Can I Receive Compensation If I’ve been Involved in a Car Accident While Using Uber?

car accident using uber

Without a doubt, ride-sharing services like Uber have transformed the way we travel. It’s a convenient way to get around a big city without having the hassle of dealing with your car. However, just like any other mode of transportation, there’s a risk of getting involved in an accident.

These types of accidents have their own specific set of rules because you’re not just dealing with a fellow driver, you’re dealing with a company. If you’ve been involved in a crash while using Uber, you might be wondering about your rights and whether you can receive compensation.

Uber’s Insurance Compensation Policy

The company’s insurance policy is designed to cover passengers in the event of an accident. If you’re a passenger and the driver is at fault for the accident, Uber’s insurance policy may cover your injuries and other damages up to a limit of $1 million. They also have uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage that can provide compensation for your injuries if the other driver’s insurance isn’t sufficient to cover your damages.

It’s essential to note that Uber provides different coverages depending on whether you are waiting for a ride request or have already accepted a ride request. As a driver, if you’re at fault for a crash while waiting for a ride request, the coverage is at least $50,000 in injury liability per person, $100,000 in total liability per crash, and $25,000 in property damage liability per crash.

Additionally, if you end route after accepting a ride request, you’re insured for your liability to a third party (at least $1 million), including collision and comprehensive coverage (subject to a $2,500 deductible). Sometimes, the driver’s insurance or that of another involved driver may also be a source of compensation.

However, this depends on the specifics of the coverage policies, state fault determination laws, and the circumstances leading to the accident. It’s worth noting that while some personal car insurance policies may exclude coverage for ride sharing, Uber’s insurance will step in to compensate the passenger if the app records an active trip at the time of the crash.

Legal Considerations

If you’re injured in a car crash, you may have the right to file a personal injury claim or lawsuit to seek compensation for your damages. This can include medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other damages related to the accident. If you decide to file a claim, you have a deadline of at least 2 years and up to 6 years, depending on the state where the incident occurred​​.

The process of settling a claim with Uber can take a few months, primarily depending on disagreements over who is at fault and what the damages are​. Since the process can be complex, it’s usually beneficial to work with a legal professional who is experienced with ride-sharing accidents. An Uber car accident lawyer in Howell Township at Harrell Injury Law could be especially helpful if the incident happened in New Jersey, as they will guide you through the state’s car crash laws.

Conclusion

While you can potentially receive compensation if you’ve been involved in a car crash while using Uber, it’s important to understand what occurs afterward. The compensation can come from various sources. These sources include Uber’s insurance policy, the driver’s personal cover, or through a personal injury claim or lawsuit.

However, every incident is unique, and the specific circumstances of the accident will greatly influence the outcome. It’s important to reach out to a trusted legal team immediately after the accident. You don’t want to miss out on getting the justice you deserve.

Nicole Middleton
Nicole calls herself a typical millennial girl and thrives on her share of social media, celebrity gossip, and all things viral content. She’s a big fan of pop music and plays the guitar as a hobby.