Who is Liable for Your Uber Accident?
It goes without saying that Uber and similar ride-sharing services have changed the way that we get around Tustin and the rest of the Los Angeles metropolitan area. Unfortunately, Uber drivers cause accidents just like any other drivers, and a significant number of people are injured in wrecks involving Ubers each year. Uber accidents can injure Uber riders, other motorists, pedestrians, bicyclists, and anyone else using the roadway. Fortunately, if the accident was someone else’s fault, victims can typically recover compensation for their losses.
So who’s liable for your Uber accident. As is usually the case with legal questions, the answer is that “it depends.” Here are some of the most common scenarios and how they will likely play out.
The Uber Driver Caused the Accident
If the Uber driver caused the accident, either the driver or Uber can likely be held liable for the crash. If the driver has the app activated, Uber’s insurance policy covers the driver’s liability to a 3rd party. If the driver is waiting for a ride request, the coverage limits are at least $50,000 per person/$100,000 per accident for bodily injury and $25,000 per accident for property damage. If the driver is on his or her way to pick up a rider or is in the process of providing a ride, the coverage limit increases to at least $1,000,000 per accident.
In the event the Uber driver is not acting in his or her capacity as an Uber driver, the driver himself or herself will be liable for an accident he or she causes. This means that victims will need to make a claim against the driver’s personal insurance policy.
If You are an Uber Passenger and Another Motorist Causes an Accident
If you are riding in an Uber and another driver causes an accident, liability will likely lie with that other driver, not Uber or the Uber driver. This means that in order to recover, you’ll need to bring a claim against the driver of the other vehicle.
Common Causes of Uber Accidents in California
In order for a driver to be held liable for an accident, victims must be able to show that the accident was the result of the driver’s negligence. Here are some examples of driver negligence that often lead to serious accidents:
- Distracted driving
- Speeding
- Following too closely
- Impaired driving
- Improper turns
- Texting while driving
- Failure to yield the right of way
- Running stop signs
- Ignoring traffic signals
Call the Law Office of Gary A. Peterson Today to Schedule a Free Consultation with a California Personal Injury Attorney
If you’ve been hurt in an accident caused by an Uber driver, you should contact an attorney as soon as you can. In many cases, victims can recover significant compensation from Uber for the losses they have sustained, including their medical expenses, lost income, lost quality of life, and physical and emotional pain and suffering. To schedule a free case evaluation with an attorney, call our office today at 714-461-6003 or contact us online.