How to Handle Insurance Claims After a Car Accident with Uber?

 

It’s difficult enough to be the driver of a vehicle in an accident. You have to speak with the other driver, exchange insurance information, and potentially file a personal injury claim. As a passenger or driver of a ridesharing platform, the process is even more confusing. You may not know who is responsible for your injuries, or what your rights are according to California law. If you’ve been injured as a passenger in a rideshare accident, you need to know how to handle the insurance claim.
 

The steps you take after an Uber accident could be crucial to your getting full compensation for your injury claim. Make sure you take the right steps to protect your rights as well as your health.

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• Immediately after the accident, get out of the vehicle and call for medical treatment if anyone was injured. Wait for the police and then exchange driver’s license and insurance information with all the other parties.

• Gather as much evidence as you can. This includes photos. Also, if you were driving for Uber at the time of the accident, take a screenshot of your app immediately as well.

• Report the accident to Uber, but DO NOT talk in explicit detail to an adjuster without an attorney present! Anything you say can and will be used against you to weaken your claim. 

• Get a lawyer. Even if you do not call Borna Bandari, make sure you call a skilled personal injury attorney. The compensation you will get with a good attorney representing you is worth the call. Don’t let these insurance companies give you less than you deserve. 

 

Will you be covered?

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The answer is very confusing. For example, when you get into an auto collision while driving for Uber, you may not be covered by Uber, depending on which “period” you were in at the time of the accident. Uber breaks it down as THREE PERIODS when determining a driver’s right to receive insurance coverage during the accident. If your app is “Offline” you do not have any coverage from Uber. You are covered by your own insurance. 

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• The 1st period is when the app is on and you are available for a pickup. Uber provides only liability coverage in this period. You must purchase supplemental rideshare insurance to receive other types of coverage or else you will have a “gap” in your coverage. *$200k in excess liability insurance.

• The 2nd period is when you have confirmed a ride and you are on your way to get the passenger. 

• The 3rd period begins as soon as you pick up your passenger and ends when you drop them off. 

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Uber and Lyft coverage requires a thorough examination by a skilled personal injury attorney. Give us a call today and let us understand your situation and advise you on your best course of action.