What Happens if You’re in an Uber Accident?

The smartphone revolution has touched nearly every aspect of our lives, from the way we communicate to the way we shop to the way we get our news and even to the way we get around town. Ridesharing services like Uber, Lyft, and Via have brought the taxicab industry into the 21st century by providing affordable, on-demand rides to anyone with access to a smartphone and the relevant app. However, even cutting-edge ride-hailing technology cannot eliminate the risks inherent in driving, and Uber passengers continue to fall victim to them.

Below, we will examine the protections that Uber provides for its passengers and what to do if those are not enough or if Uber denies your claim.

Uber’s Protections for Passengers

Uber provides protection to its passengers through its own insurance policies that cover the driver, the passenger, and third parties. The company breaks all Uber trips down into two phases:

Phase I: Waiting for a Request

Uber drivers are covered by the company’s insurance while they have the app activated and are waiting to receive a request. During this time, Uber’s insurance covers the driver and any third parties he or she injures while driving around waiting to receive a request. The policy limits during this phase are:

• $50,000 per person/$100,000 per accident
• $25,000 per accident for property damage

Phase II: On the Way to Pick Up a Passenger/During a Trip

The second phase of an Uber trip begins when the driver accepts a request and is en route to pick up a passenger and ends when he or she drops the passenger off. The policy limits during this phase are:

• $1 million per accident in liability coverage
• $1 million per accident in uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage

Thus, Uber’s insurance protects its drivers, passengers and any third parties who an Uber driver might injure (so long as he or she has the app activated).

Why Should You Hire an Attorney After an Uber Accident?

While Uber’s extensive insurance coverage for passengers can seem reassuring, policy limits alone do not tell the whole story. Uber is a large company and, like most large companies, has a team of lawyers who will do everything in their power to limit their drivers’ liability. Because Uber and their attorneys are sophisticated actors and have the knowledge and resources to deny your claims or reduce your compensation, it may be beneficial to you to seek legal representation in situations where:

• The accident caused severe injuries or death
• The accident occurred in a state in which you do not live
• There is a dispute over liability for the accident
• The accident involved more than two vehicles
• Uber has denied or is attempting to deny your claim

Contact a Waldorf Car Accident Attorney

If you have been injured in an Uber accident, you may not be totally covered for your injuries by Uber’s insurance. If that is the case, you may want to pursue a personal injury claim to recover for your damages. To get started, contact a Waldorf car accident attorney at the Law Office of Thomas E. Pyles with offices in Laurel and Leonardtown by calling 301-705-5006.