When you get into the back seat of an Uber, you are able to trust the driver due to the fact that they are subject to rigorous safety standards, including background checks, driving record requirements, and more. However, a Pensacola car accident lawyer knows that no amount of safety protocols will ever guarantee that you won’t be involved in an accident as an Uber passenger or with an Uber driver while in your own vehicle, both of which can lead to some confusion about who to file an insurance claim against and how to get the money you deserve.
The team at Fasig | Brooks has been representing clients in rideshare accident cases since Uber first arrived in Florida, and our experience will help you move forward with your case and to get the money you are rightfully owed as a result of someone else’s recklessness, negligence, or otherwise dangerous behavior. Uber drivers are considered independent contractors who carry out contract work for Uber Technologies, Inc., and as such, are not insured by the company as if they were driving for a cab company. Because of this important distinction, you will need to determine the exact nature of your accident before you are able to proceed with your accident claim. A Pensacola personal injury lawyer will discuss these specifics with you.
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We offer a free consultation for people who have been hurt in accidents involving Uber, Lyft, or other ridesharing services. Whether you were a paying passenger of the rideshare service or you were in another vehicle entirely, you will need to go through some preliminary steps to determine which insurance policy you will file a claim against. This step only begins the process of getting the money you actually deserve, which, no matter the type of insurance you file a claim with, will require a hands-on approach. Insurance companies, regardless of their policy limits, focus on settling claims as quickly as possible, for as little as possible, and your situation will likely be no different.
Read more below about Uber accidents, and contact our law firm as soon as possible to get started on your case today. We look forward to speaking with you and helping you reach a fair settlement, so you are able to move forward with your life without taking on the added financial burdens of someone else’s negligent or reckless driving.
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Whose Insurance Pays After an Uber Accident?
Unfortunately, there is no straightforward answer to this question, as it varies from accident to accident. Fortunately, a passenger who is involved in an accident while riding in an Uber has a clear answer: Uber’s commercial policy. If, however, you are in another vehicle and involved in an accident, the answer may not be so straightforward.
Uber has different coverage levels for a driver depending on the specific stage they are at in the Uber app, ranging from no coverage at all (driver is not active in the app at all) to full coverage (driver is en route to an arranged pick up, or has a passenger in their vehicle). If the driver is available for a ride but has not committed to one, there is a mix of the two: Uber will provide coverage to a certain policy limit if the driver’s personal automobile insurance limits are exceeded.
When Are You Not Protected By Uber’s Insurance?
Since Uber drivers are categorized as contract workers, they have no legal association with Uber Technologies, Inc. when they are not signed into the driver app and either waiting for a fare or handling a ride. This means that if you are in an accident with someone who has an Uber sticker on their vehicle but is driving for their own personal needs, you will need to file directly with their insurance, and Uber will never enter the conversation.
If you are in an accident with an Uber driver who is waiting for a ride request, then you will first file with their personal policy, and in the event that your damages exceed their policy limits, Uber’s supplemental coverage will pay the difference.
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Higher Policy Limits ≠ a Fair Settlement
One of the most important things for you to keep in mind throughout the aftermath of your accident is that whether you are working with a personal or commercial insurance policy, the insurer’s goal is the same: settle your claim for as little as possible. Even if you are working with a particularly sympathetic insurance adjuster, they are still incentivized to settle cheaply and simply do not have the time required to go through every detail of your case to ensure that you are compensated for each damage you have suffered. This is why it is so important to work with a dedicated professional whose primary focus is to advocate for your unique needs.
When your claim is being represented by the award-winning team at Fasig | Brooks, you can be confident that there is a proven attorney using all of their knowledge and experience to identify, calculate, and present every damage you have suffered before negotiating an out-of-court settlement on your behalf. In the event that your claim goes to a lawsuit — whether due to the insurance company’s unwillingness to negotiate if your attorney believes you are entitled to punitive damages — your lawyer will be ready to present your case to a judge and jury in the Florida courts.
Most importantly, you will be able to focus on your recovery throughout this process without needing to worry about the added stress of handling your own claim, learning the complicated legal processes around a fair settlement, or advocating for yourself throughout a negotiation process. Your top priority should be your health, your personal life, and your ability to safely and productively return to your normal routine as soon as possible, and it is our goal to support these outcomes while also fighting to get you the compensation you deserve.
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