What Happens If Your Uber Is in An Accident?

June 9, 2024 / Car Accidents

When you take an Uber, you may avoid driving through unfamiliar areas or may not be sober, making Uber a great option for staying safe. Unfortunately, Uber drivers are fallible, and you may have been injured in an Uber accident. Now, you need compensation, but you may be unsure what happens next or where to begin.

Fortunately, there are steps you can take to get compensated fairly for your injuries. Insurance and legal options can help protect you when a serious accident happens so you have the chance to recover from your suffering. If you are unsure what happens next after an Uber accident, do not hesitate to reach out to our team at Stephenson Rife for the help you need.

Liability for Your Injuries Can Be Tricky

As you handle any car accident, one of your first concerns may be who is at fault for the accident. For example, Indiana Code 34-6-2-45 states that when someone is negligent about your safety, they may be financially liable for your suffering. In these cases, liability can be tricky because these drivers are not employees of Uber.

Uber Drivers Are Considered Contractors

Typically, when a driver injures you in the scope of their employment, it is the employer’s duty to compensate you for the suffering you experienced. The vicarious liability doctrine states that employers have a responsibility to compensate personal injury victims in these situations because they would not have otherwise been injured. However, rideshare drivers are often treated differently.

Rideshare drivers, including Uber drivers, are typically categorized as independent contractors. That means that rather than working for Uber itself, they are independent workers using Uber’s app to accept work. Holding Uber itself responsible for your accident may be difficult, except when the driver should never have been hired if the company had engaged in thorough hiring practices.

Uber Insurance Policies May Still Cover You

While Uber drivers are not technically employees of Uber, that does not mean there are not certain types of coverage that these drivers receive. In fact, all Uber drivers are provided with specific types and amounts of insurance that cover themselves and their passengers under certain circumstances. That means you may simply be able to file an insurance claim for the compensation you are entitled to.

Specifically, if you were in an Uber car accident while taking a ride, Uber’s insurance policies can pay out up to $1 million for your damages. That means you may be able to rely on an insurance payout instead of pursuing compensation through the driver. This insurance coverage also kicks in in other specific situations, such as when the driver has accepted a ride.

However, that does not always mean the insurance company will act in good faith. In some situations, they may prioritize their profits and offer a lowball settlement or deny your claim completely. If the insurance company takes this path, we can pursue compensation through negotiations, or if they continue to deny your case, you may have grounds for a bad-faith insurance lawsuit.

You May Have Grounds for Compensation

When you are hurt in an Uber accident, keep in mind that you may have grounds for compensation that covers all your injuries and suffering. That includes both economic and non-economic damages, which cover both the financial and emotional suffering you have experienced because of your accident. Below are a few examples of the damages you may be able to recover as part of your Uber accident claim:

• Medical bills
• Lost wages
• Transportation costs for health care
• Household accommodations
• Pain and suffering
• Emotional trauma
• Loss of enjoyment of life
• Loss of consortium.

Keep in mind that your damages can continue to impact your life for years. Because these damages can affect you for so long, you should pursue compensation that covers future damages, such as surgeries you are scheduled to have that have not been billed yet. If you are unsure what your claim is worth, do not hesitate to reach out for help.

Work With a Top-Rated Uber Accident Attorney Today

When an Uber trip goes wrong, it can be a scary and confusing experience. You may be unsure where to turn, as navigating the relationship between the Uber driver and the company can be confusing. Worse, the insurance company may be unwilling to pay the total value of your claim.

The good news is that our team at Stephenson Rife offers the support and guidance you need following an Uber accident. If you have been injured while taking an Uber ride, you may have grounds for compensation, which we can help you seek. To start your conversation with a free consultation, reach out by calling (317) 680-2501 or completing our online contact form.