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Uber Insurance Claims: How Does the Process Work?

Uber Insurance Claims: How Does the Process Work?

Shapiro Law Team April 29, 2024 Car Accidents,rideshare accident

Over 23 million people ride Uber every day. Even though riders expect to be safely dropped off at their destination, things can go wrong. Uber accidents happen just like any other car accident, and the consequences can be severe, just like other car accidents. However, navigating the legal landscape of a rideshare accident is a little different than that of a typical car crash.

Continue reading to learn how the insurance claims process works after a rideshare accident and how Shapiro Law Team can help.

What Is a Ridesharing Accident?

A ridesharing accident is a car accident that involves a rideshare vehicle like Uber or Lyft. These accidents may be caused by the driver, passengers, bad weather conditions, or another negligent driver.

Depending on the severity of the collision, ridesharing or ride-hailing accidents can unfortunately cause life-long or fatal injuries.

How Rideshare Accidents Differ From Other Car Accidents

A few factors differentiate rideshare accidents from other car accidents. What separates a rideshare collision from a typical car crash is:

  • Insurance Policies
    Uber automatically provides its drivers with a $1 million liability policy. However, this is only for verified trips. If you take an Uber ride that isn’t verified—meaning your trip could not be verified by the app—the driver’s auto insurance would be the limit.
  • Independent Contractors
    Uber doesn’t actually employ drivers; they’re considered independent contractors. Rideshare companies do this to distance themselves from their drivers, denying liability if the drivers cause injuries during an accident.
  • Untrained Drivers
    Most drivers of rideshare companies are untrained. This means that you are essentially being driven by an untrained commercial driver. In addition, Lyft and Uber do not offer any training nor do they accurately screen their drivers.

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Uber Crash Statistics In Arizona

It’s hard to determine the exact number of Uber accidents in Arizona since rideshare collisions are lumped into the total number of general car accidents. However, we do have a few numbers highlighting general Uber crashes and Arizona’s car crash statistics.

 

Total Crashes in 2021
121,345 Crashes
Total Fatalities in 2021
1,180 Fatalities
Total Injuries in 2021
51,633 Injuries
90% of Uber Crashes Happen in Urban Areas 97 Fatal Uber Crashes From 2017 to 2018 Increase in Accidents Occurring at Drop-Off & Pick-Up

 

Uber and Lyft Drivers Are Often Distracted

Drivers are required to use their phones to drive Lyft or Uber. Because of this, drivers can easily become distracted, which can cause devastating car accidents. Rideshare drivers are also often in a rush as they try to complete one ride after the next.

Can I Bring a Car Accident Claim Against Uber or Lyft?

Bringing a car accident claim against Uber or Lyft is possible but only under the right circumstances. If you were involved in a rideshare accident with a negligent driver, then you can make a claim against the company.

However, it’s important to note that you can only make a claim against the negligent rideshare driver if they were on the clock. This means they must be active on the Uber app to be considered.

Determining the amount of coverage provided by Uber or Lyft depends on where the driver was, if they were waiting for fares, or whether they were on the way to pick up a passenger. Luckily, an experienced rideshare accident attorney from Shapiro Law Team can assist you in the legal claims process.

Understanding Uber Accident Claims

Average Value of an Uber Case: Uber Lyft Accident Lawsuit

It’s hard to put a dollar value on your Uber case without an experienced attorney. Generally speaking, the average value of a rideshare accident case is about $500,000.

Choosing an attorney who is well-versed in this field of law is what separates a decent payout from maximum compensation, so make sure you’re doing your homework on who you’re hiring.

Shapiro Law Team specializes in rideshare accident claims and will fight tooth and nail for your right to compensation. Get started with a free consultation.

How Much Is an Uber Accident Worth?

The worth of an Uber accident is significantly higher than that of a typical car accident. This is because rideshare companies like Uber and Lyft are required by law to carry more than the minimum car accident coverage.

Lyft and Uber accidents are usually valued at $500,000 or more, depending on the case.

Victims of car accidents have every right to seek compensation. If you’ve been injured in a rideshare accident and need legal assistance determining the value of your case, don’t hesitate to reach out to the lawyers at Shapiro Law Team.

How Insurance Works With Uber Accident Claims

Uber and Lyft can provide up to $1 million in accident coverage for passengers or others injured by a rideshare vehicle.

1. When the Driver is Available For a Trip
According to Uber’s insurance coverage, their third-party liability insurance will cover the cost of injuries or damages in at least the following amounts:

  • $50,000 per person and $100,000 per accident for injuries
  • $25,000 in property damage per accident

2. When the Driver is En Route
If the rideshare driver is en route or on a trip, Uber maintains:

  • Insurance that covers at least $1,000,000 for property damage and injuries
  • Insurance that covers the cost to repair the car up to the actual cash value with a $2,500 deductible

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Whose Insurance Will Cover a Rideshare Car Accident?

Determining which insurance policy applies in a rideshare accident can be complex. It often depends on the driver’s status within the Uber app at the time of the accident. Uber’s extensive insurance typically serves as the primary coverage, but the driver’s personal insurance may also come into play under certain circumstances.

A lawyer from Shapiro Law Team would be happy to discuss the details of your case through a free consultation.

What Should I Do If I’m in an Accident Involving an Uber or Lyft Driver?

Being involved in an accident with an Uber or Lyft driver can be disorienting, but knowing what steps to take is important. Here’s what you should do if you were involved in a rideshare accident:

1. Call the Police
The first thing you should do after being involved in an accident is to call the police. Law enforcement will create a police report which will be a crucial component of your case in the future.
2. Seek Medical Attention
Even if you don’t feel injured, it’s crucial to seek medical attention. Some injuries, such as brain injuries and internal damage, may not be immediately apparent but could worsen over time.
3. Notify the Rideshare Company
Notify Lyft or Uber about the accident. Gather information such as the driver’s name, contact details, license plate number, and insurance. Don’t forget to take photos of the accident scene.
4. Call an Attorney
Finally, you should call a rideshare attorney to help you obtain your rightful compensation.

How To File Uber Accident Claims

There are two ways to file an Uber accident claim: as a passenger or as a driver. Take a look at how you can do both below.

1. Filing as a Passenger
If you were a passenger in the rideshare vehicle, you can typically file a claim through Uber’s insurance to seek compensation for your injuries and damages.

2. Filing as an Injured Driver
If you were the driver of another vehicle involved in the accident, you may also file a claim through Uber’s insurance to cover your losses.

Whether you were the driver or passenger, all involved in the rideshare accident must seek out medical attention.

Should You Hire an Uber Accident Attorney After a Rideshare Accident?

Rideshare accidents can be devastating and may lead to lifelong hardships for injury victims. If you’ve been involved in a rideshare accident, you have options. Hiring a rideshare accident lawyer from Shapiro Law Team is the best way to maximize your compensation and ensure your rights are protected.

Get started with a free, confidential consultation today. You have nothing to lose.

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