More and more young adults are choosing Uber rideshare services because of convenience and low fare rates. Like any form of transportation, Uber drivers are also susceptible to causing tragic accidents and injuries. Victims of these accidents, however, face difficulties receiving fair compensation due to Uber’s convoluted insurance coverage policies.
In order to protect yourself, our auto accident attorneys want motorists and pedestrians to be aware of Uber’s coverage limits.
“There are many complexities involving the insurance coverage of Uber drivers that put injured victims at a possible disadvantage,” Mike Wyatt explains, auto accident attorney. “This is because Uber drivers are not classified as ‘employees.’ They are technically independent contractors, or third-party service providers.”
When off duty, drivers for Uber are covered by their own individual auto insurance. While they are on duty and not carrying a passenger, then they are additionally covered by Uber’s contingent liability coverage. However, this can put victims at a disadvantage. Depending on the state and the carrier chosen by Uber, this only pays up to their coverage limit for any injury or property damage.
“Ultimately, this coverage puts a limit on your emotional and physical suffering,” explains Mike. “If you are a passenger in the Uber car and the Uber driver causes an accident that results in your injury, then your claim against the company cannot exceed their coverage limit. In order to receive fair compensation, a victim would have to seek a claim against the Uber driver whose personal coverage would not cover the extant of the damages.”
Things are just as complex when an Uber driver injures a pedestrian, or motorist/passenger in another vehicle. If the driver is transporting a passenger during the accident, then Uber’s insurance will only cover up to their coverage limit. When there is an accident involving an off-duty Uber driver, or one between fares, then the driver’s individual auto insurance comes into play.
Call our auto accident attorneys today if you have been the victim of an Uber accident. Mann Wyatt Tanksley Injury Attorneys Injury Firm provides the personalized representation and care you deserve!
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