Ridesharing has become an epic trend in recent years. According to Uber, 95 million people used their app in 2018. With this enormous influx of passengers relying on Uber, accidents have become an issue for thousands of people. Car accidents of any kind are frustrating, dangerous, and expensive. However, being a passenger in an Uber accident can be doubly frustrating. Many questions arise when a crash occurs. Who is at-fault? Whose insurance is liable? If you’re injured, who is compensated? With the lengthy list of questions that become relevant, we’ve put together information to aid you every step of the way.
What to Do Following the Crash
First, like every car accident make sure everyone is alright around you. If you or anyone else is injured, promptly call 911 and get an emergency crew to the scene. Once this happens and the dust has settled, there is much to do.
If you are not injured, insurance companies will need to be called, and the questions will be constant. Collect photos of everything. When I say everything, I mean every inch of all vehicles involved. It will cause fewer headaches for you in the long-run. Obtain the information of everyone involved and then worry about who is responsible both financially and physically.
If you are injured, the following step is to figure out who will be covering your injuries. That’s where everything will begin to get delicate.
Uber’s Accident Policy
To make things simple, Uber created an accident policy that defends them from rider lawsuits and any other ensuing harm. This accident policy marks the beginning to understanding what you need to know in the case of a car crash.
The policy is as follows; if you’re riding in an Uber and the driver is involved in a wreck that causes you injuries, Uber provides you with $1,000,000 in bodily injury insurance coverage. The company equally protects their driver with $1,000,000 in liability insurance. Both coverages mean you are secured in the case of injuries if you did nothing to cause the accident to happen.
Knowing you are insured will certainly leave your mind resting easy, however, there is more to the accident than a fine print policy. If you feel you’ve been unjustly accused of something or aren’t being compensated for your personal injuries finding an accident attorney is vital.
Who is Liable?
Liability is extremely important. Like every accident, whoever is at fault is usually held responsible. Whomever the ridesharing driver is, they will most likely have car insurance coverage. If you find that they don’t, Uber also has a policy that protects its riders from UIM’s (uninsured or underinsured motorists). The UIM coverage is usually $1,000,000 as well. The Uber driver’s personal car insurance will be liable for the subsequent damages.
In every case, as a rider, you will have personal insurance, as well. The type of insurance you pay for will lead to the amount of coverage you have.
Now, this all may seem cut and dry so far, but it’s about to get interesting. In Florida, there are more questions on this issue than in any other state. Florida possesses a no-fault PIP (personal Injury Protection) law. Uber’s accident policy says it will pay for damages due to negligence, but in Florida, negligence is only considered when someone receives permanent or disfiguring injuries.
Even more important to keep in mind, Uber drivers are not necessarily employees of the company. Instead, Uber has bonded them in a contract. Therefore, the drivers do not have all the protection of a fully employed person of a normal company. This grey-area creates more questions than it presents answers.
To sum it up, if you’re in Florida an auto accident attorney could be your best bet if any hiccups come forth. If you’re in any other state and your driver is at fault, you will either be covered by Uber or the driver’s personal insurance policy.
Uber Accident Victims Can Suffer Life Changing Injuries
Victims of Tampa Uber and ridesharing vehicle accidents often suffer concussions, whiplash, traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord injuries, paralysis, fractures, disfigurement, head and neck injuries, soft tissue damage, burns and other catastrophic and life changing injuries, and may even lose their lives. These tragic and life altering injuries due to a Tampa Uber accident can result in immense amounts of pain and suffering as well as loss of income. A lawsuit may be necessary to obtain the compensation you need to pay for ongoing medical expenses, lost wages, pain and other damages. Dennis Hernandez Expert Car Crash Attorney has an aggressive team of lawyers to help you receive the best outcome for your case.
A Review
Uber has begun an overhaul of safety with their company. In most cases, you will not have to worry about a thing when it comes to an injury during an Uber accident. To make sure you understand what needs to happen and what will follow the accident it’s important to know the facts.
Just like any car accident, be sure to call 911 if anything severe has arisen. Take pictures and even videos. Everyone has a cell phone, and it can be utilized to your advantage. Contact your insurance company and assure you are not liable for anything. Remember Uber has an accident policy that will help almost all cases. Determine the at-fault driver and if you feel you are not being compensated fairly for your injuries, an tampa auto accident lawyer would be your dearest friend.
Keep in mind, Uber immediately releases a driver if they’re in an accident while driving for their company. This is a significant peace of mind for anyone worried about getting in an Uber. Stay safe on the roads and recognize what to do if the rideshare is in an accident.
