Uber Accident
Uber drivers are classified as independent contractors, rather than employees of the company. This allows Uber to deflect responsibility in the event of a serious accident. Luckily, our experienced attorneys have considerable experience dealing with big business, and we will fight for the justice that you deserve. These claims, by nature, are very confusing.
Our expert legal team has a thorough understanding of the policies and insurance coverage involved in Uber/Lyft accidents.
Uber operates today in 785 metropolitan areas around the world, and the company’s assets are approximately $24 billion. They employ hundreds of thousands of drivers in multiple countries. This type of operation is formally known as “ridesharing”, but the government recognizes them as Transportation Network Companies (TNC).
Uber, Lyft, etc. have brought the TNC business to a convenient platform, creating thousands of new jobs and simultaneously decreasing rates of drunk driving. Despite these benefits, TNC’s can also be problematic in the way they handle car accidents. Long driving hours, distractions, unfamiliar areas, and other facets contribute to the risk of car accidents under TNC’s. While these companies screen their employees, ensuring that most are safe and responsible, they may not always be. Although, when a TNC has employed a driver with a criminal background, meriting ineligibility to work for the company, they must be held liable for placing customers in danger.
Typically, there are three different situations for eligible coverage under Uber and Lyft, insuring their drivers during the following periods:
- The app is on and you are waiting for a request. The company insures you for liability coverage here if your insurance policy does not cover you. The disparity between the two coverages may be filled with supplemental rideshare insurance.
- You have accepted a ride request. You are on your way to pick up a passenger from the designated location.
- The passenger is in your car. You are on route to the destination.
Uber and Lyft fully cover their drivers with up to $1 million in liability for the second and third situations. This includes collision coverage and uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage.
Uber may try to deny that the rideshare accept was accepted in the second situation, so it is wise to screenshot the accepted request following the accident.
Following any automobile accident, you should immediately
- Protect yourself and move to safety
- Call 911 if any injuries occurred or the accident is serious
- Share insurance and contact information with anyone involved
- Report the incident to your insurance company
Common carriers that fail to provide their passengers with these conditions may be held liable for ensuing damages.
Contacting a personal injury attorney is paramount to winning your claim. As your representatives, our firm will gather and preserve evidence that supports your claim, including (but not limited to):
- Damage to involved vehicles
- Bus driver log books
- Bus black box data
- Driver cell phone data
- Witness testimony
- Other physical evidence at the scene, such as skid marks, gouge marks, and yaw marks
It is wise to seek medical attention, even if you feel that you do not need it. Adrenaline may mask the full effects of your injuries.
Collecting evidence, including photographs, videos, contact information, and a copy of the police report, is also a good idea. If you were in an Uber, screenshot the ride details as well.
Contact Uber or Lyft and inform them of the accident. Most importantly, do not speak to Uber or their insurance agents without an attorney present. Do not accept any offers they may extend to you.
Uber drivers are classified as independent contractors, rather than employees of the company. This allows Uber to deflect responsibility in the event of a serious accident. Luckily, our experienced attorneys have considerable experience dealing with big business, and we will fight for the justice that you deserve. These claims, by nature, are very confusing. Our expert legal team has a thorough understanding of the policies and insurance coverage involved in Uber/Lyft accidents.