When someone needs an Uber ride, they can simply open the Uber app and make a quick request with a few clicks. The driver will soon be zooming up to meet them.
Across the nation, more than 130 million people used Uber to take 7.6 billion trips last year, with a projected increase of at least another 10% in 2023. It’s no wonder that Uber and rideshare accidents are on the rise.
As Uber drivers zip across the landscape, they sometimes drive negligently and hit other drivers. If you’re the unlucky person struck by an Uber, it’s up to you to pursue compensation.
What is an Uber Accident Settlement?
An Uber accident settlement reimburses you for injuries and losses when a rideshare driver hits you. The value of your settlement depends on the details of your accident and whether the Uber driver was actively engaged in driving a customer when it happened.
Uber drivers are private citizens, not professional drivers. The laws that apply to taxi drivers and commercial drivers don’t necessarily apply to rideshare drivers.
In California, companies like Uber and Lyft view their drivers as independent contractors rather than employees. Despite the controversy surrounding this topic, California passed Proposition 22 and the law was upheld on appeal in 2023, reaffirming the status of rideshare drivers as independent contractors.
The Uber driver’s status is important because Uber will refuse your claim if the driver wasn’t working for them during the crash. Consider whether the following factors may impact your settlement claim.
- The Uber driver used their app to accept a ride and they were carrying passengers at the time of the crash.
- The Uber driver had accepted a ride request through the app and did not have passengers on board yet, but was on the way to pick them up.
- The Uber driver had opened the app on their phone and was available, but hadn’t yet accepted a specific ride request.
- The Uber driver was not actively working for Uber and was considered offline driving on their own time.
- The Uber driver was (or was not) carrying Uber insurance and/or personal auto insurance.
- The Uber driver violated Uber policies.
- Another driver or a pedestrian was involved somehow.
Each of the situations described above can lead to different outcomes for Uber driver car accident settlements. Your settlement may even involve a third party you didn’t expect, like a government agency responsible for maintaining the roads or a vehicle manufacturer who made an unsafe car.
Uber drivers are required to carry Uber insurance when they’re driving for the company. If the Uber driver wasn’t working for Uber at the time of the accident, you may have to pursue a settlement through their personal auto insurance. There could still be ample insurance coverage available to cover your losses.
Before starting your journey, we urge you to seek a free consultation with the team at Sally Morin Personal Injury Lawyers to learn what to do if an Uber driver hits you and which factors may impact your claim.
How Long Does an Uber Settlement Take?
The time frame varies. Most Uber accident cases don’t stretch on for years and can be settled out of court within a matter of months through insurance settlements and agreements.
Just like you, Uber and the other driver will be eager to get things resolved quickly. Beware of any fast lowball offer from Uber to settle your case too quickly. Speak to a lawyer before signing anything or agreeing to a settlement.
In rare cases, a settlement isn’t possible because the facts of the case aren’t clear or the other side is just refusing to settle. If this occurs, you’ll need an experienced California Uber accident lawyer to help you make a strong case in court, which typically takes longer than a settlement.
How Can I Maximize My Uber Accident Compensation?
Maximize your settlement by selecting the right lawyer and working closely with them to gather as much evidence as possible. In addition to the basics, like the Uber driver’s contact and insurance information, you’ll need medical documents, witness statements, video footage, crash scene photos, and the police report.
Your lawyer can help you understand which types of coverage may apply to the costs outlined in your claim. If you can show that the Uber driver had accepted a ride and was actively working, Uber insurance should apply for up to $1 million in coverage. California Vehicle Code Section 5430 states that this $1 million in insurance coverage applies to personal injury, property damage, and death.
If the driver was in the available phase, you may have a lower claim limit of $50,000 in bodily injury per person, $100,000 in total bodily injury for the accident, and $25,000 for property damage. Other types of insurance coverage may also be available.
A sensible strategy for maximizing your Uber accident settlement is properly valuing both your economic losses and your non-economic losses, like your considerable pain and suffering. The severity of your injuries may work with the pain and suffering multiplier to increase the overall value of your settlement.
At Sally Morin Personal Injury Lawyers, our results include $800,000 to $1.6 million-plus for rideshare settlements. You may be able to cover all of your losses and still end up with considerable money in your pocket.
We can help you recover from your crash through a valuable Uber accident settlement. Call 877-380-8852 today and request a free case evaluation.
