Uber has quickly grown into the most widely used ridesharing service on the planet. With its user-friendly app, low rates, and ‘driver for hire’ ads, it’s known all over the U.S. and other parts of the world. However, did you know that Uber rides are just as vulnerable to road crashes as other modes of transport? In 2017 and 2018 combined, Uber confirmed 97 fatal crashes and 107 total deaths, according to Uber’s U.S. Safety Report. Today, a large number of lawsuits involve ridesharing accidents, in which the victim can both be the driver and/or passengers.
In this guide we will shed light on everything you need to know regarding uber accident compensation and whether you can be compensated for your accident while driving Uber.
In such challenging times, seeking legal guidance from experienced professionals like Shani O. Brooks P.C. can make a significant difference. A reputable law firm specializing in personal injury cases, such as those involving Uber accidents, can provide invaluable assistance in pursuing Uber accident compensation for your injuries.
In August 2018, Uber introduced an insurance program for its drivers, providing coverage for work-related injuries. The Driver Injury Protection Program is available in 40 states and applies to drivers when they are logged into the Uber app, going to pick up a passenger, or carrying a passenger to their destination. As an Uber driver, you’re entitled to up to $1 million for medical bills, up to $500 a week for lost wages, and a maximum of $150,000 for family members if the driver lost their life during a ride.
It’s important to understand here that you need to be in ‘drive mode’ at the time of the accident while driving Uber to be able to reap the benefits. This means that if your app was turned off when the accident while driving Uber occurred, you won’t be covered under Uber’s Driver Injury Protection Program. You will end up using your insurance to get compensated. The same can happen if you’ve dropped off a passenger and are driving alone.
Moreover, even if you manage to access Uber’s insurance coverage, you won’t likely be covered for the full million-dollar limit. Understanding the limitations of Uber’s insurance policy is crucial for drivers, as it highlights the importance of maintaining ‘drive mode’ status during active work hours to ensure full coverage in case of accidents. This requirement underscores the need for drivers to exercise caution and diligence while driving for Uber to protect themselves financially in the event of unforeseen incidents on the road. Drivers should review their personal insurance policies regularly and consider supplemental coverage options, such as Uber accident compensation and coverage for an accident while driving Uber, to mitigate potential gaps in coverage and ensure comprehensive protection while working for rideshare companies like Uber.
Unfortunately, you are not eligible for Uber accident compensation. This is because Uber asserts that their drivers are not their employees but independent contractors. Drivers have the authority to pick and choose their passengers and work according to their schedules. The company also doesn’t withhold taxes for them or provide regular employee benefits to them, such as health insurance, overtime pay, paid sick leaves, and more.
Thus, you can’t use the workers’ compensation path to get compensated for your accident injuries while driving for Uber, regardless of whether you’re a full-time or part-time driver. This classification as independent contractors means that Uber drivers are responsible for their insurance coverage and compensation in the event of an accident while driving Uber. As a result, seeking maximum compensation for injuries sustained in an accident while driving for Uber often involves navigating Uber’s insurance policies or pursuing legal action against the responsible parties involved in the accident. It’s important to seek guidance from a qualified legal professional familiar with rideshare accidents to understand your rights and options for pursuing compensation.
To sum it up, if you’re injured as an Uber driver, you may be entitled to Uber accident compensation from Uber’s Driver Injury Protection program, but not through workers’ compensation. This distinction is crucial, as it underscores the need to understand the avenues available for seeking compensation claims and the limitations of each. While the Driver Injury Protection program can provide coverage for certain expenses related to the accident, such as emergency medical bills and lost wages, navigating the claims process and ensuring full compensation can be challenging.
Yet, dealing with insurance matters can be extremely complex and overwhelming, especially when facing the aftermath of an accident while driving Uber. In such circumstances, seeking legal representation from a qualified car accident lawyer in Atlanta is crucial. An experienced attorney can provide helpful assistance in navigating the details of insurance claims, advocating for your rights, and ensuring you receive the financial compensation you deserve. From negotiating with insurance provider companies to representing your interests in court, a skilled lawyer can help you pursue monetary uber accident compensation for various actual damages, including pain and suffering, medical expenses, lost wages, and even wrongful death in the most effective manner possible.
Shani O. Brooks PC offers just that. To request a free consultation, contact our legal team now at 404-920-4736.
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