How Do I Get Compensation After an Uber Accident?
Our Tampa lawyers can fight to protect your rights if you’ve been injured
Ridesharing services such as Uber have revolutionized transportation. However, collisions involving Uber vehicles are becoming more common as the platform grows in popularity. If you’ve been injured in an Uber accident, you might feel overwhelmed trying to figure out who is responsible and how to get compensated.
The process can seem complicated because multiple parties may share fault, whether it’s the Uber driver, another motorist, or even Uber itself. Understanding your rights and the steps to take after a crash can make a big difference in the compensation you receive.
Who is typically at fault in an Uber accident?
In Uber accidents, multiple parties could be at fault. The Uber driver may have acted negligently by driving distracted or fatigued. Another driver might have caused a crash through aggressive or impaired driving.
To prove negligence, you must show that the at-fault party owed a duty of care, failed to meet that duty, and caused your injuries. For example, all drivers have a duty to obey traffic laws and operate their vehicles safely. If an Uber driver ran a red light and caused a crash, their failure to follow the law makes them negligent.
Establishing negligence requires evidence, such as police reports, witness statements, or surveillance camera footage. An experienced Tampa Uber accident lawyer can help investigate your crash and identify who bears responsibility.
Understanding negligence lays the foundation for building a strong case. Without proving fault, recovering compensation for medical bills, lost income, or other damages becomes much more difficult.
Is it negligence if Uber fails to adhere to safety guidelines?
If Uber fails to follow safety guidelines, it can constitute negligence, depending on the circumstances. Uber has a responsibility to ensure its drivers and vehicles meet certain safety standards to protect passengers, pedestrians, and other drivers.
For example, Uber must perform background checks on drivers and confirm they have valid licenses, clean driving records, and no criminal history. If Uber neglects these checks and a dangerous driver causes a collision, the company could share responsibility for the harm.
Similarly, Uber requires vehicles to meet specific maintenance standards. If a poorly maintained vehicle causes a crash, and Uber fails to enforce its guidelines, the company may be considered negligent.
Do I have a claim after an Uber accident?
If you’ve been in an Uber accident, determining whether you have a claim depends on several factors. First, assess your injuries. Even minor injuries can justify a claim if they result in medical bills, lost income, or pain and suffering. Next, consider who was at fault. Was the Uber driver negligent, or did another driver cause the crash? Fault determines who is responsible for covering damages.
Your role in the Uber crash also matters. Were you a passenger in the Uber? Passengers are rarely at fault, making it easier to pursue a claim. If you were driving another vehicle, walking as a pedestrian, or biking, your ability to file a claim depends on the same principles of negligence and fault.
What steps should I take after an Uber accident?
Taking the right steps after an Uber collision strengthens your claim. Follow these steps to protect your rights and ensure you have a strong claim:
- Gather evidence at the crash scene: Take photos of the vehicles involved, road conditions, traffic signs, and any visible injuries.
- Exchange contact and insurance information: Get the names and numbers of the drivers, other parties involved, and any witnesses.
- Call the police: Contact the police right away and wait for an officer to arrive. Request a police report to document the official details of the Uber accident.
- Seek immediate medical attention: Even if you feel fine, visit a doctor to check for hidden injuries. Keep all medical records, bills, prescriptions, and appointment logs.
- Report the accident to Uber: Use the app or contact Uber’s support to notify them of the crash.
- Report the crash to your insurance company: If you were involved in a vehicle collision with an Uber, you’ll need to report it to your insurance provider to begin your claim. Stick only to the basic facts and don’t discuss fault or blame.
- Keep detailed records of damages: Document all expenses, missed workdays, and communications with insurers.
- Speak to an attorney: To ensure you have a strong case and your compensation covers the full extent of your damages, get help from a skilled Tampa attorney with experience handling Uber accidents.
Who pays for my damages after an Uber accident?
In Florida, determining who pays for your damages after an Uber accident depends on whether the driver was actively using the app and the specific circumstances of the crash. Uber provides insurance coverage in tiers based on the driver’s status in the app at the time of the accident. Here’s a breakdown of how it works:
- Driver Not Logged into the Uber App
If the Uber driver wasn’t logged into the app, they are considered off-duty. In this case, Uber’s insurance does not apply. Any damages or injuries caused by the driver must be covered by their personal auto insurance policy. Florida requires all drivers to carry a minimum of:
- $10,000 in Personal Injury Protection (PIP) coverage
- $10,000 in Property Damage Liability (PDL) coverage
- Driver Logged into the App but Waiting for a Ride Request
If the driver is logged into the app and available to accept rides but hasn’t yet picked up a passenger, Uber provides limited insurance coverage:
- Liability coverage: $50,000 per person for bodily injury, $100,000 per accident for bodily injury, and $25,000 for property damage.
- No collision or comprehensive coverage: Only the driver’s personal insurance policy applies for damage to their vehicle.
- Driver En Route to Pick Up a Passenger
Once a driver accepts a ride and is on their way to pick up a passenger, Uber’s insurance coverage increases significantly:
- Liability coverage: Up to $1 million.
- Uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage: This applies if another at-fault driver lacks adequate insurance.
- Collision coverage: Available for the driver’s vehicle, but only if they carry comprehensive and collision coverage on their personal policy.
- Driver Transporting a Passenger
When a passenger is in the vehicle, Uber’s insurance policy remains at its highest level:
- Liability coverage: Up to $1 million for injuries and property damage.
- Uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage: Protects against accidents caused by drivers with insufficient or no insurance.
- Collision coverage: This applies to vehicle damage if the driver has their own collision coverage.
What is the average award or settlement for an Uber accident claim?
The settlement or award you might receive after an Uber accident depends on the severity of your injuries, the impact your injuries have on your life, and any property damage or loss you suffered because of the crash. For example, if you suffered whiplash, your settlement may range from $10,000 to $50,000.
In cases involving severe injuries (such as broken bones, head trauma, or permanent disabilities) compensation often exceeds $100,000, especially if extensive medical treatment and long-term care are necessary.
Lost wages and your ability to return to work also influence the settlement amount. If your Uber collision temporarily or permanently limits your earning capacity, the compensation could increase significantly. Additionally, damages for pain and suffering or emotional distress often increase your overall compensation.
Initially, there’s no set dollar amount. However, an experienced Tampa Uber accident lawyer can add up all your eligible current and future damages to determine how much your case is worth. This can take time, and you may need to wait until you reach maximum medical improvement before determining how much money you’re entitled to.
Get the maximum compensation you deserve for your Uber crash damages
If you were hurt in a crash involving an Uber vehicle, you don’t have to navigate the aftermath alone. At Armando Personal Injury Law, we fight for injured passengers, drivers, and pedestrians to help them secure the compensation they deserve.
We know how to build strong cases and hold insurance companies accountable, so you can focus on recovery instead of legal battles. Our case results include a $900,000 settlement for a not-at-fault rideshare driver who was hurt in a crash and needed surgery.
You don’t need money upfront to get started with us. We work on a contingency fee basis, which means you pay nothing unless we win your case. Plus, we offer a free consultation, where you can expect a thorough discussion about your Uber accident, an honest evaluation of your case, and a clear explanation of your legal options. Contact us online or call today for your free consultation and take the first step toward the justice you deserve.
“Armando represented me and wife in a car accident. He was responsive, available and his staff is great! We settled the case and I was thrilled with the outcome! I recommend Armando Edmiston If you get into a car accident! Thank you Armando!”
– HS
⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐
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