers who work less often have smaller premiums, while those who work more are charged more per their workload.
After an accident, the last thing you want to worry about is money. If youโre hurt while working as an Uber driver, this coverage can be a way you or your family can seek compensation.
Contact Arash Law For A Free Initial Consultation After An Uber Accident
An Uber accident lawyer handles the complexities and nuances associated with ridesharing accidents. When youโre involved in a traffic accident with Uber, whether as a passenger, driver, or third party, the legal implications can be more complex and intricate than those of typical car accidents. Traditional auto insurance policies may not cover ridesharing incidents similarly.
An experienced legal representative understands the unique interplay between personal auto insurance, Uberโs corporate policy, and local regulations. They can help you seek fair compensation, especially if you are injured or suffer other losses. Navigating these layers without legal knowledge could lead to pitfalls or missed recourse opportunities.
Moreover, hiring an accident lawyer can be beneficial when it comes to gathering evidence, assessing liability, and negotiating with insurance companies. Since Uber is a large corporation with significant resources, it may have legal teams ready to protect its interests.
A skilled attorney will be ready to address legal challenges, advocating for your rights in seeking compensation. Additionally, they can guide you through the process, from reporting the incident to Uber, seeking medical attention, documenting your injuries, and, finally, building a strong case for compensation. Contact Arash Law at (888) 488-1391 for a free initial consultation about your Uber case.
