If you use Uber to get around Atlanta, you might have wondered, “What happens if I’m injured in an Uber?” You might be relieved to know that Uber has a large insurance policy that helps compensate accident victims. However, it is not always easy to collect compensation from this policy, and Uber may look for ways to reduce their liabilities whenever possible. While Uber has insurance coverage for its drivers, passengers, and third parties, the claims process can be complicated without an Atlanta rideshare accident lawyer on your side.
After an Uber accident, the first thing you should do is seek medical attention. Then, report the incident to Uber as soon as possible. As a passenger, you’re covered by Uber’s insurance policy, which includes liability coverage for bodily injury and property damage. If the driver is at fault, their insurance policy may also be considered. However, if the other driver is at fault and doesn’t have enough insurance, Uber’s uninsured or underinsured motorist coverage may provide additional protection.
Each Uber accident is unique, and the claims process can vary depending on the circumstances. For this reason, it is important to discuss your specific case with an experienced Atlanta Uber accident lawyer immediately.
Uber’s Responsibilities and Liabilities
As a passenger in an Uber, it’s important to understand the responsibilities and liabilities of both the driver and the company. When an accident or injury, knowing who is responsible can help you navigate the situation and seek the compensation you deserve.
Uber Driver Responsibilities
Uber drivers must provide a safe and comfortable ride for their passengers. This includes following traffic laws, avoiding distractions while driving, and maintaining a clean and well-maintained vehicle. If a driver fails to meet these responsibilities and you are injured, they may be liable for your damages.
Uber’s Liability
Uber also has a responsibility to ensure the safety of its passengers. The company carries commercial liability insurance to cover accidents and injuries during a ride. This insurance typically covers up to $1 million in damages per accident, including bodily injury and property damage.
Filing a Claim After an Uber Accident
If you’re involved in an accident while using Uber, you may wonder how to file a claim to collect the money you need to pay medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering. How you file a claim will depend on whether you’re a driver, a passenger, or another driver. It will also depend on whether the Uber driver was “on-the-clock” when the accident occurred.
Uber Driver Insurance
If you’re an Uber driver involved in an accident while driving for Uber, you may be covered by Uber’s insurance policy. Uber maintains auto insurance on behalf of its drivers in case of a covered accident.
This insurance policy provides the following coverage:
- Third-party Liability Insurance. This coverage applies if your personal auto insurance doesn’t apply. It provides $50,000 in bodily injury coverage per person, $100,000 in bodily injury coverage per accident, and $25,000 in property damage coverage per accident.
- Contingent Collision and Comprehensive Insurance. This coverage applies if you have comprehensive and collision coverage on your personal auto insurance policy. It provides coverage for physical damage to your vehicle up to the actual cash value minus a deductible.
Uber Passenger Insurance
If you’re an Uber passenger and are involved in an accident, you may be covered by Uber’s insurance policy. Uber maintains auto insurance on behalf of its passengers in case of a covered accident. This insurance policy provides the following coverage:
- Medical Payments Coverage. This coverage pays you for medical expenses up to $1,000,000 with no deductible or copay.
- Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist Bodily Injury Coverage. This coverage applies if the at-fault driver doesn’t have insurance or doesn’t have enough insurance to cover your injuries. It provides up to $1,000,000 in coverage per accident.
- Contingent Comprehensive and Collision Coverage. This coverage applies if the at-fault driver doesn’t have insurance or doesn’t have enough insurance to cover the damage to the Uber vehicle.
Third-Party Liability Insurance
If you’re a third party (i.e., not an Uber driver or passenger) and injured in an Uber accident, you may be covered by Uber’s third-party liability insurance. This coverage applies if the Uber driver is at fault for the accident and was working for Uber at the time of the accident. To be considered “working for Uber,” the driver must have accepted a fare or have passengers en route.
Uber’s third-party liability insurance provides the following coverage:
- $1,000,000 in liability coverage per accident for bodily injury and property damage.
- $1,000,000 in uninsured/underinsured motorist bodily injury coverage per accident.
Suing Uber for Compensation
If you cannot reach a settlement with Uber or their insurance company, you may need to file a lawsuit to recover compensation for your injuries. To sue Uber for compensation, you will need to hire an Atlanta rideshare attorney with experience handling Uber accident cases. Uber is a large company with deep pockets and large legal teams on their side. You will need someone on your side to help you fight for what you deserve.
Your Atlanta rideshare attorney can investigate the accident to determine who was at fault. This includes gathering evidence, interviewing witnesses, and reviewing police reports. By determining who was at fault, your attorney can help you hold the responsible party accountable for your injuries.
Insurance companies may try to offer you a settlement that is less than what you deserve. Your Uber accident attorney can negotiate with insurance companies to ensure that you receive fair compensation for your injuries. This includes compensation for medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
While every attempt is made to negotiate and settle out of court, sometimes large complex rideshare cases must go to trial. When this happens, your rideshare attorney will represent you in court and fight to get you the money you need.
Contact Our Atlanta Rideshare Accident Attorneys
If you or someone you love was injured in an Uber, we can help you seek justice and obtain the compensation you need to rebuild your life. Uber and Lyft have large umbrella liability policies that help compensate injured accident victims. We can make sure you receive what you deserve.
When you come to Kim Law, our experienced Atlanta rideshare accident attorney will meet you in a free consultation and begin fighting for your rights today! Contact us today for a free consultation. We work on a contingency basis, so you don’t pay us anything unless we win your case! Just call and JUST WIN.