Getting into a car accident is always stressful. What if I was hit by an Uber driver? This situation adds complexity. As ridesharing grows, so does the likelihood of accidents with rideshare drivers.
If you want to answer the question “What if I was hit by an Uber driver?”, keep reading this article.
At Pinder Plotkin, we are dedicated to seeking justice for our clients. If you have suffered an accident due to an Uber driver, please schedule a free consultation with one of our lawyers to discuss your case.
Table Of Contents:
- Immediate Steps to Take After an Uber Accident
- Understanding Insurance Coverage in Uber Accidents
- What if I Was Hit by an Uber Driver Who Was Uninsured?
- The Importance of Seeking Medical Attention
- Legal Considerations When Hit by an Uber Driver
- The Role of a Personal Injury Attorney
- The Impact of Ridesharing on Road Safety
- Preventing Uber Accidents
- Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about What if I was hit by an Uber driver
- Conclusion
Immediate Steps to Take After an Uber Accident
The first moments after a rideshare accident are critical. Here’s what to do if you were hit by an Uber driver immediately.
Ensure Safety and Call for Help
Prioritize everyone’s safety. Move to a safe location, away from traffic, if possible. Call 911 for medical assistance, even if you feel okay, as some injuries may not be immediately noticeable.
Document the Scene
Gather information while waiting for police. This will help you in case of an accident lawsuit against the at-fault driver.
- Photograph vehicle damage and visible injuries.
- Get the Uber driver’s contact and insurance information.
- Get witness contact information.
- Note the accident’s time, date, and location.
Report the Accident to Uber
Report the accident to Uber promptly via their Uber Safety page. Remember, reporting is like talking to an insurance adjuster. Be cautious and consult a lawyer beforehand.
Understanding Insurance Coverage in Uber Accidents
Navigating insurance after an accident with an Uber driver can be tricky. Uber’s insurance changes depending on the driver’s status.
When the Driver is Offline
If the Uber driver was offline, their personal auto insurance usually applies. This can be problematic if their coverage is insufficient. Check if your insurance claim with the driver’s auto insurance covers it.
When the Driver is Waiting for a Ride Request
When logged in but not on a trip, Uber provides limited liability coverage, according to their insurance policy. If your personal insurance and the driver’s personal insurance don’t fully cover everything, you can also file an insurance claim with Uber directly.
- $50,000 per person for bodily injury.
- $100,000 per accident for bodily injury.
- $25,000 per accident for property damage.
If the Uber driver was in the course of a trip then the coverage is typically $1 million. Coverage varies by State and is subject to change.
When the Driver is En Route or During a Trip
If the driver was en route or had a passenger, Uber’s $1 million liability policy applies. This exceeds most personal auto policies. Consult with a lawyer for a free consultation to understand how Uber insurance works.
What if I Was Hit by an Uber Driver Who Was Uninsured?
Not all drivers are insured. If you were hit by an uninsured Uber driver, consider these options to help you recover compensation.
- Uber’s uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage.
- Your uninsured motorist coverage.
- A personal injury lawsuit against the driver.
Some states mandate substantial uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage from ridesharing companies. This includes coverage of bus accidents or vehicle collisions that a rideshare driver might have while they were matched with you.
The Importance of Seeking Medical Attention
Seek medical attention even if you feel fine after a vehicle collision. Some injuries, like soft tissue or internal damage, might not show immediately.
Prompt medical care ensures your well-being and creates a record essential for claims or lawsuits. This record helps when speaking with a personal injury attorney. This medical record can also be used as evidence supporting your personal injury claim against the rideshare driver or against the rideshare company themselves.
- Ensure your health and well-being.
- Create a medical record for your insurance claim or lawsuit.
Prioritize your health after an accident.
Legal Considerations When Hit by an Uber Driver
If you’re in a traffic accident involving a Lyft accident or any rideshare accident, you’re likely considering your legal options. Here’s what to know after being hit by an Uber driver, such as important aspects of a free case evaluation with an accident lawyer.
Statute of Limitations
Understand the statute of limitations for lawsuits, the time limit for legal action. It varies by state.
Determining Liability
Establishing fault is key. Uber accidents can involve multiple liable parties. Make sure you get the police to take accurate accident reports that reflect what actually occurred in the crash scene. Get the proper insurance coverage if an accident lawyer believes you may have a valid insurance claim. Understand Uber’s insurance cover, as well.
- The Uber driver.
- Uber.
- Other drivers.
- Vehicle/parts manufacturers (malfunctions).
Potential Damages
You might be entitled to compensation. Talk with an accident lawyer and they can perform a free case evaluation and discuss potential legal representation.
- Medical expenses (current and future).
- Lost wages.
- Pain and suffering.
- Property damage.
- Loss of enjoyment of life.
The Role of a Personal Injury Attorney
A personal injury attorney is invaluable after an Uber accident. Personal injury lawyers provide services including free consultation regarding what to do if you were hit by an Uber driver or hit by a Lyft driver. Personal injury attorneys focus their practice areas around all types of car accidents, rideshare accidents, motorcycle accidents, truck accidents and driving accidents of all kinds, including those involving buses.
- Explain your rights and options.
- Investigate the accident.
- Negotiate with insurance companies.
- Represent you in court.
Many work on contingency, meaning you only pay if you win. Learn more in a free consultation.
The Impact of Ridesharing on Road Safety
Ridesharing has revolutionized transportation, but it has also increased road safety concerns. A study indicates a 2-3% rise in occupant and pedestrian fatalities from 2011 to 2016 attributed to ridesharing services.
This highlights the need for road vigilance for everyone, from pedestrians to passengers to other drivers. Road safety involves preventing things such as being hit by an Uber driver, being hit by a Lyft driver, other at-fault drivers in traffic accidents, and large vehicle accidents involving things like semi-truck accidents or bus accidents.
Preventing Uber Accidents
You can’t control other drivers. However, these tips can reduce your accident risks and help maintain safety on the road.
- Be aware of your surroundings.
- Use crosswalks and obey signals.
- Address unsafe Uber driver behavior.
- Report unsafe drivers via the app.
Conclusion
What if I was hit by an Uber driver? Understanding your rights and the proper steps is crucial for a positive outcome. Your safety and health come first. Document everything, report the accident to authorities and Uber, and seek legal advice. If a collision occurred or there was any kind of traffic accident caused by an at-fault driver from Uber or Lyft, make sure you know the driver caused the incident with sufficient evidence support for your case, especially if there was no other driver accident at the time, so liability can be placed more easily.
Being prepared and knowing what to do if you were hit by an Uber driver helps navigate the aftermath. It helps you get proper compensation for injuries and damages.
