If you have been seriously injured in a car accident, the last thing you want to do is negotiate with insurance companies as you try to recover. Negotiating with an insurance adjuster can be a headache no matter what circumstance you are in. But accidents involving a ridesharing company, such as Uber, may be even more confusing when it comes to insurance policies.
So what happens when you are in an Uber-related crash? You may be faced with an entirely new set of challenges. Understanding Uber’s rideshare insurance can help prepare you to face potential issues. The following details a few potential issues regarding insurance companies and Uber accidents.
Uber’s insurance policy does not cover every car accident
Uber is a rideshare company, which means that its drivers are not employees and are not always entitled to company insurance coverage.
A rideshare company like Uber is classified by the New York Department of Motor Vehicles as a Transportation Network Company, or TNC. Uber, and other TNCs such as Lyft, use a digital platform to connect customers and drivers. As a result, these rideshares are subject to separate insurance regulations. Uber, in particular, has an insurance policy that dictates when it will or will not offer comprehensive liability coverage in the event of an Uber-related collision.
There are specific periods of time where Uber’s rideshare insurance policy will cover a rideshare accident. These include:
- If an Uber driver has accepted a ride request or is driving a passenger: Rideshare coverage will generally be available for accidents that occur while a driver is on a prearranged trip. In this scenario, he or she may be driving to pick up a passenger, or already transporting a passenger to their destination. This insurance policy includes $1.25 million in liability insurance coverage, and $1.25 million in supplementary uninsured/underinsured insurance coverage, per accident.
- If an Uber driver is between trips but available for ride requests: Rideshare coverage of $75,000 per injury per accident with a total of $150,000 per accident and up to $25,000 for property damage is available if the accident happened while a driver is between ride requests, but active on the Uber app, available to receive ride requests or between trips. It is possible that damages may exceed this coverage, leaving an injured party underinsured. In this case, he or she may need to rely on their personal auto insurance plan.
Uber may deny a claim in the event of a rideshare accident
Liability can be difficult to prove in an Uber-related crash. Even if an Uber driver has caused an accident during an “online” period, Uber may attempt to deny coverage to parties that have been injured or have suffered damages. In certain cases, Uber may fight an insurance claim by refusing to accept responsibility for a car accident.
If Uber successfully denies coverage, an accident victim may be left without a source of compensation. If you have been seriously injured in a rideshare accident, you may be struggling to work, pay bills, or cope with pain and emotional anguish. This is where an experienced Uber accident attorney can help. The car accident attorneys at William Mattar will fight on your behalf to get you the compensation that you deserve.
Facing insurance companies after an Uber crash
There is another key problem with insurance companies and Uber collisions. There are often multiple insurance companies involved in negotiating a settlement—sometimes as many as three or more for one car accident case. If you need financial compensation, it can feel difficult to understand this tangled web of insurance policies.
That is why it is important to consult with a personal injury lawyer if you have been injured in an Uber crash. Your lawyer can speak with the appropriate insurance adjusters, analyze the details of your particular case, and provide assistance with your insurance claim. For more details on insurance companies and Uber accident cases, speak to one of our attorneys today. Call (844) 444 - 4444.
Hurt in an Uber? Call William Mattar.
If you want the assistance of a dedicated Uber accident lawyer who will fight for you, contact William Mattar law offices. Our personal injury lawyers have the experience and knowledge to fight for you. Schedule a free consultation today by filling out our online consultation form.