Uber has revolutionized the transportation industry, giving commuters an alternative to taxis and buses. But as the popularity of this rideshare program has increased, so too have the number of accidents. While there are many similarities between these and other automobile accidents, victim’s rights and the claims process do differ. If you’ve been hurt in a rideshare accident, you need a knowledgeable Athens Uber accident lawyer from Ruppersburg Injury & Accident Attorneys, who will seek the compensation you deserve.
What Are the Most Common Types of Uber Accidents?
The causes of automobile accidents and Uber collisions are generally the same. They may include:
- Driving under the influence: It is illegal to drive under the influence of alcohol or drugs, even prescription medications. Drivers who consume intoxicating substances before or while driving may cause serious, sometimes fatal wrecks.
- Distracted driving: Cell phones, talking to passengers, and using GPS are all sources of distraction for Uber drivers.
- Intersection accidents: Many traffic accidents happen in intersections due to failure to yield, unsafe lane changes, and running red lights.
- Rear-end accidents: The Uber driver’s attempt to get passengers to their destinations and pick up others may lead to impatience with traffic and rear-end collisions at stop signs and traffic lights.
- Weather-related crashes: All drivers should slow down and adjust for poor weather conditions. Rushing to destinations may cause the Uber driver to neglect to account for weather impacts.
- Accidents in parking lots: Entering or exiting parking lots may not cause fatal accidents but can cause substantial damage to other vehicles.
How Are Uber Accident Cases Different From Regular Car Accident Cases?
While accidents and injuries involving Uber vehicles are similar to those involving other automobiles, there are a few significant differences:
- Multiple parties involved: Rideshare accidents don’t only involve two drivers. Uber and its rules and insurance policies (see below) complicate the accident. There may also be additional drivers and liable parties.
- Questions about liability: Any automobile crash raises questions about the driver’s actions but both Uber and its insurer may also be liable.
- Uber’s insurance coverage: Uber provides insurance coverage for its drivers (see below) to compensate victims; however, the rules about when and how much coverage applies can be difficult to navigate.
- What the driver was doing: Uber’s insurance coverage depends largely on what the driver was doing at the time the wreck occurred. An Athens Uber accident attorney can investigate to help determine what coverage is appropriate.
Who Can Be Found Liable in an Uber Accident?
Because of the complexities of Uber accidents, several parties can potentially be held responsible. They include:
- The Uber driver: The Uber driver’s potential liability must always be considered. Evidence of traffic law violations or operating an unsafe vehicle could place blame on the driver.
- Uber: Under some circumstances, Uber (specifically, its insurer) can be held accountable for the accident. Various factors, including whether the driver had any passengers, will affect this.
- Other motorists: Other drivers may be to blame for an accident involving an Uber.
- Passengers: The passengers of either the Uber driver or another automobile could share liability depending on their behavior at the time of the accident(e.g. a passenger interfered with the safe operation of a vehicle).
- Automobile manufacturers: It is possible that a vehicle involved in the wreck had a design or other manufacturer defects. Your Athens Uber accident lawyer will know what evidence to look for.
- Other third parties: Mechanics, parts distributors, construction companies, and even the government could be held liable for various conditions that caused the accident. Bars and restaurants can be brought in as defendants if an intoxicated Uber driver was served too much alcohol before the accident.
Damages You Could Receive As Compensation
Accident victims can suffer severe and perhaps life-altering injuries that might cost them substantial sums of money. If negligence was responsible for an accident, the at-fault party could be compelled to pay compensation for damages, which may include:
- Medical bills, including for treatments the victim can reasonably be expected to need in the future
- Lost wages for time missed from work to recover from injuries
- Lost earning capacity if the victim cannot return to the same type of work
- Property damage to cover the vehicle and any personal property destroyed
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- In some cases of exceptional negligence, punitive damages to punish the at-fault party
Does Uber Have an Insurance Policy for Accidents?
Uber carries insurance coverage on its drivers up to $1 million. Three types of coverage periods may apply:
While the driver is waiting for a ride request
During this time, the driver’s automobile insurance usually applies. If that policy fails to cover the accident, Uber provides contingent coverage. Coverage amounts are up to $25,000 for property damage, $50,000 per individual for injury, and $100,000 per accident for injury.
When a driver accepts a ride request and goes to pick up the passenger
Once a ride request is accepted and the Uber driver is en route to the passenger, Uber’s insurance pays at least $1,000,000 for property damage and injuries when its driver is at fault. Under certain conditions, insurance coverage also pays for damage to the Uber driver’s vehicle.
While the passenger is in the Uber vehicle
Uber also offers $1 million in coverage for injuries during this time. Injured passengers can take advantage of this policy.
How Does an Uber Driver Being an Independent Contractor Affect My Claim?
Uber considers its drivers to be independent contractors. When a claim is filed for an Uber accident, it is made against the driver rather than Uber. Nonetheless, Uber’s insurance will apply so the accident victim can pursue compensation for his or her damages.
Are There Time Limits for Filing an Uber Accident Claim in Georgia?
Uber accident claims are generally subject to a two-year deadline, known as the statute of limitations. If the claim is not filed within two years of the accident, the victim typically cannot recover anything for his or her damages. Statutes of limitations are unforgiving, so speak with an Athens Uber accident attorney right away.
Why You Need an Uber Accident Lawyer
Aside from knowing the law, requirements (such as evidence rules), and procedures (like civil procedure and discovery), an Uber accident lawyer in Athens will be able to assist with:
- Investigating the accident to obtain evidence and determine the identities of all at-fault parties
- Negotiating with the insurance companies to ensure you are fairly compensated for your losses
- Mediating your claim, which could secure you a settlement without going to trial
- Litigating your case in court if the insurance companies refuse to negotiate in good faith
- Retaining expert witnesses who can testify and offer evidence to support your claim for damages
Get Your Free Consultation Today
Ruppersburg Injury & Accident Attorneys are your trusted Athens Uber accident lawyers. We don’t treat our clients as another docket number–we understand the losses they experience are real and serious interruptions to their lives. We strive to seek the justice you deserve after being injured in an Uber accident. Give us a call today to schedule your free consultation.
