Uber Accidents and Liability

Uber, a ride-share service, has been impacting the city in many ways, such as reducing taxi use and increasing the number of vehicles on city streets. Buy what happens when you are involved in an accident involving an Uber driver?

Uber accidents are handled differently than New York City taxi accidents. This is because Uber is not a city-sponsored method of transportation, like the taxi system. Uber is a privately-owned company that operates nationwide. The company allows drivers from around the world to use their own personal vehicles to provide transportation for travelers through an app.

According to Uber, in the event of an accident, a person should check that all parties involved are safe, notify the police and paramedics, and then contact them through the app. Here, an Uber representative will contact the person and obtain the necessary evidence, reports, and other information pertaining to the accident.

Uber requires that all its drivers obtain their own car insurance. However, while the app is turned on and the driver is working an Uber shift, there is supplemental insurance coverage provided by the company. According to Uber, while a driver is online with Uber, they are covered for their liability to a third party (someone other than themselves) if they are in an accident when they’re at fault, which may be limited by certain states. Coverage includes their liability to pay for another person’s medical bills or to pay for property damage. Insurance coverage by Uber is as follows:

• $50,000 per person/$100,000 per accident for bodily injury; and
• $25,000 per accident for property damage.

According to Uber, while a driver is on their way to pick up a client, they are covered for three different aspects, which include:

• Third party liability coverage;
• Uninsured or underinsured motorist bodily injury coverage; and
• Contingent collision and comprehensive coverage.

If an accident occurs while the app is on, the liability typically falls on the driver, not Uber itself, because Uber drivers are considered independent contractors, not employees of the company. If an individual is planning on filing a lawsuit for negligence, they would do so against the individual driver. However, if the Uber driver is not at fault, they may make a claim against other parties to the accident.

If you or a loved one has suffered an injury because of an accident involving an Uber ride, you may be entitled to compensation. Goldberg Sager & Associates is experienced in dealing with all aspects of personal injury cases and is dedicated to helping clients achieve the best possible outcome for their case. Contact the personal injury and product liability attorneys at Goldberg Sager & Associates at (347) 497-3245 for a free phone consultation.