Trusted Uber accident Lawyers
Author: J. Blake Ledbetter, Partner, Conoscienti & Ledbetter
Author: Mr. Ledbetter specializes in civil litigation in metropolitan Atlanta, Georgia, and possesses vast experience in wrongful death lawsuits. Mr. Ledbetter was recognized as a SuperLawyers Rising Star in 2018 and 2019 in the area of Civil Litigation. Published on May 12, 2021, last updated on July 21, 2021.
Speak with experienced Uber accident lawyers today, for free.
WHAT IS UBER CAR ACCIDENT INSURANCE?
Ride request companies like Uber and Lyft protect their passengers and drivers by offering liability coverage. The provision of liability insurance is essential. The state of Georgia classifies any rideshare driver as an independent contractor. Unlike a commercial driver, an independent contractor doesn’t receive traditional coverage, such as worker’s compensation for personal injury.
Uber accident insurance will provide coverage for up to $1 million for drivers and passengers. However, the coverage applies differently for each driver and passenger.
If you were injured in an Uber vehicle accident as an Uber driver or an Uber passenger, you must take action hastily. As per the law of Georgia, you have up to two years to file a claim, but the process can be lengthy. Victims must handle Uber accidents involving the rideshare efficiently to avoid issues down the line.
Are you a driver or passenger injured in an Uber car accident? Contact our Atlanta law firm for help with Uber accident settlements.
Uber Accident Insurance and Personal Auto Insurance Policy
Uber accident insurance may not be enough to compensate for all your lost wages, medical bills, pain and suffering, or damages for your own car. If you require additional liability coverage, you’ll need your personal auto insurance policy.
Your benefits will depend on whether you had optional personal injury protection, rideshare, or commercial insurance. Many Uber drivers overlook these add-ons, but they can be excellent safeguards in case of a car accident. If you haven’t yet included add-ons to your personal insurance policy, consider shopping around with various insurance companies.
For more on Uber’s insurance policy and your personal car insurance policy, read on or reach out to the experienced Uber accident lawyers at Conoscienti & Ledbetter today.
UBER ACCIDENT INSURANCE COVERAGE: HOW UBER’S INSURANCE COMPANY DETERMINES COMPENSATION
For injured drivers who were involved in an Uber car accident with an Uber driver, the Uber accident insurance coverage will vary depending on:
- The severity of your bodily injury.
- The cost of your medical bills.
- The accident circumstances (which driver is at fault and if the accident occurred due to dangerous driving).
- How much liability coverage the other driver’s insurance company provides.
- The presence (or lack) of safety features (like child car seats or seat belts).
It is never cut-and-dry when you’re injured in an Uber car accident. However, the law firm of Conoscienti & Ledbetter can help you make sense of your auto insurer’s coverage.
Speak with trusted Uber accident lawyers today, for free.
What to Do When You are in an Accident with Uber Driver?
When an accident occurs during a ride with an Uber driver, no one will take responsibility for it. Instead, people will point out fingers and try to blame. But it is not the right time to determine who is at fault.
Moreover, you won’t be able to get in touch with a legal advisor or attorney on the spot. But, here is what you can do.
1- Take Immediate Medical Aid
First, look for the injuries you got in the crash and go to the hospital. If you got severe injuries and are conscious, call an ambulance. Undergo a thorough medical checkup even if you think you are okay and have nothing serious to worry about.
If you are sure to file a claim, you will need a thorough medical checkup report. In addition, a brief description of all of your injuries would be necessary to file a claim.
2- Stay Calm and Silent
Many people make the same mistake – they start talking about their accident with an Uber driver on different social media platforms. It does help them get the hype on social media, but it won’t help.
The worst part is that the insurance companies can use it against your case. Clever insurance officers can always find a hook up to turn things against you, so we suggest you don’t post anything on your social media platforms before your case ends.
3- Never Settle for Cheesy Offers
The most common and well-known practice of so-called insurance companies is to offer quick and cheesy settlement offers. The concept behind it is to provide an irresistible offer to the victim even before they understand the severity of their injuries.
Most people accept such offers and regret them later. However, we suggest our clients not accept any settlement offers from insurance companies because they think of their own only. Instead, take a break, understand your injuries, their severities, and then look for legal advice.
4- Consult with An Attorney
Getting into an accident with an Uber driver is not a joke that can be settled via insurance company’s offers. Consult with an attorney to ask for legal advice and hire an agent to help you with the process. An experienced person would be the best choice to fight against the powerful company – Uber.
But if you end up with an inexperienced person, things will get worse. A professional attorney will take care of things on your behalf and make things easier for you.
5- File a Claim against Uber
Once you are done with consultation, file a claim against Uber. You don’t need to connect with a personal or commercial insurance company. Instead, head over to the Uber app and fill out the claim form online (driver and passenger, both). You will have to put your, your account, and accident’s details in the form. Once done, submit it, and the crash support team will connect with you for further assistance.
All vehicles at Uber are insured. But still, in some states, drivers need to purchase liability insurance. So to cover up the uncertainties, Uber has to carry additional insurance coverage of $1 million for the uninsured or underinsured motorist.
I Got In a Car Accident While Driving For Uber—Does Uber Insurance Pay for Repair of My Car?
What if you got into a car accident as an Uber driver? You may be wondering if the auto insurance policy will maintain comprehensive and collision coverage, including compensation for vehicle repairs.
The collision coverage will depend on your status as a driver. If a driver picks up a passenger and gets into a car accident, the rideshare company will provide up to $25,000 in property damage coverage. Most victims find this amount sufficient when covering the cost of vehicle repairs.
UNDERSTANDING COMPREHENSIVE AND COLLISION COVERAGE: WILL UBER COVER ME IN AN ACCIDENT?
Will Uber cover me in a car accident? If you are on the clock, yes, the company will provide liability insurance as long as you maintain comprehensive and collision coverage on your personal auto policy, you are eligible for coverage.
The rideshare company will provide for physical damages. You can receive insurance coverage for your vehicle up to the total amount of its actual cash value. All you have to provide is the $2,500 deductible.
However, the rideshare service will not provide coverage for accidents involving a driver who is “off the clock.” Let’s say you’re driving your own car that you use for rideshares, but you’ve not logged into the Uber app.
If you get into a car accident, collision insurance will not apply to you. Instead, you’ll have to use your personal auto insurance from an outside car insurance company. Their liability coverage will vary, depending on your terms.
If you need help navigating Uber accident claims that don’t fall under your rideshare insurance coverage, get in touch with our Uber accident law firm for legal help navigating the nuances of car insurance.
Don’t delay. Schedule free consultation today.
WHAT HAPPENS IF YOU GET IN AN ACCIDENT WITH UBER?
For drivers, what happens if you get in an accident with Uber will depend on whether you had a passenger in the vehicle or not.
The company offers third-party liability coverage if you inflict physical damage to the other vehicle or bodily injury to other pedestrians or drivers. The coverage starts at $1,000,000 ($1 million) in Georgia (some states offer more comprehensive & collision coverage).
Another scenario to consider is this: you accepted a ride request in the Uber app and are en route to pick up a passenger. You haven’t yet assumed responsibility for the Uber passenger, but you’re still “on the clock.”
If you get into an Uber car accident on your way to pick up a customer, the rideshare company provides the following auto insurance limits:
- $25,000 for property damage liability
- $50,000 for the driver’s personal injury liability (for bodily injury coverage on a per person basis; includes medical expenses)
- $100,000 per covered accident
What Happens If You Are In an Accident With Uber and Uninsured Motorists?
You must also think about what happens if you are in an accident with Uber involving an uninsured/underinsured motorist.
Uber’s policy provides sufficient bodily injury coverage to protect against an uninsured and underinsured motorist. Uber’s insurance company also covers hit and run cases.
An honest, experienced lawyer with a comprehensive understanding of Uber accidents will help you navigate the intricacies of an Uber accident when another driver is at fault and ensure that either Uber’s insurance or your personal auto insurance coverage applies as it should.
How Long The Uber Car Accident Takes to Settle?
Accident cases are unique, and there are many factors that matter. However, when it comes to estimating the total time an Uber car crash takes to settle, it is noticed that they take longer than a simple car accident. To understand WHY to let’s have a glance at a few factors.
1- Your Injuries
The foremost reason is the severity of your injuries. If you are badly hurt in the accident, you need proper medical care to recover and file a claim. Moreover, you will have to prove your injuries while filing the case. In this process, you will also face very strong opposition from other parties. Getting up bullet-proof evidence of your injuries takes time, and it depends on your health and the efficiency of the hospital as well.
2- Driver’s Status
Another important thing that needs time to be proved is what the driver was doing while the accident happened. As per the policy of Uber, accidents that happen on a trip are eligible for insurance. However, if the accident occurs between the fares, it won’t be accountable for insurance.
It takes time to prove these things. So, the overall time depends on proving that the accident happened during a trip.
3- The Role of Other Parties
If there is any other party involved in the accident, things will take a longer time. The process depends on the number of parties, including you, the driver & Uber, and someone else, who could be a passenger or another driver. So, how long they will take to respond, schedule meetings, and give their statement varies.
All these things matter and need time to be done. So, the estimated time to settle your Uber car accident case is unpredictable. However, if the severity is low and a few parties are involved, things will take less time.
CAR ACCIDENT: UBER AND LYFT LEGAL ASSISTANCE
An accident with a rideshare vehicle can be a taxing time for any party involved. You’ll have to understand what’s available to you regarding liability insurance and comprehensive coverage for personal injury, lost wages, and vehicle damages.
Luckily, Uber maintains insurance that covers injured Uber passengers, drivers, and third parties. Your personal insurance policies may also cover you and offer additional compensation for your pain and suffering.
Explore law firm Conoscienti & Ledbetter’s practice areas to find a Georgia lawyer near you. Our law firm has extensive experience with hit and run, and Uber car accidents and will help Uber passengers, Uber drivers, and other parties involved in an Uber accident seek the maximum Uber accident settlement amount. We know how to help you receive optimal bodily injury and property damage coverage.
Regardless of your personal insurance policies or insurance company, we have got you covered and can help you seek maximum compensation for your damages through an Uber accident settlement. Reach out to us now for a free consultation, where we will listen to your story regarding the Uber accident, look over your personal auto insurance policy, and help you explore your legal options.
Decatur Office
(404) 328-7276
315 W Ponce de Leon Ave. Suite 400 Decatur, GA 30030
