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Were You Injured in an Uber Accident?

On Behalf of | Mar 5, 2020 | Auto Accidents

Rideshare services, like Uber and Lyft, are increasingly popular across South Carolina. These forms of transportation offer residents an affordable and convenient way to get around town. Yet, as ridesharing services gain popularity, the risk of getting into an Uber accident also increases. Unfortunately, these types of accidents are extremely complex because rideshare drivers are independent contractors. This means that there are often multiple ways to collect compensation. How you collect compensation depends on whether the rideshare driver had his or her app switched on at the time of the crash. If you suffered an injury in an Uber accident, it is important to know how you can collect compensation.

Who is Liable After an Uber Accident?

Uber employs independent drivers to run their business. This means that each Uber driver has their own auto insurance policies. However, Uber also has a large umbrella policy to cover liabilities. Who is liable after an Uber accident depends largely on whether the driver was operating in “driving mode” or not. However, each situation and case is unique. That is why it is important to have an experienced Uber accident lawyer on your side after a rideshare crash. Your attorney will help determine the best course of legal action and help you identify who is liable.

Driver Not in Driving Mode

If the driver does not have their app turned on, they are not in driving mode. This means that the driver is solely responsible for their actions. If you suffer an injury in an accident with an Uber driver who is not in driving mode, you will need to seek compensation through the driver’s private auto insurance policy.

Driver is Available or Waiting for a Ride Request

If the driver is in driving mode but has not picked up a passenger, Uber may cover the crash. In this situation, Uber’s policy covers up to $50,000 for each injured person or $100,000 for total injuries in the accident. They will also cover up to $25,000 in property damages. In some cases, the rideshare coverage applies only after the driver’s private insurance paid their portion.

Driver in Driving Mode

If the driver is in driving mode, it means he or she is either en route to pick up riders or already has passengers in the vehicle. When this occurs, Uber’s $1 million insurance policy kicks in. This covers all drivers and passengers that suffered an injury. It also covers if an uninsured or underinsured motorist causes the crash.

Why Choose Us?

At Parker & Bain, LLC, our lawyers have the resources and experience to tackle even the most complex uber accident case. We are not afraid to go toe-to-toe with large insurance companies or with Uber. Whether you are injured as a passenger or as a driver, we can help you get the money you need to recover. Without a Spartanburg, Gaffney car accident lawyer from our law firm on your side, you may not receive the compensation you deserve.

If you suffered an injury in an uber accident in South Carolina, we can help. Call us today at (864) 489-8128  or fill out our confidential contact form for more information. We offer free initial consultations so you can begin seeking justice. No case is too big or too small. Call us today to learn more about your legal options.