Many of us have used Uber or some other rideshare company. Did you consider who would be responsible if you are in an accident? Uber claims to require all of their drivers to carry their own personal car insurance. Uber also provides supplemental insurance coverage if the driver is actively seeking passengers.
The Uber supplemental insurance plan is supposed to offer coverage for all accidents involving an Uber driver. However, getting payment from Uber will not be easy. Uber is like any other big business. Their insurance companies are businesses as well. They don’t want to pay a penny more than they have to. The company will do everything it can to fight your claim. If an accident occurs the driver and passenger should be covered under Uber’s liability coverage policy. Uber claims it provides one million dollars of uninsured insurance coverage for accidents as well.
Uber has always claimed they do not hire drivers. Rather, Uber connects people who need rides with drivers who provide rides. Uber drivers are not Uber’s employees. Uber has used this notion to deny liability for the actions of their drivers.
All passengers should be covered by Uber’s one million dollar liability policy. However, Uber states they are not liable for driver behavior because they are not employees. So, you may have difficulty claiming damages if the accident was due to the driver being distracted, drunk or reckless.
So should Uber deny responsibility what are your options? Accident victims are left with two choices. They can sue Uber or they can request compensation from the Uber driver’s personal policy. Yet, this can also be complicated. Many personal insurance policies specifically exclude injuries from accidents that occur while a driver is working.
If you’ve been injured, you may be entitled to your medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering. However, fighting Uber on your own will be a daunting task. You need an experienced personal injury lawyer to help you through this claim. William Rawlings & Associates has a reputation for taking on big businesses and Insurance Companies. We offer a free consultation and there is no cost to you until we win or settle your case.