Ridesharing services like Uber are more popular than ever. Uber provides services in cities and towns across the United States. When you suffer an injury using this service, or if you are a driver or third party who suffers an injury, it may be unclear who is responsible for your damages. Uber has argued in the past that its drivers are independent contractors to avoid liability for damages.
There could be overlapping insurance policies at play depending on how and when the accident occurred. Uber does provide insurance coverage for accidents. Your ability to recover damages from this policy depends on the circumstances.
WHEN IS UBER’S $1 MILLION INSURANCE POLICY ACTIVE?
Uber provides $1 million in liability insurance to drivers, passengers and other parties, but only for certain situations. In the following situations, Uber’s $1 million policy may apply to an accident.
- The driver is on his or her way to pick up a passenger with the app on.
- The driver has a passenger in the vehicle.
Uber’s $1 million policy only covers certain people. The following parties may obtain coverage from this policy:
- Rideshare drivers or passengers who suffer harm during an accident caused by another motorist. This includes underinsured or uninsured motorists.
- Passengers who suffer injuries inside of an Uber driver’s vehicle.
- Pedestrians, bicyclists or other drivers who suffer harm in an accident caused by an Uber driver that is carrying a passenger.
If a driver does not have the app on and is not picking up passengers, then damages would be covered by that driver’s personal insurance policy.
Additionally, if the driver is ready to pick up passengers, then the driver’s insurance policy would still be the primary source of coverage. In this case, Uber does offer additional coverage that covers $50,000 for one injured person and $100,000 if multiple parties suffer injuries. However, the driver has to request this coverage and it only applies if his or her policy does not cover damages in full.
WHAT IF UBER DENIES AN ACCIDENT CLAIM?
Uber’s insurance carrier is still an insurance company, meaning it is primarily concerned with maximizing profits. As a result, it is not uncommon for the company to deny accident claims. This is problematic because if the driver is carrying a passenger at the time of the accident, the driver’s insurance policy may also refuse to offer coverage.
However, there could still be additional parties responsible for damages caused by an accident. You may be able to file a claim with an at-fault driver’s insurance provider. In some cases, commercial carriers or auto part manufacturers are liable for damages caused by an accident. Specifically, you may be able to file a claim against a trucking company or manufacturer of a defective auto part.
Tennessee’s dram shop laws may allow you to pursue a claim against a restaurant or bar. Uber itself may be liable for damages.
DO I NEED A NASHVILLE UBER ACCIDENT LAWYER FOR AN UBER ACCIDENT CLAIM?
Our Nashville Uber accident lawyer can help you determine who is liable for your damages. We can help rideshare drivers, passengers and third parties hurt by rideshare drivers. During a free consultation, we can explain your possible legal options for pursuing compensation.
Nashville Uber accident lawyer Stanley A. Davis has experience with auto accident cases. You can learn more about our verdicts and settlements on our website. To schedule a free consultation with the Law Office of Stanley A. Davis, call (615) 866-3938 or use our online case review form.