Ridesharing has transformed the transportation industry forever. Industry moguls such as Uber and Lyft give riders access to thousands of drivers available on demand. Unfortunately, not all these drivers are safe. Many make mistakes and errors in judgment that lead to serious car accidents. If your Uber driver gets into an accident while you are riding as a passenger, learn how to file a claim with the company’s insurance provider. You should not have to pay for your medical bills and other losses out of pocket as an injured Uber passenger. Contact a Birmingham uber accident lawyer to get more information about your case.

What Does Uber Cover In An Accident?

When you are a passenger in an Uber accident, the company’s $1 million insurance policy should cover your damages. Uber’s coverage limits vary by state, but it should work to insure bodily injuries and damages passengers suffer. Whether the Uber driver was at fault for the crash or not, Uber will use its $1 million policy to reimburse you for damages if the driver was in the middle of your ride at the time of the accident. This insurance can cover several different losses.

• All crash-related medical expenses
• Any property damage or loss
• Lost wages if the crash made you miss work
• Disability benefits, if applicable
• Wrongful death damages in a fatal car accident

Uber has property damage and bodily injury coverage for passengers during rides. It also has insurance coverage for Uber drivers that will cover a driver’s losses if he or she was logged into the app at the time of the crash and was not at fault. If the Uber driver was not using the app or was at fault for the collision, the driver’s individual insurance will cover his or her damages, not the company’s insurance.

To receive insurance coverage from Uber after an accident, report the crash to the company right away. Uber has a customer service line as well as a place in the app for passengers to report accidents. Give a description of your crash and wait for an Uber representative to contact you for more information. Answer questions honestly, but never admit fault for the accident. Provide proof of your injuries and damages, if necessary, and contact an attorney for help negotiating a fair insurance settlement from Uber.

Can I Sue Uber For A Car Accident?

In a typical car accident case in Alabama, you will have the right to bring a negligence-based claim against the at-fault driver. A negligence case is a personal injury lawsuit, not an insurance claim. A personal injury suit could result in better compensation for your damages, especially if you suffered a catastrophic or permanent injury. If your Uber driver negligently or recklessly caused your car accident, you might consider filing a claim against him or her for your damages.

Although an employer will be vicariously responsible for the negligence of its employees, this rule does not apply to Uber accident cases. Uber uses independent contractors, not employees, as drivers. Each Uber driver is technically his or her own boss, protecting Uber from liability for driver-related car accidents. In a general Uber accident case, therefore, you could bring a lawsuit against the individual Uber driver, not the company, if you wished to demand compensation through the civil justice system.

You may be able to file a claim against Uber, however, if the company itself did something to contribute to your accident. If the company negligently hired a driver with a history of drunk driving, for example, you may have a case against Uber after a DUI accident. It is rare for an Uber passenger to have grounds for a case against the company but speak to an attorney before assuming it is not possible. A personal injury lawyer can help you go up against a powerful corporation such as Uber or Lyft in Birmingham.