Ridesharing services like Uber and Lyft have become more popular over the last few years. They offer consumers convenience and are relatively affordable compared to traditional taxis or driving their own vehicle. But what happens if you get into an accident while in an Uber?

If you have been in an Uber accident that caused you harm, you could be eligible to file a lawsuit and be entitled to compensation for damages. Call the skilled Uber accident attorneys at Michael Alan Siddons Law to get a free review of your case.

What does a rideshare company do?

Rideshare companies match passengers with drivers for hire through mobile apps and websites. Customers use the app to match with rideshare drivers in the area. For instance, if you need transportation from your apartment to the airport, all you need to do is to open the app, log in, request a ride, and Uber will match your request to an Uber driver in your area.

Who is liable for damages after a rideshare car accident?

Liability in a rideshare car accident generally depends on who is at fault for the accident. To prove that the Uber driver was at fault or that their negligence or carelessness caused the accident, you must prove that:

• The driver owed you a duty of care – All drivers are responsible for driving carefully and obeying all traffic laws.
• The driver breached that duty – they did not drive carefully or broke traffic laws
• Their carelessness resulted in your injuries and damages

Determining fault in rideshare accidents is similar to establishing liability in a regular car accident. The key difference between the two is the role that insurance companies play when the victim seeks compensation from the at-fault rideshare driver.

Understanding how Uber insurance coverage works

Uber drivers carry third-party liability insurance coverage, which pays up to $1 million for personal injuries and property accidents per accident. Also, most Uber drivers have a personal auto insurance policy.

Hence, if you suffered injuries after a car accident, you can claim compensation from the driver’s insurance company and receive reimbursement for your injuries and other damages. However, this does not apply in cases involving Uber drivers since personal auto insurance policies have a business-use exclusion, meaning that coverage does not apply if the driver uses their car for business purposes.

So how can you get compensation if an Uber driver is to blame for your injuries?

Uber provides additional insurance coverage equivalent to $1 million for its drivers. While this may sound impressive, the amount of insurance coverage provided depends on when the accident occurs:

Phase 0: During this period,the Uber driver isn’t logged into the Uber app. Uber does not provide coverage during this period. 

Phase 1: During this period, the app is on but the driver has not accepted a request. During phase 1, Uber’s liability coverage pays a maximum of $50,000 per person injured and a maximum of $100,000 per accident.

Phase 2: During this period,the driver has accepted a ride request and is heading to pick up the passenger. Liability coverage increases to $1 million.

Phase 3: The passenger is on transit and the $1 million liability coverage applies. Additionally, they offer limited coverage for damage to the driver’s car.

What to do after a California rideshare accident?

Knowing what to do after a rideshare accident is vital to receiving fair compensation for your injuries.

Report the accident to the authorities

As a passenger in an accident, it is your right to report the matter to the authorities. Call the police immediately and let them know where and when the accident occurred. Insist that the drivers remain at the scene until the police arrive. A police report may prove vital when you claim compensation for your injuries.

Report the accident to the rideshare company involved

You should also take the time to report the accident to Uber or Lyft directly. In the Uber app, there is an option to report an accident as a passenger in the vehicle. That incident report can prove vital to collecting compensation for injuries sustained in the accident.

Do not share any information about your injuries or damage until you have gotten an evaluation from a medical professional. If you indicate that you are OK or suffered minor injuries and the medical report shows otherwise, it may become hard to go back and seek compensation for those injuries later.

Collect relevant information

After an Uber accident, you must gather relevant information to make filing a claim easier. Some of this information includes:

• The names of both drivers involved in the accident
• Insurance information for the at-fault party
• The time and date of the accident
• Contact information for any witnesses

Document the accident

After an uber accident, document any injuries sustained by taking photos. Also, keep track of all medical documentation related to the accident and your injuries.

Seek medical care

After an Uber accident, make sure to prioritize medical care. You must see a doctor immediately if you have any pain or symptoms of traumatic brain injury, including disorientation, confusion, or excessive tiredness. Even if you think you came out of the accident unharmed, you should see a doctor within 24 hours to rule out injuries that could make themselves apparent later.

Contact a lawyer

Uber accident claims can be complicated, and filing a rideshare accident claim against such a large company can be intimidating. Following an Uber or Lyft accident that results in injuries or property damage, working with a skilled California Uber accident lawyer is a smart move. They will gather relevant information and evidence to build an uber car accident claim.

Call our experienced uber accident attorneys today

At Michael Alan Siddons Law, we have a reputation for providing first-class legal representation to Uber accident victims. We are ready to pursue damages on your behalf and aggressively represent your best interests.

If you’ve been involved in an Uber accident, you do not have to fight alone. Give us a call today at 610-255-750 to schedule your free, no-obligation initial consultation.