Uber makes getting around conveniently look like child's play. Uber accident claims, however, are anything but easy. Living in the age of COVID-19 rocked Uber's presence on the scene a bit. Still, now – as long as you and your driver don a mask for every ride – Uber is back in action and ready to ferry you wherever you need to go. Uber accidents do happen, and when they do, the claims tend to be quite complicated. Let's take a closer look.
Driving for Uber Comes Replete with Complications
Safely driving requires one's complete attention. Driving while distracted drastically increases the odds of a life-threatening accident happening. Driving for Uber, however, comes with distractions built into the process, including:
Uber drivers sometimes interact with the Uber app while they navigate through traffic.
Uber drivers are required to search out and find their fares via a small picture or destination provided on their Uber app.
Uber drivers have to make frequent stops and starts – often in areas unfamiliar to them.
Even though Uber drivers tend to rely upon the gig as a means of making a living, they are not professional drivers, and they need no special experience, skill, or license to drive for Uber. Ultimately, Uber drivers are not Uber employees but are instead freelance drivers for Uber, which helps the company sidestep some of the liability involved.
Uber Accidents and Insurance
If you have been injured in an Uber accident, you are likely at a loss regarding whose insurance is at play, and that is completely understandable – it is fairly complicated. Consider the following scenarios:
If you are injured while you are an Uber passenger, Uber's insurance will cover your damages if the Uber driver is at fault.
If you are injured in an Uber accident in which you are not in the Uber and in which the Uber driver has a fare or is on the way to pick up a fare, Uber's insurance is responsible for covering your losses.
If you are injured in an Uber accident in which the Uber driver has no passengers and is not en route to pick up anyone, the Uber driver's insurance will pick up where Uber's ends (in relation to your damages).
If an Uber driver leaves you injured in an accident but is not on the app at the time, your claim will proceed through the driver's personal insurance (just as it would in any other car accident).
A myriad of factors complicates uber accident claims, and they tend to require careful legal attention.
Seek the Legal Counsel of an Experienced Killeen Personal Injury Attorney Today
Attorney Brett Pritchard at the Law Office of Brett H. Pritchard proudly serves Killeen, Texas. He is committed to applying the full force of his expansive experience, skills, and resources to help you recover fully on your damages. Your case is important, so please do not hesitate to contact us online or call us at (254) 781-4222 to learn more today.