Becoming injured in a car accident caused by an Uber driver can be devastating for you and your loved ones. Every day, passengers, pedestrians, and bicyclists suffer injuries in accidents involving Uber drivers. As a third-party victim in an Uber accident, you have rights in California. Depending on when the accident took place, you may be covered by Uber’s one million dollar insurance policy for bodily injuries and property damage, or you may need to file a lawsuit.
The best thing you can do after being injured or struck by an Uber driver is to speak to an experienced personal injury lawyer. Recovering compensation in an accident involving a rideshare service is a complicated process. At SoCal Injury Lawyers, we can help you navigate the process of seeking compensation through an insurance policy or a personal injury lawsuit. Contact our Southern California Uber accident lawyers today to schedule your initial consultation.
Seeking Insurance Compensation After Being Injured By an Uber Driver
Many victims of accidents caused by Uber drivers are entitled to compensation through the app called driver’s auto insurance policy. Seeking compensation from an insurance company is not easy, however, especially after an accident caused by an Uber driver. At SoCal Injury Lawyers, we have an in-depth understanding of how insurance companies work. We use our knowledge and negotiate aggressively with insurance companies on behalf of our clients.
Uber provides different amounts of insurance coverage for third-party victims who are injured by their drivers. The amount and availability of insurance coverage from Uber depend on when the Uber accident took place. If you were injured by an Uber vehicle when the Uber driver was not using the app, the driver is 100% responsible for costs associated with your injury. You will need to file an insurance plan with the driver’s personal auto insurance provider. Uber does require all of its drivers to carry a minimum amount of auto insurance before they are allowed to pick up customers.
Suppose you became injured by an Uber vehicle when the Uber driver was waiting for an assignment to pick up a customer. In that case, you might be entitled to limited amounts of insurance coverage. You can collect compensation from a combination of Uber’s liability policy and any other insurance coverage available through the driver’s personal insurance policy. Many Uber drivers choose to add extra insurance coverage for ridesharing accidents to their insurance policies, but this isn’t a guarantee. Uber provides the following amounts of insurance coverage for third-parties who become injured by an Uber driver before the driver has picked up a customer:
- $50,000 in bodily injury coverage per person
- $100,000 in bodily injury coverage per accident
- $25,000 in property damage per accident
Suppose you are injured by an Uber vehicle when the Uber driver was in route to pick up a customer or when the customer was in the vehicle. In that case, Uber’s third-party liability coverage will apply. This situation is usually the best-case scenario for third parties who’ve been injured by an Uber driver. You will be fully covered by Uber’s one million dollar insurance policy. This policy covers up to 1 million dollars in bodily injury coverage.
This insurance coverage also covers property damage to your vehicle or any personal property that became damaged in the accident. The policy will cover any damage to your vehicle up to the cash value of your vehicle. You will need to pay the deductible, which is $1,000. When an accident occurs while the Uber driver is en route to pick up a passenger, the application will cancel the request. It can be challenging to prove that the passenger did not cancel the trip before the accident occurred, but doing so can mean the difference between receiving $50,000 in coverage and one million dollars in coverage. An experienced lawyer will be able to gather evidence and argue that you are entitled to the one million dollar insurance policy coverage.
Your Rights as a Third-Party Victim in an Uber Accident
Nobody expects that to be involved in a car accident, and it can be challenging to know what to do in the immediate aftermath of an Uber accident. If you’ve been injured by a Uber vehicle as a pedestrian, passenger, or another driver, the first thing you should do is call 911 and request emergency medical services. If you are not too severely injured to do so safely, take photos of the accident scene, and gather witness information. The more evidence you can collect, the better your chances of proving your case in court.
If the paramedic at the scene suggests that you go to the hospital, it’s wise to follow their directions. Keep detailed records of your medical appointments and make sure you attend all follow-up appointments, and take your prescription medication as directed. Doing so will give you the best chance of proving that your injuries are serious in a personal injury lawsuit.
Finally, we recommend speaking to an experienced Southern California Uber accident lawyer as soon after your accident as possible. Insurance companies often begin calling victims immediately after a car accident and requesting that they provide a statement. Your lawyer can help you navigate the insurance claim process in a way that protects your legal rights and gives you the best opportunity possible to obtain the full amount of compensation you deserve.
Contact Our Southern California Third-Party Uber Accident Attorney to Understand Your Rights
If your loved one has become injured by an Uber driver, you need an experienced lawyer advocating for you. At SoCal Injury Lawyers, we have experienced obtaining compensation for clients who’ve been injured by Uber drivers. We know how to effectively navigate the insurance claims process, which is often complicated. As the victim of an Uber driver, you deserve to be compensated fully for expenses related to your injuries. Contact our Uber accident law firm today to schedule your initial consultation.