Uber accidents can be more complicated than ordinary car accidents because the insurance available may depend on what the rideshare driver was doing at the time of the collision.
The driver’s status in the Uber application can affect which insurance coverage applies.
The Driver’s App Status Matters
There are several potential situations.
The driver may not be logged into the application. The driver may be logged in and waiting for a ride request. The driver may be on the way to pick up a passenger. Or the driver may already have a passenger.
The available insurance can differ depending on that status.
Ponton Law’s existing Uber and Lyft content similarly explains that rideshare claims involve a tiered insurance structure tied to the driver’s status.
Passengers Are Not the Only Potential Victims
An Uber accident can injure:
- Uber passengers
- Occupants of another vehicle
- Pedestrians
- Cyclists
- Motorcyclists
The insurance issues can differ depending on who was injured and how the collision occurred.
The At-Fault Driver May Be Another Motorist
Not every Uber crash is caused by the Uber driver.
For example, an Uber passenger could be injured when another motorist runs a red light and strikes the rideshare vehicle.
In that situation, the investigation must focus on the other driver’s conduct while also determining what insurance coverage may apply.
Serious Injuries Can Complicate the Claim
A catastrophic injury may require extensive medical treatment.
If a victim suffers a brain injury, spinal injury, or permanent disability, the claim may involve future medical care and lost earning capacity.
This makes it important to determine all potentially applicable sources of insurance coverage.
Preserve the Accident Evidence
Important evidence may include:
- The Uber trip information
- App status
- Driver information
- Police report
- Medical records
- Vehicle damage
- Witness statements
- Photographs
- Video footage
- Insurance information
A rideshare accident can involve evidence from both the roadway and the rideshare platform.
Why Legal Guidance Can Matter
Ponton Law represents people injured in serious motor-vehicle accidents throughout Georgia and specifically addresses rideshare accidents as part of its practice.
If you were injured in an Uber accident, determining who was responsible is only part of the process. Understanding which insurance policies may apply can be equally important.