Ride-sharing apps have made it easier than ever to get around town. Affordable, convenient, and easy to use, these apps have forever changed the way Americans travel. As the industry expands, though, more and more Uber drivers are involved in accidents. Insurance companies may cover costs associated with vehicle repairs, but they’re often reluctant to provide adequate compensation for injured passengers.
Because the laws surrounding ride-sharing apps are still being written, the legal fallout of these accidents can be challenging. Only experienced car accident lawyers with in-depth knowledge of the complex laws relating to ride-sharing collisions can properly represent victims. Without the expertise of an Uber car accident lawyer, you could be taken for a ride.
What All Uber Passengers Need to Know
Uber is a multi-billion dollar company. They’ve dedicated endless streams of cash to protect their revenue and business model. They ensure each of their drivers carry at least $1 million in both liability and uninsured motorist insurance coverage. This is a big step up from the $15,000 in coverage that the average driver typically holds.
This comprehensive insurance coverage means there’s no shortage of available compensation when an accident occurs. Passengers injured in Uber accidents through no fault of their own may even be entitled to more complete compensation than average. In order to get the most compensation possible, though, you may need an Uber accident attorney who thoroughly understands your legal situation.
The Three Uber Ride-share Periods
You might not know it as a passenger, but there are three distinct periods that comprise every Uber ride. These periods help insurance companies determine eligibility for accident coverage. Your compensation depends largely upon which period you were in when the accident happened.
- Period One – This period consists of the time when a driver is online and waiting for requests on the app. Limited liability insurance coverage is available during this period, so drivers must have their own personal insurance to cover damages incurred at this point in the ride.
- Period Two – The second period begins after a driver has accepted a ride and is en route to pick up the passenger. The $1 million in total liability coverage kicks in at this point. Things get tricky when accidents occur during this period. To recoup costs from an accident claim during period two, drivers must provide proof that the passenger was indeed in their vehicle when the collision happened. Without proof, Uber will try to absolve themselves of liability, claiming only the driver was in the vehicle at the time of the wreck.
- Period Three – This is the most active portion of the Uber ride. As soon as a passenger is seated in the vehicle, period three begins. Considered the easiest period to recover compensation for, the presence of the passenger makes insurance claims hard to deny. Coverage in this period is the same as period two.
While these three periods may seem totally separate from one another, the lines can become blurred very easily. A Virginia Uber car accident lawyer can help you understand which period you were in at the time of your crash and help you recover an appropriate settlement.
After an Uber Car Accident Occurs
The aftermath of a collision is always overwhelming, but when you’re an Uber passenger, a crash can make you feel especially powerless. Ride-share accident victims often don’t know who to turn to for advice or guidance on their first steps after a wreck. A Virginia Uber car accident lawyer can provide much-needed support in the wake of an accident, giving you experienced insight as to how to handle your insurance claim.
As with any car accident, make sure your first call is to the police. If your driver has not already done so, report the accident to authorities so there is an official record of the incident. Next, seek medical treatment for any injuries you sustained. You’ll want to have documentation of your injuries for your insurance claim. Be sure to photograph any damages you sustained in the wreck.
Many victims mistakenly believe that Uber will automatically take care of their medical bills and damages after a crash. Corporations will always put profits over people, and Uber is no different. If you don’t actively work to advocate for yourself, you may be stuck footing the bill for your expensive healthcare costs.
Recovering Compensation After an Uber Accident
Recouping the costs of your medical bills and other damages can be an uphill battle. Should Uber find fault in your claim, they may refuse to pay for any of your costs altogether. In such cases, you’ll want to find an experienced Virginia Uber car accident lawyer to help advocate on your behalf. With an expert on your side, you’ll up your bargaining power and get Uber to take you more seriously.
An attorney can help ensure your medical costs associated with the crash are covered. They can also get compensation for any repair work your car might require. Even the pain and suffering you endured because of the collision can be factored into your compensation package. Negotiating the maximum possible settlement is the goal of any good Virginia Uber car accident lawyer.
Virginia Uber Car Accident Lawyer
Virginia Uber car accident lawyers don’t charge fees upfront. In fact, our firm offers free confidential consultations for victims involved in ride-sharing accidents. You won’t pay a dime unless we recover compensation for you. Having an experienced, knowledgeable Uber car accident lawyer on your side can give you the advantage you need to hold negligent driver responsible.
Schedule your Uber accident lawyer consultation today. There’s nothing to lose and everything to gain – why not explore your options and protect yourself?
