Uber carries insurance for accidents that occur when the driver is on duty and is at fault for the accident. Uber drivers are usually required to have insurance coverage consistent with the laws of the state in which they operate. Depending on the situation, the victim’s personal injury protection (PIP) coverage, the driver’s personal car insurance, or Uber’s liability coverage may be responsible for covering medical bills, lost income, and other damages.
If you were in an accident with an Uber vehicle, whether as a driver, passenger, or third party, you benefit from understanding how Uber insurance works. Our Fort Lauderdale Uber & Lyft accident attorneys can explain when to file a claim with Uber and what other options you may have to recover compensation after a rideshare collision.
What Does Uber Insurance Cover?
Uber’s insurance policies typically work by covering liability for injuries and losses caused by an on-duty Uber driver. The type and extent of coverage depends on the state where the accident occurred, the circumstances of the collision, and insurance coverage for the passenger, driver, or third parties involved.
Does Uber Cover Accidents for Drivers?
Uber can cover accidents when the rideshare driver is responsible. However, coverage protections often only apply when the driver is actively transporting a passenger. Some states include rideshare coverage while the driver is on their way to pick up a passenger or while the driver is on duty and waiting for a ride.
Is Uber Responsible for Accidents?
Uber may be responsible for a rideshare accident caused by its driver or app. For example, if they fail to properly vet a driver with a history of intoxicated driving and the driver then causes an accident by driving drunk, Uber could be liable for damages. Similarly, if Uber’s app malfunctions or otherwise causes the driver to crash, the company could be responsible.
Generally, Uber’s insurance will not cover damages if someone other than Uber or the Uber driver is responsible. In a collision caused by someone other than the Uber driver, the injured party could file a claim with the responsible third party’s insurance.
Does an Uber Driver Have Separate Insurance?
Uber drivers typically use their own personal vehicles to ferry Uber customers around. They must maintain the same level of insurance as any other car owner in their state. Uber may also offer additional coverage to drivers.
The circumstances of the accident dictate whether the driver’s insurance or Uber’s insurance will be responsible for the injured party’s damages.
How Does No-Fault Insurance Affect an Uber Claim?
Rideshare insurance coverage can be different if you are in a no-fault state with personal injury protection (PIP) requirements, like Florida. PIP insurance provides compensation for the policyholder’s medical bills and lost income, regardless of who was responsible for the accident. So, if a passenger, Uber driver, or third party is injured in a rideshare accident, they would typically file a claim with their own PIP policy first.
Sometimes, the injured party does not have PIP coverage or PIP is insufficient to cover their damages. In this case, they may have grounds to pursue compensation through the at-fault driver’s private auto insurance, Uber’s rideshare insurance, or a personal injury lawsuit against Uber.
Our rideshare accident lawyers can help you prove fault so you can recover financial compensation from the liable party.
How Do I File a Claim With Uber After an Accident?
If you are in a crash with an Uber vehicle, you can begin filing a claim by reporting the crash through the Uber app, calling Uber directly, or submitting a crash report through Uber’s website. Uber’s website includes different links for reporting an accident as a driver, a rider, or a third party. Uber will contact you directly to gather information and discuss your case.
It is important to keep in mind that Uber and their insurer are rarely motivated to pay a high settlement for a car accident. While you can handle the claim on your own, it is in your interests to work with an Uber accident attorney familiar with rideshare laws in your state.
Why Hire a Rideshare Attorney to Help With My Uber Collision Claim?
If you were injured in an Uber accident, a Fort Lauderdale personal injury lawyer can help you gather evidence, establish fault, and file a claim with the appropriate insurer. Uber crash claims can be complicated, especially if there are questions about liability.
Rather than trying to sort through the accident details and intricacies of insurance claims on your own, consider hiring an attorney with experience handling such claims. You can take the time you need to recover from the crash while your lawyer:
- Fields all calls from insurers, Uber, and other involved parties
- Compiles evidence and builds a strong claim for damages
- Negotiates for a fair settlement with the insurance company
- Files a lawsuit and represents you in court when necessary
While many personal injury cases settle out of court, some cases may go to trial. For example, Uber or their insurance company may try to fight for a lower settlement if your injuries require extensive treatment or long-term care.
A rideshare accident attorney will know how to recognize and counter the tactics insurers use to reduce payouts. With our legal team on your side, you can rest easy knowing someone who understands how Uber insurance works is defending your family’s rights after an auto accident.
Contact an Uber Accident Lawyer Today for a Free Consultation
The aftermath of an Uber accident can be overwhelming and confusing. The car accident lawyers at Rosenberg & Rosenberg have recovered millions of dollars in settlements and verdicts for injury victims, including rideshare accident victims. We are here to guide you through the legal process, educate you about how Uber insurance works, and fight for your right to fair compensation.
Contact our office today to schedule a free case review with a member of our team.
