Rideshare services like Uber have become one of the most popular forms of transportation in many cities. People prefer Uber to other forms of public transportation or hunting to find a parking space for their vehicle. The companies also allow individuals to earn money by using their personal vehicle to provide rides to the public. However, being a driver or passenger in a rideshare arrangement does have its risks. Below we discuss a few of those risks and how our Houston personal injury can help if you are injured in a rideshare accident.
What is Uber?
Uber is not a taxi company or private car service. Uber is a ride “referral” app that you can download and use on your smartphone. The app connects passengers with independent drivers through the GPS on your cell phone. It is basically a social network for drivers and passengers.
Passengers place an “order” for a ride, and the app matches the passenger with drivers in the area. Payments for rides are processed through the app by Uber from the credit card the passenger added when he or she created the Uber account. Uber takes a cut of the fare and deposits the remaining funds into the driver’s account.
General Risks of Being a Driver for Uber
Uber offers people with a car a way to make some extra money. However, there are some risks for Uber drivers. One of the main risks is safety. You cannot be sure who you are picking up when you accept a fare. In addition, you face financial risks when driving for Uber. You are not an employee of the company; therefore, if a passenger files a lawsuit, you could be held personally liable.
For accepting the safety and liability risks, you may earn a small amount after Uber deducts its 20 percent charge. You are responsible for your gas, insurance, and maintenance charges which could be costly when compared to the income you generate from fares.
General Risks of Being an Uber Passenger
Uber passengers have the same safety risks as drivers. You never know if the driver is a safe, qualified driver or if the company conducted a thorough background check. While Uber does claim to run background checks, you have no guarantee the checks are thorough. In addition, some passengers have had issues filing claims for injuries and damages. Because drivers are not employees of Uber, the company denies liability for the actions of its drivers.
Liability in Uber Accidents
Because of the issues regarding liability for damages in accidents involving an Uber driver, Uber now covers its drivers with $1 million of liability insurance coverage. The coverage does not apply when the driver is waiting for a fare. However, once the driver accepts a passenger and is in route to pick up the passenger, the liability insurance coverage begins. The coverage continues throughout the ride until the passenger exits the vehicle. Drivers may want to consider rideshare insurance to cover gaps in Uber’s insurance coverage because most private automobile insurance policies exclude coverage for rideshare claims.
As with any accident, you must identify who caused the accident to determine who is liable for damages. If another driver caused the crash, the Uber driver and passenger might have a claim against that driver. In a case in which an Uber driver causes a crash, the passenger has a claim against the Uber driver. The Uber driver may have some coverage under the Uber insurance policy and a private rideshare insurance policy.
Filing an insurance claim for an Uber accident can be complicated. Also, you must follow-up with the insurance company to keep the claim moving through the system. The insurance provider may attempt to undervalue or unfairly delay the claim, as with any other accident claim.
Because you are dealing with an insurance company and you have issues that are unique to Uber accidents, it is wise to consult a Houston Uber accident attorney as soon as possible. An attorney can help you investigate the accident, identify liable parties, determine all potential insurance coverage, and file your claim. In addition, your attorney will protect your best interests throughout the process.
What Should You Do After an Uber Accident?
Regardless of whether you are the driver or the passenger, try to remain calm. Contact 911 to report the crash and request emergency medical services if necessary. If possible, take photographs of the vehicles and the accident scene. As with any other vehicle accident, you want to document as much information at the accident scene as possible. You can also use the voice recorder or video on your cell phone to take voice notes and document damage.
After seeking medical care, we urge you to contact our office for a free consultation with an attorney. Uber accidents can involve complex legal issues that can negatively impact your claim and your ability to recover full compensation for damages. We believe anyone injured in an accident caused by the reckless or negligent acts of another party deserve to be compensated for all damages, including medical bills, property damage, lost income, emotional distress, and physical pain.
Houston Uber Accident Attorneys
Our law firm represents Uber drivers and Uber passengers to help them file accident claims to receive compensation for injuries, losses, and damages.
For a free consultation with one of our Houston injury attorneys, contact Weycer Law Firm 24/7 by calling (713) 668-4545 or using the chat feature on our website.