Uber Accident Claims & Settlements Guide
Uber drivers completed a staggering 7.6 billion trips in 2022, setting a new record. More than 5 million people drive for Uber in the U.S., meaning on any given day you will probably be driving alongside a rideshare driver.
Just like any driver on the road, Uber drivers are not immune to accidents. If you are involved in one, you may have questions about your rights and options. Whether you are a Uber passenger, a driver, or a third party, you need to know how to handle an Uber accident claim and what to expect from the process.
If you considering filing an Uber car accident claim, call our experienced Uber accident attorney in Orange County today. We offer a free consultation at (657) 655-6045 to discuss your case.
How Does Uber’s Insurance Coverage Work?
Uber’s insurance policy covers its drivers and passengers, but the amount and type of coverage vary depending on the driver’s status in the Uber app. Here is a breakdown of how Uber insurance works:
Period 0
If the Uber driver is not logged in to the Uber app or is offline, then Uber is not liable for any accident involving the driver. In this case, you will have to pursue a claim against the driver’s own insurance company. This is just like any other car accident.
Period 1
If the Uber driver is logged in to the app and is available or waiting for a ride request, then Uber provides some coverage on the driver’s behalf. They cover $25,000 in property damage per accident, $50,000 bodily injury per person and $100,000 in bodily injury liability per accident. However, this coverage is secondary, which means that it only kicks in if the driver’s personal insurance coverage is insufficient or denies the claim.
Periods 2 and 3
If the Uber driver is en route to pick up a passenger or is transporting a passenger at the time of the accident, then Uber provides up to $1 million in third-party liability coverage. It also includes uninsured or underinsured motorist bodily injury coverage. This means that you can recover compensation from Uber up to these policy limits if you can prove that the Uber driver was at fault for the accident, or if the other driver who caused the accident had no insurance or not enough insurance to cover your damages.
Can You Sue Uber After a Car Accident?
Typically, Uber’s third-party insurance coverage will cover your damages. If they aren’t fully covered or your insurance claim is denied, you may be able to sue the driver or Uber directly. You must be able to prove that the driver or the company acted negligently and caused your accident.
Uber must screen all of its drivers through background checks initially and periodically throughout the use of the app. You may be able to sue Uber directly for negligence if they failed to screen a driver properly. Uber has a robust legal team, which means you will likely need your own legal representation to go up against them.
What Kind of Compensation Can You Receive in an Uber Accident Claim?
Just because Uber has higher policy limits than most drivers does not mean you will get a larger settlement. When determining the amount your claim is worth, it will depend on the severity of your accident and your injuries. You will also need to prove your actual losses with records, statements, and receipts. If you have injuries from an accident, you may be able to recover the following damages:
- Medical expenses: Emergency care, hospitalization, surgery, medication, rehabilitation, and any other medical treatments related to your injuries.
- Lost wages: Wages or earnings that you lost due to your injuries, as well as any future loss of earning capacity if your injuries affect your ability to work.
- Pain and suffering: Physical and emotional distress that you experienced as a result of your injuries, such as pain, discomfort, anxiety, depression, etc.
- Emotional distress: Your claim can include compensation for emotional distress if you are experiencing fatigue or feeling overwhelmed and hopeless.
- Loss of enjoyment of life: The loss of quality of life that you suffered due to your injuries, such as the inability to perform certain activities, hobbies, or social interactions that you enjoyed before the accident.
- Property damage: The cost of repairing or replacing your vehicle or any other property that was damaged in the accident.
An experienced lawyer can help you gather the necessary information to prove the extent of damages in an Uber accident claim.
How Long Does It Take to Settle an Uber Accident Claim?
The settlement process for Uber car accident claims can take weeks or months. A settlement offer may not come until the investigation of the accident and the evaluation of your injuries are complete.
Do not accept any settlement offer without consulting an attorney first. It’s always best to make sure that the offer is fair and covers all your damages.
Call an Uber Accident Lawyer in Orange County
Uber accidents can be disorienting and complex, leaving injured victims to fend for themselves. However, you shouldn’t have to deal with the aftermath of an accident alone. If an Uber driver caused your accident, our accident and injury law firm in Orange County can help you in an Uber accident case.
With a skilled Uber accident lawyer on your side, you may be able to recover financial compensation. Contact a rideshare accident lawyer to discuss your legal rights. You may be entitled to greater financial compensation than Uber’s insurance company is offering. Call us at (657) 655-6045 to schedule a free consultation with our Santa Ana personal injury lawyer today.