The nature and quality of an Uber insurance policy is of utmost importance to a Rhode Island Uber accident lawyers. The rideshare company Uber initially operated in a self-serving manner with respect to its drivers – it treated them as independent contractors who set their own schedules, and in doing so, they would not be considered actual employees of the company. Uber was able to thus escape responsibility for the actions of its drivers and could not be held liable in the instances of crashes and accidents.
Ridesharing services like Uber and Lyft typically provide insurance coverage for their drivers and passengers, including coverage for accidents, injuries, and fatalities. However, the specific details of the insurance coverage can vary depending on the circumstances of the accident. Here’s a general overview of how insurance works in the case of accidents involving Uber and Lyft:
- Periods of Ridesharing: Insurance coverage depends on the specific period in which the driver is engaged in ridesharing activities. These periods are generally divided into three phases:
- Period 1: The driver is online and waiting for a ride request.
- Period 2: The driver has accepted a ride request and is en route to pick up the passenger.
- Period 3: The passenger is in the car, and the ride is in progress.
- Uber and Lyft Insurance:
- Period 1: During this period, both Uber and Lyft provide limited liability coverage for their drivers. However, this coverage may only apply if the driver’s personal insurance doesn’t cover the accident.
- Period 2 and Period 3: During these periods, Uber and Lyft typically provide more substantial insurance coverage. This coverage often includes liability coverage, uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage, and contingent comprehensive and collision coverage.
- Driver’s Personal Insurance: In most cases, a driver’s personal auto insurance is the primary source of coverage for accidents that occur during ridesharing. However, many personal auto insurance policies have exclusions for commercial activities like ridesharing. In such cases, Uber and Lyft’s insurance policies are designed to fill the coverage gaps.
- Passenger Coverage: Passengers injured in an Uber or Lyft accident are typically covered by the ridesharing company’s insurance policy. This coverage applies during all three periods of ridesharing.
- Rear-End Collisions and Other Accidents: Insurance coverage applies to all types of accidents, including rear-end collisions. If you’re a passenger, the ridesharing company’s insurance should cover your injuries in such situations. If you’re a driver, the coverage will depend on the specific circumstances and the period you were in.
- Serious Injuries and Fatalities: In the unfortunate event of serious injuries or fatalities, the insurance coverage provided by Uber and Lyft should help cover medical expenses, lost wages, and other damages. It’s important to contact the ridesharing company and report the incident as soon as possible.
Report any accident to Uber or Lyft
It’s crucial to report any accident to Uber or Lyft and cooperate with the claims process. The specific coverage and procedures may vary by location and over time, so it’s essential to review the latest policies and consult with an attorney or insurance professional if you’re involved in a ridesharing accident, especially one resulting in serious injuries or death. These professionals can help you understand your rights and the available insurance coverage.
Uber accident lawyer in RI
This turned out to be a massive problem: personal auto insurance policies do not cover drivers who are engaged in commercial driving. Commercial driving is the act of driving for money, and most employers that hire you for a job will also provide you with commercial auto insurance. Uber did not do so, and as a result, many Uber drivers and those who were in accidents with them were unable to collect compensation for their damages. A law was passed that changed this rule.
Uber Insurance
Uber now has insurance policies in place, provided by James River Insurance, to cover its drivers, passengers, and those affected by any accident. Our lawyers at Slepkow Law have been researching Uber accidents for some years, and some of of our clients will call us with questions about the company’s insurance policies. They may ask us questions like:
- I was in an accident with an Uber vehicle. Can I sue?
- Does Uber’s insurance cover me in an accident?
- I drive for Uber and got in an accident. Will Uber’s insurance policy cover me?
- How much does Uber’s insurance cover?
- How do I find out more about: james river insurance uber
Uber Insurance Information
Uber drivers are covered by their own auto insurance policies when they are not considered to be on the clock. They may be insured under State Farm, Allstate, Geico, or others. During this time, Uber is not responsible for any accidents or mishaps that happen to the driver. His personal policy will be in effect if he gets into an accident. It should be noted that in order to be an Uber driver, you must have some form of valid auto insurance prior to signing up.
Uber insurance policy
However, when the app is turned on and you are waiting for a passenger to request a ride so you can accept it, Uber’s insurance policy is active. At this point, you are covered for at least $50,000 per person in the event of an accident, with total coverage not to exceed $100,000. Damaged property is at a percentage of these amounts, coming in at $25,000.
Fault is important
Fault is important throughout the entire ride process. If you are an Uber driver and you were struck by a negligent fellow driver, you can sue and seek compensation from his insurance company instead of Uber’s. This rule also applies to Uber passengers.
Upon agreeing to give a customer a ride, your Uber insurance policy’s state changes. You are now covered in the event of another driver crashing into you, your liability to a third party, and more. If a driver who is uninsured or who lacks adequate insurance strikes you, Uber’s policy covers that, too. The amount for this state is at least $1,000,000. Third party coverage includes instances where you are at fault (such as when you rear end a car or turn into another vehicle); uninsured motorist covers events like hit and run accidents or when another driver does not have any insurance; and underinsured coverage provides the differences if the at-fault driver did not have an adequate policy.
Million-dollar coverage policy
This million-dollar coverage policy continues throughout the duration of the ride. It then extends to the passenger in your car while the trip is occurring, and he or she is afforded the same benefits. Upon dropping the passenger off, your insurance policy reverts back to its resting state, and provided you are waiting for another passenger, will stay at the $50,000 amount.
As a passenger in an Uber vehicle, you should be well aware that you are totally covered throughout your trip, whether by Uber or by the at-fault vehicle. Depending on the circumstances of the accident, you may be able to sue Uber or the opposing driver. You should consult with an uber passenger accident attorney before making any legal decisions, however.
If you have questions about Uber’s insurance details, whether you are a passenger or a driver, look over Uber’s official website or call one of our seasoned attorneys at our law firm. Also see: james river insurance uber
Compensation from an Uber Accident
Some of the following information was compiled with the help of this Uber passenger car accident lawyer. If you have any questions after reading the following, please contact our law firm for a free case review.
Uber insurance policy, James River insurance
If you are involved in an Uber accident, whether as a passenger or a driver, you can sue for compensation for your damages. In either case, the responsible party owed you a duty of care, and that duty was breached, resulting in an accident and physical harm to your person. As long as physical harm was had, you can file a personal injury claim. Victims of these accidents can receive compensation for:
- Medical expenses, including any costs related to hospitalization, surgery, medication, ambulatory transportation, physical therapy, and more. Future medical treatments that are required because of a complicated or ongoing injury can also be covered.
- Lost wages, which can be reimbursed from both the past and the future. If you were unable to work or won’t be able to go to work because of your injury or because you need to heal from your wounds, your earnings can be recovered.
- Property damage, or anything you owned that was harmed in the incident. As a driver, the repairs to your vehicle can be reimbursed; as a passenger, any items that were lost or broken in the accident can have their monetary values recovered.
- Pain and suffering, which are emotional damages that have no strict numerical amount on them. Insurance adjusters or a jury will determine the costs of pain and suffering; you can be covered for anxiety, fear, PTSD, mental anguish, psychological trauma, and more.
- Punitive damages, or additional forms of monetary compensation. These damages are given out in the event that the accident occurred due to gross negligence or the intention to cause harm; they are meant to dissuade the defendant from committing the action again. However, many juries view these damages as excessive, and thus, only a skilled lawyer will be able to earn them for your case.
- James River insurance uber
It is wise to act as quickly as possible; the statute of limitations on personal injury lawsuits related to car accidents expires after 3 years from the date of the injury. If you wait too long to file a claim, you may find that it will be thrown out or ignored. With the assistance of an attorney, this will not happen.
Law Firm’s Role in Your Case
A top car accident lawyer in RI will represent you with the most respect and determination possible. The Rhode Island Uber Accident lawyer will do everything in his or her power to bring you a settlement that you deserve, and we will not stop until Uber pays up. If need be, an aggressive lawyers will take your case all the way to court.
Investigating the Uber insurance policy
The auto accident attorney RI will attempt to bring you the fairest compensation possible for your injuries with the least amount of stress on your mind and body. In the aftermath of an accident with Uber, you should focus on recovery and healing, not worrying about legal proceedings and what type of uber insurance policy the driver had. You also should not be focusing on the uber insurance policy or negotiations with insurance agents. Let us do the work for you, and we promise to bring you fair compensation for your accident.
Free legal consultation
Call us today to receive a free legal consultation with an experienced attorney. You can ask any questions you want about Uber’s insurance policy and the steps to take to file a lawsuit, and we will give you all the necessary information you need to move forward. We believe that all of our clients should be well-prepared before taking legal action.
If you choose us to represent you, you receive a zero fee guarantee on your claim – meaning that our fees are not paid for by you upfront, but instead they are taken from the settlement we earn for you at the end of your case. Your savings are never touched. If we lose, we eat all the costs ourselves, and you owe us nothing whatsoever.
Contact Slepkow Law to speak to a RI attorney to learn more about Uber’s insurance policies, individual uber insurance policy and what to do after an accident in RI.
