Since it launched in 2009, Uber has transformed the transportation industry all over the world. With the touch of a button, customers can request and pay for a ride to anywhere they want to go. The existence of Uber ridesharing has made finding a ride for a night out on the town, or a trip to the airport, that much simpler.
While taking an Uber is convenient and easy, it does not come without its risks. Uber drivers are not specifically trained for the work that they do – they have a standard driver’s license, just like any New York State motorist. But the nature of working for Uber can be challenging. It requires long periods of time behind the wheel and navigating unfamiliar locations.
That is why, as a passenger, you should be aware of the possibility of an Uber rideshare accident. These incidents can happen at any time, resulting in serious injuries to those involved. If you have suffered a serious injury in an Uber accident, you may be entitled to compensation. The car accident attorneys at William Mattar have the required knowledge to tackle your Uber accident case. You should not have to go through this difficult situation on your own. Call (844) 444-444 today.
Quick Facts About Uber
If you are not familiar with the Uber platform, here a few facts about the popular rideshare service:
- Uber was originally founded as “Ubercab” in 2009. Today, the company offers services in 80 countries worldwide, including in hundreds of metropolitan areas.
- Unlike taxis, Ubers do not determine ride fares using a meter system. Usually, customers are given the estimated fee for every ride before they are picked up by an Uber vehicle.
- Uber drivers are independent contractors, which means they can decide when to work and for how long. Drivers log into the Uber app and can accept a ride request from any nearby customer. They then utilize a GPS-system, built into the app, to travel to each destination.
- Uber allows drivers to be rated through a five-star system on the mobile app. After every ride, passengers are prompted to give a rating to the driver based on their overall satisfaction with the riding experience. If an Uber driver accumulates a low average rating, they may be barred from driving for the company.
Are Uber drivers covered by insurance?
Uber requires anyone who wants to become a driver to meet a few basic criteria. Potential drivers must be at least 21 years old, have a valid driver’s license, and be able to pass a standard background check. Individuals that work for Uber must also use their own registered vehicle.
Although Uber drivers use a personal vehicle for work, their private insurance policy will likely not cover accidents that occur while on the job. Under certain circumstances, however, drivers may be covered by Uber’s own liability insurance policy. If you are an Uber driver, you will be covered for up to $1 million in coverage in the event of a car accident. However, this protection only kicks in if you were transporting a passenger, or on your way to pick up a passenger, at the time of the collision. If neither of these conditions are met, you may still be eligible for limited liability insurance coverage depending on the details of the accident.
What you should know if you have been injured in an Uber accident
Uber accidents can be complicated from a legal standpoint, especially if there are third parties or passengers involved. When a driver, passenger, or pedestrian is seriously injured in an Uber accident, it can be difficult to determine who is responsible for paying damages.
If an Uber driver is negligent, resulting in a serious injury, they cannot use their personal insurance policy to offer compensation. However, Uber may provide uninsured or underinsured motorist insurance coverage to any passengers who were injured in an Uber vehicle.
Third parties, such as other motorists and pedestrians, may have a more difficult time getting compensation when injured as a result of an Uber driver’s negligence. If this is your predicament, a personal injury lawyer can fight on your behalf to protect your legal rights.
Can I lose access to Uber if I file a claim?
Some passengers that have been injured in an Uber accident may be cautious about seeking compensation. They may rely on the Uber platform to get to work or to travel, and worry that filing a claim will cause Uber to remove their user abilities.
The good news is, there is no example where a customer has lost access for bringing a claim. If you have been seriously injured in an Uber accident, do not hesitate to contact our Uber accident attorneys to start the claim process.
Can I receive compensation if I have been injured in an Uber crash?
Due to the complexity of Uber accident cases, the help of a personal injury attorney is highly recommended. The rideshare accident attorneys at William Mattar can analyze your case, and identify the various insurance companies that are involved, to find the best source of compensation for you. The types of compensation you may be entitled to receive will depend on the details of your case.
Those who have been seriously injured in an Uber rideshare crash may be entitled to one, or more, of the following forms of compensation:
- Pain and suffering;
- Loss of consortium, or reduced quality of life;
- Medical expenses and treatment;
- Loss of income or lost profits; and
- Damages, such as property damage.
To learn more about which types of compensation may apply to your case, schedule a free consultation with William Mattar law offices today.
Contact our Experienced Uber Accident Attorneys
If you have been seriously injured in an Uber accident, you may need the help of an experienced Uber accident lawyer. The personal injury lawyers at William Mattar law offices will examine your case and fight to help you receive the best possible recovery. At William Mattar, we offer our No Fee Until We WinSM, a promise that you will not need to pay any attorney’s fees unless we settle or win your case. Call us today at 844-noswap444-4444.