What Happens When Your Uber Is in an Accident?

Due to their convenience, rideshare companies such as Uber have become increasingly popular in recent years. As a result of the widespread availability of Uber, millions worldwide are taking advantage of these services. Along with this popularity comes the possibility of accidents. 

Like any other driver, Uber drivers are not exempt from roadway collisions. Whether due to negligence at the hands of the Uber driver or the other driver involved, the possibility of accidents is unfortunately inevitable. If you are searching for information regarding your legal options after being involved in an Uber accident, search no further. 

Gatti, Keltner, Bievenu & Montesi PLC can litigate your accident claim. Allow us to use our in-depth knowledge of the court system to secure the maximum settlement award for your claim. Here, we have compiled FAQs as a basic insight into your options.

If Your Uber Is in an Accident, What Actions Should You Take Next?

Well, what you do next depends on the specific facts of your accident. Who’s at fault will determine your next steps. Whether the accident is caused solely by your driver or another driver will determine some key next steps. 

However, some key things should happen regardless of who’s at fault immediately after your involvement in an Uber accident:

• Immediately move to safety.
• Report the accident to the police and Uber immediately.
• Be examined by a medical professional to rule out injury or to treat known injuries (this step should not be skipped even if you are feeling no initial pain. Increased adrenaline may cause a delay in the reception of pain).
• Take note of exactly what happened (if you are aware or can recall. This will be helpful for the next step).
• Contact a law firm or attorney familiar with rideshare accident cases (especially if injured).
• File a claim with the driver’s personal insurance if the driver is found to be negligent.
• File a claim with Uber’s insurance if the driver is found to be at no fault.

Does Uber Require Their Drivers to Obtain Special Insurance?

Yes, Uber requires special insurance for their drivers. Like other rideshare companies, Uber requires drivers to attain insurance that reaches the minimum monetary responsibility enforced by their state. Likewise, many personal insurance companies also set strict requirements for drivers to purchase policies specific to the rideshare profession. 

Failure to do so could lead to the denial of filed claims and the cancelation of policies. Aside from this insurance, Uber also offers some coverage for the driver through their insurance. This coverage varies depending on specific circumstances. 

The more information you know regarding the exact circumstances, the better. This will be the most helpful during the planning process of your claim. Your attorney will be the most versed in the specific coverage offered based on the circumstance. 

If My Uber Driver’s Negligence Caused the Accident, Are They Liable?

In many cases, yes. Because the accident you were involved in resulted from your driver’s negligence, they are liable. If injuries were sustained due to the accident, the driver is typically liable for the injured person’s expenses. 

Liabilities may include but are not limited to:

• Medical bills for care and services received as a result of the Uber accident 
• Loss of income due to inability to work imposed by sustained injuries related to the Uber accident
• Damage to or total loss of your vehicle 
• Distress to mental and emotional health
• Endured suffering due to pain from sustained injuries
• Alternate transportation or rental car

It is in your best interest to work with an experienced car accident attorney in order to determine liability in an accident. The team at Gatti, Keltner, Bienvenu & Montesi, PLC, to schedule a free consultation as soon as possible. We do not charge any fees unless you win your case.

How Do I File an Uber Accident Claim?

We’ve now established liability, the fact that Uber requires its drivers to attain special insurance coverage, and identified possible liabilities. When filing the accident claim, you are normally expected to file a claim against the driver’s insurance first. This is to be done before filing a claim with Uber. 

A claim typically is only placed against Uber’s insurance if the driver’s insurance claim is denied. This is because Uber hires their drivers as independent contractors and thus doesn’t deem itself responsible for the negligence of these contractors. In some cases, Uber will provide secondary insurance if the claim to the driver’s insurance is denied. 

This denial could be from either the driver’s or Uber’s personal insurance. Aside from the denial, our legal representation may also be necessary to review and negotiate a settlement offer. You wouldn’t want to accept a settlement offer without consulting an attorney. 

This is recommended to ensure the proper compensation is being offered. In the event it is determined the settlement offer does not align with what your legal counsel projected, they may ultimately end up taking your claim to court. This would only be necessary if unable to reach an agreement otherwise.

Does Uber Have Lawyers?

Because of the complex nature of rideshare accidents, the laws surrounding them can seem unclear. Many factors must be weighed when establishing negligence or who is at fault. Based on this reality, Uber and other rideshare companies attain powerful legal teams to back them. 

To avoid being disadvantaged, you should do the same and attain accredited counsel to represent you. 

What Common Injuries Are Caused by Uber Accidents?

Uber rideshare accidents can be devastating based on their severity. You can wind up missing a lot of time at work while you recover from your injuries, making it difficult to pay the bills, put food on the table, or buy new clothes for your children. The most common injuries our Uber accident attorneys see include the following:

• Broken bones
• Facial lacerations
• Amputation
• Traumatic brain injuries
• Spinal cord injuries

While not an exhaustive list, you can see that these are catastrophic injuries that should be cared for immediately. Once you receive initial medical care, it is important that you follow all of the instructions provided by the doctor and take all prescribed medications. Do not skip any follow-up appointments, as the defense attorney could argue that your injury is not serious enough for compensation.

Talk to an experienced Uber accident lawyer at Gatti, Keltner, Bienvenu & Montesi, PLC, today.

Why Gatti, Keltner, Bievenu & Montesi PLC?

Our attorneys at Gatti, Keltner, Bienvenu & Montesi PLC are experienced in litigating car accident claims. Trust us to use our expertise to negotiate and win your justice due against these insurance companies. If you’ve been involved in an accident involving Uber, contact us now, and we’ll get you the settlement you deserve.