Santa Clarita Uber Accident Lawyers

Uber, Lyft, and other ride-share companies have transformed the transportation landscape in California. Ride-share companies allow riders to connect with nearby drivers via an app to quickly get to where they need to go. With the popularity of companies like Uber, it makes sense that accidents involving ride-share drivers occur. If you have been seriously injured in an Uber accident because of the negligence of the ride-share driver or another motorist, you may be entitled to recover compensation. An experienced Uber accident lawyer Santa Clarita at the Valley Accident Lawyers may help you to recover damages to pay for your losses. We offer free consultations and can help you to understand the options that might be available to you.

Issues with ride-share accidents

Ride-sharing companies have made it easier for users to get where they want to go while also providing drivers with new sources of income. As the industry has expanded, an increasing number of Uber and Lyft drivers are involved in accidents. Insurance companies may deny claims for compensation by the victims in some cases. For example, if an Uber driver does not have an endorsement for ride-share driving on his or her insurance policy or a standalone insurance policy for use by ride-share drivers, the victims may have trouble securing compensation.

After an Uber accident

After an Uber accident happens, the victims often are unsure about what they must do to recover compensation. Experienced Uber accident lawyers may have a greater understanding of how these types of claims should be handled. The attorneys may also understand which types of insurance coverage might be available as recovery sources.

If you have been injured in a ride-share accident, get the names and contact information of the Uber driver and the other motorist. You should also get their auto insurance information and write down the make, model, and license plates of both vehicles. If you can, take multiple pictures of the vehicles and the scene, or ask someone else to take them for you if you can’t take them yourself.

When the police arrive, tell them what happened. Seek immediate medical attention even if you are not certain that you have been injured. Some types of injuries such as internal bleeding or whiplash may not show symptoms for hours or longer after an accident.

One mistaken belief that many people have is that Uber will cover them when they are injured in Uber accidents. However, ride-share companies may try to dispute or avoid paying claims to protect their profits. This makes it important to work with an experienced attorney who understands how to anticipate defenses and to negotiate with the responsible parties.

Insurance issues in Uber accidents

There are unique insurance issues in accidents involving Uber drivers. While the drivers must carry liability insurance, many insurance companies specifically exclude coverage when the vehicles are used for commercial purposes. If an Uber driver causes an accident while he or she has the app turned on and does not have a standalone ride-share driving policy or an endorsement on his or her liability policy, it can be difficult to recover compensation from the driver’s policy.

If you have uninsured and underinsured motorists coverage, you can claim with your own insurance company if the Uber driver’s company refuses to pay because of a lack of an endorsement for ride-share services. If the Uber driver does not have his or her app turned on at the time of the accident, his or her liability policy should pay your claim regardless of whether he or she sometimes drives for Uber.

Uber also provides insurance for its drivers that depends on the phase in which they are operated their vehicles. This insurance is contingent insurance, which means that it only kicks in after the Uber driver’s policy limits have been reached. In phase zero, the Uber driver’s app is turned off, meaning the Uber insurance will not be available.

The first period begins when the driver has the app turned on and is waiting for someone to request a ride. If an accident occurs during this period, limited liability coverage is provided by Uber in the following amounts:

• $50,000 bodily injury per person
• $100,000 bodily injury for two or more people
• $25,000 in property damage

The second period starts when the driver is driving to pick up a passenger. During this period, the available Uber coverage has the following liability limits:

• $1 million of total liability
• $1 million of UM/UIM coverage
• Full vehicle damage coverage after a $1,000 deductible

The third period occurs when a passenger is in the Uber vehicle. The liability coverage from Uber during this period is $1 million for liability, $1 million for UM/UIM, and property damage with a $1,000 deductible. Accidents in this phase may be easier for an attorney to prove since the passenger’s presence should make the claims clearer.

Why you should contact an attorney

When you are seriously injured in an Uber accident through no fault of your own, you may need legal help to recover compensation. An experienced Uber accident lawyer Santa Clarita at the Valley Accident Lawyers might help you to understand your options. Contact us today to schedule a free consultation by calling 818.565.6600.

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