As an Uber accident victim, you may be entitled to compensation from several parties. It includes the driver, other drivers involved in the accident, and even Uber as a company under certain circumstances. Uber drivers are independent contractors rather than company employees, making it difficult to hold the company liable in certain situations. However, some accidents may involve negligence by the driver while logged into the app or on the way to pick up a passenger.
The Third-Party Driver
The popularity of Uber and similar ridesharing programs has skyrocketed, and it is often unclear who is liable for an accident during one of these rides. You can establish who caused your losses and create a plan to get the money you are entitled to with the assistance of an expert Uber accident attorney.
Sometimes, an Uber driver may crash into your vehicle and cause only property damage. If this occurs, you will probably claim the uninsured motorist coverage or the driver’s insurance policy. All drivers must carry auto insurance, and Uber drivers are no exception. However, their policies might need to be revised to cover your total losses because they are independent contractors rather than company employees. Fortunately, many states follow contributory negligence laws that allow you to recover damages even when you are partially responsible for an accident.
Nowadays, many citizens use Uber as a practical way to get around Fort Lauderdale and avoid having to drive themselves. Uber drivers do not receive any training, so riding in an Uber is no safer than driving your car, even though teens, elderly residents, and everyone in between rely on the company to get to and from work, doctors’ appointments, bars, and the airport. If you are ever involved in an accident, the Fort Lauderdale Uber accident law firm can evaluate your case to determine if their insurer should share liability.
The Driver
Since Uber drivers are:
- Independent contractors.
- Not employees of the company.
- Proving Uber’s liability in an accident is more complicated.
Uber accident lawyers will fight to hold the company accountable for your injuries and losses.
Uber drivers may cause accidents when fatigued, speeding, or otherwise negligent driving. Fatigue and speeding are particularly dangerous when drivers work multiple jobs requiring them to simultaneously be online on their app. While drivers are expected to maintain their auto insurance policies, Uber provides a contingent approach in some situations. Whether or not the driver was waiting for a ride request, had a passenger in the vehicle at the time of the accident, or was logged into the Uber app will all affect the insurance coverage. Most states also have contributory or comparative negligence rules, meaning more than one party could be held responsible for a crash. Hiring an attorney with experience in car accident litigation is so important.
The Company
If an Uber driver is driving while logged into the app and waiting, is on their way, or already has a passenger in the vehicle. Uber could be held liable for any accidents and losses that occur. However, this varies from case to case, and it is best to hire an attorney to determine who is responsible. An Uber crash victim may also pursue claims against other drivers involved in the accident, especially if they violate traffic laws. Additionally, local government entities may be liable for road conditions or malfunctioning traffic signals contributing to the crash. A skilled lawyer dealing with Uber accident claims can conduct a comprehensive investigation to find all parties at fault and pursue reimbursement from all relevant sources. This process is complicated and confusing, but an attorney can help you navigate the complexities.
The Passenger
You must report the accident to Uber if you were a passenger in an Uber vehicle when it crashed. You can do this through the app or online. An Uber representative will contact you to gather additional details after you tell them about the accident. You may be able to claim compensation from Uber if the driver was driving for them at the time of the crash. However, holding Uber liable for their actions can be challenging because Uber drivers are considered independent contractors and not company employees.
Another person or entity could be held responsible for your Uber accident. For example, local government entities often maintain safe road conditions and operate working traffic signals. In these cases, their insurance would likely cover your losses. An experienced lawyer can determine the appropriate party to file an accident claim. They can bargain with the insurance providers of the responsible parties.