The prevalence of ride-share companies on the roadways means that the chances of being involved in an accident involving an Uber or Lyft driver are significant.
Those chances tend to increase every year, especially in busy metropolitan areas.
When you’re involved in an automobile accident involving a ride-share company, you should contact an Uber accident lawyer immediately.
Whether you are riding in an Uber vehicle, or end up being hit by one, an experienced Uber accident lawyer can help fight for your rights and get you the financial compensation you so rightfully deserve. Ride-share companies, like Uber, each have their own policies regarding insurance. Before you make assumptions about the abilities of an Uber accident lawyer, it helps to understand how insurance works for an Uber driver.
Here’s what you need to know.
Uber Drivers Are Independent Contractors
Unlike many taxi companies people are used to dealing with, Uber requires their drivers to carry their own insurance. Uber drivers are independent contractors and can be held personally liable for any accidents they are involved in while on the job.
Uber drivers must carry the minimum coverage amount required by the specific state where they are operating. The minimum insurance requirement increases when the driver is logged into the app and picks up a passenger. This increase in coverage is meant to protect the passengers being transported by the Uber driver.
While Uber ride-share drivers are required to carry their own insurance on the job, Uber does contribute. The Uber company provides a $1 million uninsured/underinsured motorist policy which covers anyone involved in an accident with an Uber driver, other than the Uber driver themselves. This additional policy covers the passengers and any additional motorists involved in the accident.
Uber Accident Liability
In most cases, the driver determined to be at-fault in the accident is responsible for any damages caused. There are instances when Uber can be held directly responsible for damages, but these cases can get a little tricky and require the expertise of a seasoned Uber accident lawyer.
For Uber to be held liable for damages in an accident, it must be proven that the company was negligent in some regard. It may have negated its responsibility to ensure the driver properly maintained their vehicle or Uber may have failed to inspect the driver’s vehicle completely. Sometimes it can be proven that Uber negligently continued to use reckless drivers and failed to dismiss them altogether.
When this happens, an experienced Uber accident lawyer can help hold the company responsible for their reckless behavior. The best Uber accident lawyer will understand when to file suit against the driver personally when Uber’s additional insurance policy kicks in, and when you can sue Uber directly for damages.
Partner with a Great Uber Accident Lawyer
A great Uber accident lawyer will be well-versed on the laws of the state regarding liability in accidents involving ride-share companies. If you have been involved in an accident with a ride-share company, partner with an exceptional Uber accident lawyer today. Whether you were a passenger in a ride-share or you were hit by one, a great Uber accident lawyer will help you recover the financial compensation you are rightfully due. Don’t accept the first offer from an insurance company and don’t wait to seek counsel. Partner with an experienced Uber accident lawyer today to preserve your rights.
