Knowing how to file an Uber accident claim after you were involved in a rideshare accident will help ensure compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, and property damages. This guide has one goal: to help such victims act in their best interest when Uber or Lyft accident occurs and to take steps that will result in their best interest.
Steps to File an Uber Accident Claim
Knowing how to file an Uber accident claim is an integral part of getting compensated for your medical expenses, lost wages, and property damages in case you happen to have been in an Uber accident. Herein, whether you are a passenger, driver, or another party involved in the accident, comes guidance on how to handle the process for filing a claim due to such an accident with Uber.
1. Notify Uber and Police Immediately
Every Uber accident claim starts with informing Uber through the Uber application and making a police report. While Uber will have the claim reviewed through their insurance claim process, obtaining an official police report will help strengthen your case, especially if there is a car accident in which liability might be disputed.
2. Gather Information from All Parties Involved
After the accident, gather information from the Uber driver, other parties involved in the accident, and any eyewitnesses. Gather personal insurance information from the Uber driver and document the on-app status of the driver at the time of the incident because that will determine what kind of insurance coverage is involved.
How to File an Uber Accident Claim? 2
3. Understand How Uber’s Insurance Coverage Works
Because Uber drivers are independent contractors, their insurance coverage depends upon the status of the Uber driver. This means the driver was either off the app, between trips, or the driver was providing rideshare services. In this case, Uber’s insurance claims process would apply, including liability coverage, bodily injury and property damage limits.
4. Go to the Hospital and Document Your Injuries
Even if you feel fine immediately after the accident, it’s very important to seek immediate medical attention. Serious injuries can surface much later, and medical expenses, disability payments, and personal injury protection will play a large part in your Uber accident claim.
5. Filing an Insurance Claim
Depending on whether an accident occurred and the status of the driver’s app, you would file a claim either with Uber’s insurance company or the driver’s personal auto insurance. While Uber offers comprehensive coverage and collision coverage, there is also the possibility that personal insurance policies will come into play. Make sure you know which coverage applies in your case.
6. Consult an Experienced Uber Accident Lawyer
Working with an experienced Uber accident lawyer will ensure that the maximum compensation is received. Be it due to the negligence of Uber, the driver, or another party, legal assistance will help navigate through the complexities of the claim process, especially in the case of serious injuries or lost wages.
7. Get Informed on Survivor Benefits and Additional Coverage
The most tragic outcome of an Uber-related accident is death. The closest relative in those cases would be entitled to survivor benefits. In such cases, contingent comprehensive coverage may be available under Uber’s insurance policies, and an attorney can help you get that additional coverage or compensation.
Uber Insurance Coverage
Uber accidents differ from regular car accidents because of the unique insurance policies Uber provides. Uber drivers are independent contractors, which means that different coverage applies depending on the Uber driver’s status during the accident. Here’s a breakdown of Uber’s insurance coverage:
a. Uber Driver Off the App
When the Uber app is off, the driver’s personal auto insurance policy applies. In this case, Uber’s insurance does not provide any coverage.
b. Uber Driver Waiting for a Ride Request
When the Uber app is on, but the driver has not accepted a ride request, Uber provides liability coverage for bodily injury and property damage:
- $50,000 per person for bodily injury
- $100,000 per accident for bodily injury
- $25,000 per accident for property damage
The driver’s personal insurance also applies during this period if it includes coverage for rideshare services.
c. Uber Driver En Route to Pick Up or Transporting Passengers
Once the Uber driver accepts a ride request and is en route to pick up or actively transporting a passenger, Uber’s insurance coverage includes:
- Liability coverage up to $1 million
- Uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage in case the accident was caused by another party with insufficient insurance
- Comprehensive and collision coverage (if the driver carries these coverages on their personal auto insurance)
If you’re involved in an Uber accident during this phase, you’ll be dealing with Uber’s insurance company for your accident claim. You can learn more about how insurance works for rideshare services on the California Department of Insurance website.
How Can Bojat Law Group Help with Your Uber Accident Claim?
At Bojat Law Group we know how to handle the complexity presented by an Uber and Lyft accident claim. Our team of experienced Uber Lyft lawyer Los Angeles is committed to guiding injured accident victims through the legal process in retrieving the compensation that rightfully belongs to them. You want to know how we can help you with your Uber acccident claim? Here is a list:
Comprehensive Case Evaluation: We will be able to reassess your case to determine liability and all parties, whether it be the rideshare company, the driver, or another at-fault party.
Insurance Policies Made Easy: We know that Uber and Lyft have confusing policies, but you have nothing to worry about because we have experts who will ensure that you get all the compensation available under their insurance or through the driver’s own personal auto insurance policy.
Maximum Recovery for Your Damages: Our attorneys will fight vigorously for damages for medical expenses, lost wages, property damage, and pain and suffering. We reassure you that additional covers like survivor benefits shall be pursued where applicable.
Filing of Uber or Lyft Claim: We take care of everything which relates to marshalling evidence in the case, negotiating with the carrier of the insurance, meeting deadlines, and filing suit if need be.
Personalized Attention to Your Legal Needs: No case is different, and we let attention to detail ensure that your legal needs are catered to for the life of your case.
In case you have been involved in a rideshare accident, an Uber Lyft lawyer Los Angeles from Bojat Law Group will give you the much-needed legal assistance needed to maximize your claim.
