Rideshare services like Uber have exploded in popularity over the past several years. It is no secret that many people, especially young adults, use Uber as a primary mode of transportation. As Uber has become more prevalent in mainstream society, accidents involving Uber drivers and passengers are increasingly common.
Many of us want to reach places fast. But safety is more important. When you use Uber, the driver controls your safety. Uber is good for avoiding walking or DUI, but it’s not risk-free. Accidents can still happen.
Determining how insurance coverage works after ridesharing accidents is more complicated than after accidents involving private motorists. To learn more about demanding compensation for your losses if your Uber is in an accident, please keep reading or contact Chris Hudson Law Group for a free initial consultation.
Is Uber Liable for Accidents?
It depends. Uber classifies its drivers as independent contractors rather than employees to avoid liability under the legal theory of vicarious liability. This concept refers to the liability an employer carries for the conduct of its employees when those employees are performing job-related tasks. Employers are not directly responsible for the behavior of independent contractors.
However, you might be able to hold Uber legally responsible for a driver’s negligent acts in specific situations. For instance, if Uber allowed an unsuitable driver to accept rides through its app, your lawyer could help you take legal action against Uber directly.
Read more: Can You Sue Uber?
Does Uber Cover Accident Claims?
Sometimes. Georgia law requires ridesharing services to carry insurance with different coverage amounts for ridesharing incidents. Coverage limits vary depending on the circumstances of the accident and the rideshare driver’s status at the time.
Georgia requires ridesharing companies to provide a minimum of $100,000 in coverage for bodily injury resulting from any one accident, with a maximum of $50,000 available per person. Rideshare companies must also provide $50,000 per accident in property damage coverage. This coverage applies from the time a driver is logged on to the Uber app and available to accept a ride request until they log off.
Uber must also provide a minimum of $1 million in coverage for death, personal injury, and property damage per accident from the time a driver accepts a ride request until the driver completes the transaction or the ride, whichever is later. Uber must also provide uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage of at least $1 million per incident.
Can You Get Compensation from Uber If You Get Hurt As an Uber Passenger?
Yes. As a passenger in an Uber vehicle, you have access to Uber’s full liability insurance policy if you get hurt in an Uber accident. Uber offers up to $1,000,000 in liability coverage for any losses you sustain in an Uber accident as a passenger. If you suffer crash injuries as an Uber passenger, you can typically file a claim with Uber directly.
Can You Get Compensation from Uber If You Are Another Driver or a Pedestrian?
Uber might provide third-party liability coverage if you are hurt in an Uber accident as another motorist or pedestrian. However, this coverage won’t apply unless the Uber driver is logged into the app, picking up a fare, or transporting a passenger. In that case, the Uber driver’s personal insurance coverage might be all that’s available. A knowledgeable attorney can evaluate your situation in a free consultation session and help you determine the types of coverage available for your Uber accident claim.
Contact an Augusta Uber Accident Lawyer Today
If you are a passenger, pedestrian, or driver who suffers injuries in a car accident involving an Uber vehicle, determining who will pay for your injuries is more complex than in most other types of motor vehicle accident cases. The accomplished and skilled car accident attorneys at Chris Hudson Law Group have the experience to handle any ridesharing accident case, however challenging.
Call Chris Hudson Law Group at (706) 863-6600 today or contact us online to get started with your Uber accident claim consultation. There is no charge to talk to us about your case and zero obligation to move forward before you’re ready. We want to help and look forward to hearing from you.
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