Uber is famous for revolutionizing how people get around. When pushing for permission to operate in cities in New Jersey and across the country, the company argued that their services would reduce road fatalities caused by DWI and other causes. However, recent studies show that this is yet to be proven with more people getting injured in Uber accidents.
If you have been injured in an Uber accident, contact an experienced Weehawken Uber Accident Lawyer today.
Uber’s $1 Million Insurance Policy
When a 6-year-old girl was killed in an Uber accident in San Francisco some years back, Uber initially denied liability for the accident. It later announced a $1 million insurance policy for its drivers that only applies in some instances, such as when the Uber app is on, or a driver is carrying a passenger.
Here are some circumstances within which Uber provides coverage:
- Unavailable driver – Uber does not cover a driver if they have their app off, are unavailable to accept passengers, or are using the vehicle to run personal errands. If they get into an accident, their insurance policy covers any damages.
- Available driver without a passenger – When the Uber app is on, and the driver is available to accept passengers but doesn’t have one yet, their policy is the primary coverage. Uber may provide additional coverage of $50,000 bodily injury per injury to a maximum of $100,000 per accident.
- Available driver with a passenger – The $1 million Uber policy covers a driver en route with a passenger.
- Uninsured/underinsured driver – When an accident is caused by an insured driver, Uber provides a $1 million UIM coverage.
The fact that Uber provides insurance coverage for its drivers doesn’t mean that it always pays out insurance claims. You can expect some pushback, and denials, in some cases.
Liability Issues in Uber Claims
Ridesharing companies provide much the same services as taxi and limousine services, but with distinct differences in liability. If you get injured in a taxi, the company that owns, maintains, and insures the car is automatically liable for your injury-related losses. Uber accidents, on the other hand, pose a challenge as several parties may be held responsible for an accident.
Potentially liable parties in an Uber accident include:
- Uber – Before the introduction of the Uber $1 million policy, the company had denied a claim from a case where a 6-year old girl died in an Uber accident. They argued that Uber drivers are independent contractors and not employees of the company. This goes to show that, while Uber may cover your losses, it is not always automatic.
- The Uber Driver – If the Uber driver was negligent, their insurer may pay out your claim if the Uber driver has commercial auto insurance, but not if they have personal auto insurance.
- Another Driver – For accidents not caused by the Uber driver, you may file a claim with the at-fault party’s insurer for damages.
Talk to a Weehawken Uber Accident Lawyer
Weehawken, a township in the northern part of Hudson County, has a population of 12,554 as per the 2010 census. Many of these residents are turning to rideshare transportation services like Uber for their daily commute. However, not everyone understands how liability works in the event of an accident.
Weehawken Uber Accident Lawyer, Anthony Carbone, has extensive experience handling rideshare liability claims. If you have been injured in an Uber accident in Weehawken, contact him online today or at 201-733-2230 to discuss your legal right to pursue compensation.
