Who Is at Fault If You Are Hit by an Uber Driver?

Technology hasn’t only changed how we communicate with each other, but how we travel as well. With a single of touch of a button, you can open the Uber app and request a ride. You no longer have to wait for public transportation at a bus stop or hail a cab from the curb. Uber has brought convenience to the rider.

Sometimes convenience can come at a price. The unexpected can happen. Just like any other driver on the road, Uber drivers can get into accidents. While Uber provides insurance coverage for its drivers, Uber drivers must still carry their own auto insurance. Why is this important to note? As you will later learn, the type of insurance coverage that applies in your specific circumstances can make all the difference as to whether you will be fairly compensated for your injuries.

Being involved in an motor vehicle accident is already overwhelming on its own. Don’t stress yourself even more by thinking about which insurance coverage policy applies. Let us do the work for you! If you or a loved have recently been seriously injured in a motor vehicle accident involving an Uber driver, call the Terry Bryant law firm at 713-973-8888 or toll-free 1 (800) 444-5000 for a free consultation. We are available 24/7 to take your call.

What should I do after the Uber wreck?

Following the incident, there are two important steps that you will need to take.

First, you will need to seek immediate medical attention. Even if you think that your injuries are minor, you should still go seek medical treatment as soon as you can. Waiting too long after the incident can have a toll on your well-being and it could also affect the value of your case. If you wait too long after the incident to get treated, the insurance company may come back and allege that your injuries weren’t serious. Don’t let that happen to you.

Second, if possible, you should obtain as much information you can at the scene. You should strive to obtain the following:

• Name of the Uber driver and his/her contact information.
• The License Plate number of the vehicle that was being driven by the Uber driver.
• Insurance information and details (e.g., policy number, insurance company, dates of coverage)
• Name of the passengers riding inside the Uber vehicle and their contact information.
• Name and contact information of any other witness to the incident.
• A photo of the driver’s license of all drivers involved.
• Pictures of the property damage to every car.
• Pictures of the scene.
• Pictures of road and traffic conditions.
• Pictures of your injuries.

If you find yourself in a life-threatening situation, where you cannot physically move to obtain this information, don’t panic. Just stay calm, don’t move, and wait patiently for help to arrive.

What insurance policy will cover my injuries?

The specific type of coverage that will apply depends on the specific circumstances that you find yourself in at the time of the Uber wreck. For example, if the Uber driver’s app was turned off at the time of the incident, the driver’s personal insurance coverage will apply. This could make a huge difference in a case where your damages are over $100,000.00, but the driver’ personal insurance policy only offers coverage of $30,000.00.

When the Uber app is turned on and the driver is available or waiting for a ride request, Uber’s third-party liability insurance policy will kick in. The following coverage will be afforded to you as the third party that was injured from the covered incident:

• $50,000.00 in bodily injury coverage per person.
• $100,000.00 in bodily injury coverage per incident.
• $25,000.00 in property damage coverage per incident.

If you get into an incident with an Uber driver once he/she is on the way to pick up the rider or during a trip, $1,000,000.00 is the coverage that will be afforded to you if the Uber driver is at fault.

As you can see, the circumstances you find yourself in, can make the difference of being covered by a policy that offers $30,000.00 in coverage to one that offers $1,000,000.00. The insurance coverage that applies may change within seconds. If the Uber driver was driving the vehicle for personal use and crashes into you, the driver and his/her personal insurance company will be responsible, not Uber’s.

Could you sue Uber for your damages?

If you’re in a situation where an Uber driver crashes into you when the Uber driver was on the way to pick up the rider or during a trip, obtaining compensation through Uber’s $1,000,000.00 liability coverage may seem like the best option for you.

The $1,000,000.00 policy may seem like quite a substantial amount, but that number will start to decrease if there are multiple people who suffered injuries from the incident that are making claims. You could go after Uber directly by suing them in court, but seeking compensation through this avenue that will take time and require resources.

If you find yourself involved in one these situations where multiple vehicles are involved and that there are numerous people injured, immediately contact our legal team at the Terry Bryant Law Firm at 713-973-8888. We can help assess your potential claim against Uber and the at fault driver.

Don’t deal with your claims on your own. We can help! Contact the Terry Bryant Law Firm, immediately.

There are numerous reason why you won’t want to deal with your claims on your own. These include:

• Insurance companies will try to downplay your injuries, when in fact, your injuries are serious.
• Insurance companies will try to convince you to agree to a quick settlement, locking you out from obtaining the compensation your deserve.
• Insurance companies may delay your settlement, or even outright deny your claim.

If you have been recently injured in a motor vehicle accident involving an Uber driver, contact our compassionate and hard working lawyers to discuss your legal options. We want to hear your story and help get you the compensation you deserve. For a free, no-obligation consultation, call our Houston law firm at 713-973-8888 or toll-free 1 (800) 444-5000.