Uber Accident Lawyer Phoenix, AZ

What Happens When an Uber Driver Gets in an Accident?

If you’ve been in an accident while working for Uber, seek out an Uber accident lawyer Phoenix, AZ trusts. Ridesharing apps are immensely popular, and they are not going away anytime soon. As a result, both drivers and passengers are finding themselves increasingly unsure about what happens when an Uber is involved an auto accident. As a driver, what sort of rights do you have?

Third-Party Contractors

The uncertainty of Uber’s insurance policy involves the fact that many companies treat their drivers as third-party contractors. A company is generally liable for their employee’s actions, but not those of third-party contractors. Uber, for example, continues to assert that their drivers are third-party contractors and not employees. An experienced Uber accident lawyer Phoenix, AZ has faith in might tell you that this distinction can be a murky legal area as it releases Uber from a lot of liability it might otherwise have.

Uber Drivers and Insurance

Uber does require their drivers to be licensed and carry auto-insurance. In addition to the driver’s own car insurance, Uber has an additional three different “layers” of insurance coverage. Each layer corresponds to a phase of the ride.

An Uber accident lawyer Phoenix, AZ recommends should be familiar with Uber’s insurance policies. According to their website, Uber provides the most additional insurance when a driver is on their way to pick up a rider and during a trip:

1. Third party liability coverage
   This insurance covers the Uber driver’s liability for damages to any third party such as another driver, pedestrian, or property in case of an accident when they’re at fault. Coverage limits vary by state but are at least $1,000,000 per accident.
2. Uninsured or underinsured motorist bodily injury coverage
   This insurance covers the driver and anyone else in their vehicle in case of an accident where another driver is at fault but does not have sufficient insurance. This also covers hit and run accidents where the at-fault driver cannot be identified. Coverage limits vary by state but are at least $1,000,000 per accident.
3. Contingent collision and comprehensive coverage
   This insurance covers the driver’s vehicle in case of an accident whether it was their fault or not, as long as they maintain auto insurance that includes collision coverage for that vehicle while not on an Uber trip. Coverage limit is up to the actual cash value of their vehicle. There is a $1,000 deductible.

What Happens if an Uber Driver Gets in an Accident?

As any Uber accident lawyer Phoenix, AZ counts on might tell you, if you were injured while riding in an Uber, regardless of who is at fault, it must be reported to Uber by the driver. After that, the process is like any other accident claim. You (or the attorney you retain) will be in communication with your insurance company, and Uber to determine fault and perhaps reach a property damage or personal injury settlement.

For the most part, you, the Uber driver, should respond to the accident in the same manner as if it happened while you were “off the clock”. The one exception being that you are required to report the accident to Uber yourself. If you, any of your passengers, or someone in another car is injured as a result of the accident, remember the steps below to best prepare for your claim:

1. Call the Police. The police report will be crucial to filing a claim with your insurance company and can serve as a great objective piece of evidence.
2. Take Photos & Seek Out Witnesses. If you can, gather as much detail as possible immediately after the accident. Photographic and eye-witness evidence can help you build a stronger case.
3. Seek Medical Attention Immediately After the Accident.  Auto accident related injuries aren’t always obvious on the surface and can often take days, weeks, or months to become apparent.  But if you don’t seek immediate medical attention, opposing counsel might use that to make a claim that you were never actually injured.
4. Keep A Diary or Journal. An Uber accident lawyer Phoenix, AZ has faith in might suggest recording the details of the accident, emergency room visits, other doctors’ appointments, any received bills, recommended treatment plans, meetings with attorneys, settlement negotiations, etc. Some personal injury cases can take years to complete. Having a written record can help serve as a reference in your claim.
5. Avoid Public Statements & Conversations About Your Case. Any recorded statement or social media post may be used against you by opposing counsel. The only person you should discuss your case with is an attorney.
6. Hire an Uber accident attorney Phoenix, AZ Endorses. Don’t attempt to handle the case on your own. Insurance companies have teams of experienced adjusters, investigators, and lawyers trying to settle your case for as little money as possible. Experience personal injury attorneys, on the other hand, know the ins and outs of the personal injury legal system. If you hire legal representation, you are more likely to receive a higher settlement than if you attempt to handle the case on your own.

It’s All Still New

The truth is, the insurance rules and policies behind third-party contractors driving for Uber are still in flux. It is expected that as the ridesharing industry continues to grow, we will see more rules regulating the insurance coverage and liability.

If you’ve been hurt in an Uber accident, you may be entitled to compensation for your injuries. If you’re in need of an Uber accident attorney Phoenix, AZ confides in, call Kamper Estrada, LLP for a free initial consultation.