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While Uber has made getting around more convenient, it has also introduced complicated insurance and liability issues that don’t arise in most traditional car accidents, such as whether the driver was acting within the scope of their employment. A knowledgeable Uber accident lawyer who understands these unique challenges knows how to gather the right evidence and work with experts to reconstruct the accident and establish clear liability.
Below, our friends at Blaskow Legal, LLC discuss the specific legal hurdles that arise in Uber accident cases and how these differ from standard motor vehicle collisions.
The Role of App Status and Driver Activity
Uber drivers often have different insurance policies depending on whether they are actively accepting rides, en route to pick up a passenger, or simply driving without the app activated. This “app status” affects which insurance applies and who can be held liable. For example, if a driver is logged into the Uber app but has not yet accepted a ride, Uber’s insurance coverage may apply.
However, if the driver is off-duty or not logged in, injured victims may need to pursue claims against the driver’s personal insurance. Uber’s commercial insurance typically provides higher liability limits than personal policies. This coverage can make a significant difference in the compensation available after a serious accident involving an Uber driver.
Multiple Parties and Insurance Policies
In a traditional car accident, liability usually rests between the two drivers and their insurance companies. However, in Uber accidents, the situation can be more complicated because the company may be included as a third party through its commercial insurance policy.
Depending on whether the driver was logged into the app, had accepted a ride request, or was en route to pick up a passenger, Uber’s commercial insurance may cover losses that the driver’s personal insurance limits or denies. For example, if the driver was transporting a passenger at the time of the crash, Uber’s commercial insurance typically covers injuries and damages, unlike the more limited coverage available when the driver is offline.
Evidence Gathering and Investigation
Uber accidents often hinge on digital records that aren’t available in ordinary car crashes. Details like driver logins, app status updates, GPS data, and trip history help show exactly what the driver was doing at the time of the crash.
This information can clarify whether the driver was on the clock or off-duty at the time of the accident. Additionally, access to these records can also reveal whether the claim should be handled by the driver’s personal insurer or Uber’s commercial policy.
Why Seeking Legal Support Matters
Uber accidents involve many moving parts that can make filing a claim confusing without the proper support. If you were hurt in an accident involving a rideshare driver, a skilled Uber accident attorney can relieve you of the burden of investigating the crash details, collecting essential evidence, and sorting through conflicting insurance policies.
Consulting with a trusted vehicle collision attorney as soon as possible after an auto accident can help you make informed decisions and improve your chances of a favorable outcome.