If you were a passenger in a rideshare accident, you probably want to know who will compensate you for your injuries. Will it be the rideshare company or its driver? In most cases, the answer is yes. Because you were just sitting in the rideshare car minding your own business, you have a strong claim. Since you weren’t at fault for anything that occurred, you only have to prove that the rideshare accident happened and that it injured you.
Key Takeaways
What Happens When an Uber Passenger Gets in a Car Accident?
Rideshare accidents involve layers of insurance coverage that don’t always work the way you’d expect. Here’s what to know.
- Coverage Depends on the App’s Status:
Uber’s insurance generally applies when the driver caused the accident while the app was active for your ride. - Coverage Amounts Vary by Phase:
Active rides can be covered up to $1 million, while waiting-for-request coverage is more limited. - Other Drivers’ Insurance May Apply:
If another driver caused the accident, their insurance is typically the first place to look. - Suing Uber Directly Is Difficult:
Direct claims against Uber are limited due to its independent contractor model, though exceptions exist.
Who Can I Collect Damages From?
So what happens when an Uber passenger gets in a car accident? When an Uber accident injures a rideshare passenger, that passenger must be able to show someone else was at fault to collect compensation for their damages. That means the damages they receive will hinge on who caused the accident: the Uber driver or another driver.
GET HELP HERE
If the Uber Driver Is At Fault
Uber requires rideshare drivers to carry personal car insurance. However, personal car insurance policies don’t usually cover drivers transporting passengers for a fee. For this reason, Uber also provides additional insurance coverage when drivers are using their Uber apps.
According to Uber, as of 2022, if you were injured by a rideshare driver waiting for a ride request, Uber will cover up to $100,000 in bodily injury per accident (up to a maximum of $50,000 per person) and $25,000 for property damage. If you were injured by a rideshare driver when the driver was picking up passengers or injured during your ride, Uber would provide up to one million dollars in third-party liability coverage. In Mississippi, if your Uber driver is responsible for your injuries, you can file a claim against Uber’s insurance. However, if you were injured by a Uber driver who wasn’t using the Uber app at the time of the accident, you’re limited to filing a claim with the driver’s personal car insurance.
If the Other Driver Is At Fault
The driver who caused the car accident injury is typically liable for paying an injury victim’s accident-related expenses. If you are a passenger in a rideshare car and break your leg when a delivery truck hits it, you would file a claim with the truck driver’s insurance company. However, if that truck driver is uninsured, the situation is more complex and may require an attorney’s intervention.
In some cases, securing compensation may involve multiple claims against multiple policies. For this reason, it’s essential to consult an experienced attorney who can review your accident and explain all your legal options.
We’re Here to Help
Injured as a Rideshare Passenger? You Have Options
Being hurt in an Uber can leave you wondering who’s actually responsible, the driver, another driver, or Uber itself. Our team at Harris Law Firm will help you sort through the coverage that applies to your accident and pursue the compensation you deserve.
Filing a Lawsuit Against Uber Directly
Uber classifies rideshare drivers as independent contractors, not employees. This means holding Uber responsible for a driver’s actions can be tricky, and directly suing Uber will be difficult. However, you might have a potential lawsuit against Uber if:
- Your rideshare driver sexually assaulted you;
- Your damages exceed your rideshare driver’s policy limits; or
- You believe Uber acted carelessly in hiring, training, or retaining the rideshare driver who harmed you.
It’s always best to discuss your case with an experienced attorney. While you might not be able to sue Uber directly, an attorney can still help you collect the maximum compensation you’re entitled to. An attorney can also answer your insurance coverage and liability questions and help you determine your best course of action.
Ready to Speak to a Mississippi Auto Accident Attorney?
If you recently been involved in a car accident and have suffered injuries, you shouldn’t face it alone. We want to hear from you, simply fill out the form below and we will contact you to set up a consultation. We just need some brief information:
What Damages May I Recover in an Uber Car Accident?
Damages for injuries sustained as a passenger in a rideshare accident may include:
- Past and future medical fees, including hospital, rehabilitation, and disability expenses;
- Past and future physical pain and suffering, mental anguish, and physical impairment damages;
- Economic losses, including lost wages, salary, or income; and
- Future financial losses due to long-term disability and permanently diminished earning capacity.
After your accident, you’ll likely receive a call from an insurance agent working for Uber. But before allowing them to make or record any statements, it’s a good idea to speak to a knowledgeable Mississippi personal injury lawyer. Agreeing to settle your Uber claim before discussing your case with a lawyer can significantly affect the settlement amount the insurance company offers you.
Don’t Face the Insurance Company Alone
Rideshare Claims Are More Complicated Than They Look
Between Uber’s insurance, the driver’s personal policy, and any other drivers involved, figuring out who pays can get complicated fast. Let our team sort out the coverage and fight for your medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
Let Us Help Handle Your Rideshare Accident Claim
Harris Law Firm, PLLC, has sought justice for our clients since 1981. We will work tirelessly to investigate your accident and preserve your claim. Our experienced Mississippi car accident attorneys know how to navigate Uber’s insurance, and we will fight to secure your maximum compensation. Contact us today to schedule a free case review.
Common Questions
Uber Passenger Accidents in Mississippi: FAQs
If you’re asking what happens when an Uber passenger gets in a car accident, these are the questions we hear most often.
It depends on who was at fault and whether the Uber driver’s app was active. If the Uber driver caused the accident while giving you a ride, Uber’s insurance generally applies. If another driver caused the accident, you’d typically file against that driver’s insurance instead.
According to Uber’s published policy, coverage during an active ride can provide up to $1 million in third-party liability coverage. While the driver is waiting for a ride request, coverage is generally lower, around $100,000 in bodily injury per accident, up to $50,000 per person, plus $25,000 for property damage.
It’s difficult, since Uber classifies its drivers as independent contractors rather than employees. However, a direct claim against Uber may be possible in certain situations, such as negligent hiring, training, or retention of a driver, or if damages exceed the available insurance coverage.
It’s best to speak with an attorney first. Insurance adjusters, including Uber’s, may try to minimize what they pay, and rideshare accidents often involve multiple layers of insurance that can be confusing to navigate without help.
RATE THIS POST
Loading...