If you’re like most people, you enjoy the convenience of Uber and other rideshares. If you’re injured in an accident as a passenger of an Uber, you may be confused as to what steps you need to take. Do you file a claim against the driver? Do you file a claim against Uber? Here is what you need to know.
Driver Insurance
When an Uber driver is involved in accident, he or she will often have to use his or her insurance coverage to apply to passenger or other driver injuries. Most drivers do not have commercial insurance coverage. If their personal car insurance has a business use exception, then their insurance may not cover passenger injuries either.
Fortunately, Uber does have third party liability insurance. It pays up to $1 million dollars for personal injuries or property damage. If the driver exhausts his or her personal insurance, then the company’s insurance will kick in. If you’re a passenger, then you are covered under this liability policy if the driver is at fault for the accident.
If another driver is at fault, then you have to file a claim as you would with any car accident. You would file a third-party claim against the other driver’s insurance. Now, if the other motorist is unknown or has no insurance, you still have recourse with Uber. Ridesharing companies also have uninsured or underinsured motorist coverage. This provides the same coverage in an accident. Now, if the insurance policies do not cover your injuries, then you may want to consider filing a suit against the company itself. Lawsuits should be last resort compared to insurance claims.
Uber Lawsuits
Uber drivers are not employees of Uber. The distinction between independent contractor and employee matters a lot when it comes to benefits and rights. Companies are more likely to be found legally responsible for its employees but are free from negligence when it comes to independent contractors. While it is not impossible to prove that the company may have some blame in the accident, you are less likely to be able to prove fault against Uber. Instead, most of your recourse will be against the driver him or herself.
Ridesharing is incredibly convenient. Most people use Uber nowadays and for good reason. If you’re in an accident while a passenger in an Uber and suffer injuries, however, then you are not at fault and should not be liable for your medical bills. While the driver’s personal insurance should cover your injuries, if it does not, then you can rely on Uber’s insurance coverage with the help of a car accident lawyer in Tampa, FL, such as Jeff Murphy Law.