Are Uber Accidents Covered by Insurance?

Rideshare apps like Lyft and Uber offer a convenient transportation option for travelers all over Virginia, but more cars on the roads means an increased likelihood of accidents. In fact, a study from the University of Chicago and Rice University found that rideshare services may be behind a two-to-three percent increase in U.S. traffic deaths since 2011. This makes it all the more important for people to know what to do if they’re involved in an Uber accident.

As an Uber accident lawyer in Buckingham, VA, Herbert E. Maxey, Jr., is fully equipped to help you pursue fair compensation for your injuries if you’re hurt in a crash. Attorney Maxey has more than 40 years of legal experience and has earned an AV Preeminent ranking from Martindale-Hubbell, the highest possible ranking the ratings service offers. Contact our firm today for a free initial consultation.

Uber Accidents and Insurance: The Basics

What type of insurance may apply to an Uber accident depends greatly on the circumstances of the crash. Broadly speaking, insurance coverage may vary depending on the following factors:

Passengers injured while riding in an Uber vehicle

If you’re injured while riding in an Uber vehicle and the Uber driver is at fault for the accident, you can seek compensation for your losses from the insurance coverage provided by Uber. Uber is required to provide at least $1 million in liability coverage when its drivers are engaged in a fare. A driver is said to be engaged in a fare from the moment they accept a ride until the passenger has arrived at their destination.

If another driver is at fault for the crash that injured you, you are generally expected to turn to that driver’s insurance coverage for compensation. However, Uber additionally provides at least $1 million in uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage. So, even if the at-fault driver has insufficient insurance, your losses may still be covered by Uber’s policy.

Drivers hurt in a crash with an Uber vehicle

If you’re driving another vehicle and you’re in a crash with an Uber driver, which insurance will cover your injuries depends on who was at fault and whether the Uber driver was engaged in a fare or not. If the Uber driver was at fault, Uber’s insurance should cover your injuries and losses if the driver had a passenger or was on their way to pick someone up.

If the Uber driver was at fault and logged into the Uber app, but has not accepted a ride, Uber provides contingent liability coverage of $25,000 per person and $50,000 per accident for bodily injury and $20,000 for property damage.

If the Uber driver was at fault but they were not logged into the app, you can turn to the driver’s own insurance policy, which, in Virginia, must also provide a minimum coverage of $25,000 per person, $50,000 per accident, and $20,000 for property damage. If you were at fault, you’ll need to file a claim with your own insurance company to get your injuries covered.

Pedestrians hit by an Uber vehicle

Because Uber drivers tend to operate in crowded urban areas, pedestrian accidents involving Uber vehicles are sadly common. If you’re a pedestrian and you’re hit by an Uber vehicle, Uber’s insurance should cover your injuries if the driver had a fare and was at fault for the accident. If the Uber driver did not have a fare and you were not at fault, the driver’s own insurance should cover your injuries. If you were at fault, you’ll need to turn to your own insurance for your injuries.

Why You Need Help From a Lawyer After an Uber Accident

Accidents involving Uber vehicles are incredibly complex, and given the fact that a substantial amount of compensation could be on the line in these cases, insurance companies will work aggressively to try to minimize their payout.

Furthermore, under Virginia’s contributory negligence doctrine, you can potentially be denied compensation for your injuries if you’re found to be at fault for the accident in any way. An experienced accident attorney can investigate the accident to help you build a case to prove liability and show the full extent of the compensation you deserve.

Contact a Buckingham, VA, Uber Accident Lawyer Today

Uber accident attorney Herbert E. Maxey, Jr., and his team are here to help you through the claims process and get you back on your feet after a crash. Call us at 434-969-4873 or contact us online today for a free initial consultation.