What Happens if an Uber Driver Hits Me?
Rideshare vehicles are incredibly common around Sacramento. Uber is one of the most popular rideshare services there is, but there are times when Uber drivers cause accidents. What happens if an Uber driver strikes another vehicle, individual, or bicyclist with their car?
Here, we want to examine the process of recovering compensation after an accident involving an Uber vehicle, including whether or not you will need a Sacramento rideshare accident attorney for assistance with your claim.
Causes of Uber Accidents
Uber drivers are just like the rest of us. They have a traditional driver’s license and do not have to go through any kind of specialized training. These are individuals using their personal vehicles to shuttle passengers from point A to point B, and, for the most part, rideshare services are safe.
However, there are various causes of Uber accidents in and around our area of California. Some of the most common reasons for these incidents include the Uber driver:
- Failing to stop at stop signs or stop lights
- Operating while distracted by phones or other devices
- Speeding or driving too fast for conditions
- Following other vehicles too closely
- Operating while impaired by alcohol or drugs
- Failing to yield the right of way
Types of Insurance Involved in Uber Accidents
Regardless of why an incident occurs, you need to know what to do if you are hit by an Uber driver. Specifically, you need to know if compensation is available. The good news is that, yes, individuals typically can recover compensation if they are struck by an Uber driver. However, the process can be confusing due to the multiple levels of insurance:
Uber Driver Off-Duty
If an Uber driver is off duty and they cause a crash, meaning they do not have the Uber app to make themselves available for a fare, then the Uber driver’s personal auto insurance will be responsible for paying compensation to others harmed in the incident.
Uber Driver on Duty, No Passenger
If an Uber driver is signed into the app to work but does not yet have a fair when they cause an accident, then the first route towards recovering compensation is still the driver’s personal auto insurance carrier. In the event the personal carrier insurance limitations are exhausted, Uber has a supplemental policy that will cover the additional expenses.
Uber Driver with a Fare
In the event an Uber driver has a passenger or is on the way to pick one up, Uber has a $1 million liability insurance policy in place to cover any party affected in the incident.
Do You Need an Attorney?
We absolutely recommend having an attorney if you or a loved one have been harmed due to the actions of an Uber driver. A skilled car accident attorney in Sacramento can walk you through the entire process. They will begin by investigating your claim and determining liability. Your lawyer will handle all communication with other parties, including complex negotiations with the insurance carriers involved.
Your lawyer will work to help recover compensation for your medical expenses arising due to the incident, as well as any lost wages or out-of-pocket expenses that arise due to the incident. If you have property damage caused by the Uber vehicle accident, this will also be included in compensation settlements.