Uber rideshare drivers typically are selected based on a clean driving record and ability to drive safely, but this doesn’t make them immune to getting into car accidents on occasion. Depending on the accident type, you may be covered by the Uber company’s insurer. Every Uber accident is different, which is why you should speak to an attorney to find out whether you can hold the Uber driver liable for your injuries. Your attorney can provide reliable advice and formulate a course of action that can help you obtain fair compensation for your damages. For more information, speak to a Miramar Beach car accident lawyer and call Fasig | Brooks for a free consultation.
How Can Uber Drivers Get Into Car Accidents?
When on the road, Uber drivers need to stay cautious and alert because they spend a lot of time driving and are at higher risk of getting into an accident. Here are some of the most common ways that Uber drivers can crash according to our Miramar Beach personal injury lawyers:
Fatigue
A lot of Uber drivers get fatigued over time from driving for several hours without a break. They may work more than one job and use Uber to make extra income. In other cases, they drive late at night to get business during the busier evening hours. Fatigue and exhaustion can cause Uber drivers to make mistakes from sheer drowsiness.
Inexperience
Not all Uber drivers are familiar with providing rideshare services and may not know the area well. Because of their lack of experience, they may be more prone to making errors. They might have to make last-minute changes in their route, making it easier for them to get into a car crash.
Speeding
The more reckless Uber drivers may tend to speed and exceed the given limits. When a driver speeds, their reaction time to obstacles is greatly shortened. This prevents the driver from stopping before they hit another car.
Distracted Driving
When drivers are distracted, they are often on their phones, eating, interacting with passengers in the back seat, changing settings on their dashboard, or doing other activities. Texting, sending emails, and other phone activities are illegal while driving a car. Because drivers are distracted, they take their eyes off the road, which prevents them from seeing what is happening around them.
Violation Of Traffic Laws
Uber drivers that are careless may violate traffic laws, putting them and other drivers at risk of getting into an accident. For example, they might ignore a red light and hit someone in an intersection. The Uber driver may ignore stop and yield signs, cut people off, and perform other illegal maneuvers.
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Can The Uber Driver Be Held Liable For an Accident?
How the accident happens is important and will define whether or not the Uber driver can be held liable for your injuries. If an Uber driver hit you, then you can most likely hold the Uber driver liable for your damages if you were following traffic laws and not participating in any illegal activity. Even if you are partially at fault, you can still hold the Uber driver partially liable for the accident.
When the driver is at fault, Uber will cover the cost of your damages up to a specific limit. If the Uber driver is on duty, their insurance coverage includes $50,000 in bodily injury for every person, $100,000 in bodily injury for each accident, and $25,000 in property damage for each accident. However, when the driver is en route to pick up riders for a trip, they receive $1,000,000 in coverage. When the Uber driver app is turned off, the Uber driver has to use their personal insurance policy to cover any damages.
If the amount of your damages far exceeds that of Uber’s insurance policy, then you can still seek additional damages from the driver with the help of your lawyer.
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What If The Uber Driver Is Not At Fault?
In some cases, the Uber driver may not be at fault because you were completely or mostly at fault. For example, you may have been on your phone texting when you collided with an Uber driver. When this is the case, then you are fully liable because you were at fault for the accident. Your insurer will have to pay the Uber driver compensation for their bodily injury, property damage, and other expenses.
If the car crash was due to a construction company that didn’t properly clear any hazards from the road, then you would have to file a claim against the construction company for a settlement. If poor road conditions are the cause of an Uber accident, you can then seek a settlement from the local state government.
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What Should I Do After An Uber Accident in Miramar Beach?
It can be confusing to file a settlement after an Uber accident because it isn’t the same as a normal car accident. This is why speaking to an Uber accident attorney can be helpful for you. They can explain the process and receive correspondence from Uber on your behalf so that you don’t have to negotiate settlement terms with them on your own.
The Uber driver will report the accident to Uber, which will handle the rest from that point. You should take pictures of the accident and get medical help as soon as possible. Your attorney can help you review your case and obtain additional evidence if necessary. They’ll also calculate your damages and estimate how much in compensation you are owed. With your lawyer’s help, they can file a claim with Uber and provide all of this information to help you get fair compensation. In addition to medical bills, you can receive compensation for property damage, income loss, and any pain and suffering you endured.
What Are The Next Steps For An Uber Accident Victim In Miramar Beach?
After the accident, you should call your attorney to begin initiating the settlement claims process. They can reliably estimate your damages and make sure that Uber recognizes how much you are owed by providing solid evidence of the type of damages you sustained. Speak to attorneys who have experience with Uber accidents and a proven track record. Contact Fasig | Brooks for a free consultation.
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