What Happens if You Are in An Accident with Uber in Santa Monica?
The answer depends on whether the Uber drive was on active ride (or on their way to one).
There are many similarities between Uber and a traditional taxi service. With both services, you pay someone else to take you from point A to point B. A difference between the two services, though, is that while a taxi service employs individuals to drive their taxis, Uber relies upon independent contractors to use their own vehicles.
This translates to a huge difference in the way things are handled if you’re involved in an accident with either service.
If you’re in a wreck with a taxi driver, you’ll probably be able to recover damages through a personal injury claim from the taxi company. If the accident occurred with an Uber driver, though, you’ll need to seek damages from either Uber or the individual driver.
Determining which avenue to pursue depends upon whether the Uber driver was logged into the ridesharing company’s app. A quality Santa Monica Uber Accident lawyer is key in this process.
When Do I Seek Damages from the Uber Driver’s Insurance Provider?
If the accident occurred when the Uber driver was off duty or not logged into the Uber app, you and your personal injury lawyer would then seek to recover damages from the driver’s own insurance provider.
The at-fault driver is the only party that can be held responsible if they are not on the job for Uber when the accident occurred.
To legally drive in California, each driver is required to carry at least:
- $15,000 per person/$30,000 per accident in bodily liability coverage
- $5,000 minimum for property damage coverage
- $15,000 per person/$30,000 per accident in uninsured motorist bodily injury coverage.
After the accident, be sure to exchange insurance and contact information with the at-fault driver – just as you normally would.
When Do I Seek Damages from Uber’s Insurance?
Here’s where things can get tricky, and why it’s vital to have a personal injury lawyer guiding you through this process.
The only times when Uber’s insurance coverage kicks-in is when the driver is (a) logged into the app but is between fares, and (b) when the driver is logged in and carrying a passenger,
- If the driver is logged in but between fares, the amount of insurance provided by Uber is $50,000 per person/$100,000 per accident in liability coverage, and $25,000 in property damage coverage.
- If the Uber driver is logged in and carrying a passenger, the full measure of Uber’s insurance is available. That amounts to $1 million in liability and $1 million in property damage coverage that should be available to you.
Who Can I Sue If I’m An Uber Passenger in an Accident?
Uber passengers are fully covered by their $1 million insurance policy.
In situations like this, you and your personal injury lawyer will deal directly with Uber in settlement and insurance coverage negotiations.
Why Do I Need a Personal Injury Lawyer After Being Involved in an Accident With an Uber Driver?
As we wrote in a previous entry, Uber and other ridesharing companies are developing a notorious reputation for being difficult to deal with when it’s time to step up and do the right after an accident.
In most cases, they will do all they can to shift the responsibility onto the individual lawyer.
A skilled personal injury lawyer, though, who has a knack for being aggressive in pursuing justice and compensation on behalf of their clients can be an invaluable ally for you in making sure you get the money you deserve.
If You’ve Been in an Accident With an Uber Driver, Call the Santa Monica Personal Injury Lawyers At Sina Rez Law.
We relish the opportunity to hold Uber and other ridesharing companies responsible when their drivers have caused an accident.
Realizing you need money as soon as possible to cover medical bills, damage to your car and other costs, we simply won’t stand for their delay tactics.
For a free case evaluation, get in touch with Sina Rez Law by calling 818-784-0100, sending an e-mail or by completing our online form.
