Can You Sue Uber and the Uber Driver for an Accident?

While you can sue Uber and your Uber driver, doing so is complicated for many reasons.

The benefits of using Uber as your ridesharing option are plentiful. With Uber, you can travel to your destination faster and cheaper than you could by taxi or other means of public transportation. You can also travel to and from nearly any location at any time of day.

Although using Uber has many benefits, it also has risks, including the chance of being involved in a motor vehicle accident. If you have been involved in an accident involving an Uber driver, an Atlanta Uber accident lawyer can review the details of your Uber accident and determine who may be responsible for compensating you for your injuries. 

What You Should Do After Your Uber Accident

There are several steps you should take alongside an Atlanta rideshare accident lawyer after being involved in an Uber accident. These steps apply whether or not you were a rideshare passenger. Taking these steps will support your complaint for damages and provide the necessary evidence to prove your claim. 

• Report the accident: Reporting the collision is important to ensure you have a formal record of your collision. First, you should report the accident to law enforcement. Then, you should report it to Uber through the “Help” section of their app.
• Gather information: If you are medically able, you should collect as much information as possible regarding how your Uber accident happened and any potential witnesses. If you know, record what the Uber driver’s status was at the time of the collision. Also, take photos of the scene if possible.
• Seek medical attention: Get medical treatment for any injuries you may have. Doing so is important to support your damages claim. Be sure to see a healthcare provider even if you do not think you are hurt, as many injury symptoms do not manifest immediately.
• Save information: If you were an Uber passenger at the time of your accident, make sure you keep a record of your Uber ride. Take screenshots of all the ride information, including your driver’s name and car information. You will want to provide this information to your car accident attorney in Atlanta.
• Consult with an Atlanta car accident attorney: Making a claim after an Uber accident can be complex, considering rideshare drivers are usually considered independent contractors. Consulting with our experienced personal injury lawyers in Atlanta is the most important step you can take after your collision. We can determine who is liable for your accident and work to get you compensation for your injuries.

There are also things you should not do after your Uber accident. For example, do not speak to anyone from an insurance company or Uber without your attorney present. Also, do not post anything about your accident on social media.

Insurance Coverage for Damages Sustained in an Uber Accident

Determining whose insurance is responsible for covering the damages you sustained in your Uber accident is governed by who is liable for the collision. For example, if you are an Uber passenger and another driver is at fault for your collision, their insurance company will pay for your injuries. 

However, if that driver was not adequately insured, Uber’s uninsured or underinsured motorist coverage will handle compensation for your losses. If an Uber driver is responsible for your accident, whether you were a passenger or not, coverage for your losses is dependent upon the driver’s status at the time of the collision.

When the Uber Driver Is Offline

If an Uber driver is responsible for your accident but they were not carrying a passenger, their insurance company is responsible for compensating you for your injuries. Georgia law requires that all drivers carry liability insurance of at least $25,000 per person and $50,000 per accident for bodily injuries, and $25,000 per accident for property damage. Most auto lenders require drivers to carry comprehensive and collision coverage, as well.

When the Uber Driver Is Available or Waiting for a Ride Request

Uber provides some insurance coverage for your injuries if their driver was logged into the app and available to give rides but did not have a passenger at the time of the accident. In addition to the driver’s insurance, Uber’s insurance adds an additional $50,000 per person and $100,000 per accident in bodily liability coverage and another $25,000 in coverage for property damage. This coverage applies when you were not a rideshare passenger but were injured in an accident caused by an Uber driver.

When the Uber Driver Is Transporting Passengers or Is en Route to Pick Them Up

If you are a passenger when your Uber driver gets into an accident, you are covered by Uber’s insurance. This coverage provides $1,000,000 in third-party liability and uninsured and underinsured bodily injury coverage. Their policy also provides comprehensive and collision coverage up to the cash value of the car.

Determining who is responsible for compensating you for the injuries you received in an Uber accident can be confusing and complex. Retaining a rideshare accident lawyer in Atlanta will help you be able to shift your focus to recovering. Our experienced attorneys can navigate your Uber accident claim and ensure all the necessary steps are taken to maximize your chances of receiving compensation for your injuries.

Types of Compensation You Can Collect After Your Uber Accident

If you are injured in an Uber accident, you may be eligible to recover economic damages. These damages are your monetary losses that are able to be quantified. They include such losses as your medical expenses, lost wages, and property damage.

You can also be compensated for your non-economic damages. These losses are more difficult to calculate because they include injuries that are not measurable. For example, these damages include your pain and suffering, emotional trauma, and the inability to participate in activities you enjoyed prior to your accident.

In rare instances, you could also be awarded punitive damages after your Uber accident. These damages are not considered compensation, however. Rather, they are given solely to punish or deter a responsible party for their reckless or intentional behavior.

Consult with an Atlanta Car Accident Attorney Today

If you were injured in an Uber accident, it is possible to sue Uber and your Uber driver. However, as discussed above, doing so can be complicated because there are several different conditions that govern who is responsible for your Uber accident. The best way to simplify your legal claim against the parties responsible for your rideshare accident is by contacting us to schedule a free consultation with one of our Uber accident attorneys.