Rideshare companies, such as Uber, have grown in popularity in recent years. The convenience, accessibility, and affordability of rideshare services attract many commuters. The main downside is that these services are not always safe. In the event of an Uber accident, the tricky part is determining who is liable. Whether you are the driver, passenger, or an involved third party, it is important to understand who could be at fault. Getting legal help from a skilled Glendale Uber accident lawyer can help represent you and work to secure compensation.
Steps To Follow in an Uber Accident
The general guidelines to follow when in a collision involving an Uber vehicle include:
- Call 9-1-1 or local emergency services. Get help right away for those who need medical attention.
- Report the incident to the police when they arrive.
- Collect pertinent information from all involved parties.
- Report the accident to Uber.
- Seek legal assistance from a personal injury law firm.
Whether or not a crash involves a rideshare vehicle, you must gather all the essential information, including:
- Names of all involved parties, including drivers and passengers
- License plate numbers of each vehicle
- Insurance information of the drivers
- Street name of the accident location
- Contact information of witnesses, if possible
- Make and model of every vehicle involved
Liability Factors for an Uber Accident
To determine liability in an Uber accident in Arizona, you must confirm which party or parties are at fault. Arizona is an at-fault state, which means that the driver responsible for the collision must compensate the involved parties. Arizona law also recognizes “comparative fault,” which means that both parties may be partially at fault depending on the nature of the accident.
If the Uber driver is at fault, cost responsibility often relies heavily on whether the rideshare app was turned on in the driver’s car during the accident. If the app was off, the driver’s personal automobile insurance is responsible for damage compensation. If the app was on, both the driver’s personal automobile policy and Uber’s liability coverage are responsible for paying damage costs. If the rideshare app was on and the driver had a passenger in the car during the accident, then Uber’s commercial insurance covers the costs.
Considerations for Uber’s Insurance Policy
While Uber touts an insurance policy that covers up to $1 million in damages, coverage limits vary by state. Their coverage can also get complex depending on the type of collision that occurs. If an accident happened while you were a passenger in an Uber, their policy may cover some of your associated costs. Some covered damages include:
- Accident-related medical expenses
- Lost wages if you miss work due to the accident
- Property damage
- Wrongful death if the collision involved a fatality
Note that if the driver’s rideshare app was not turned on, this can become a complicated incident to navigate.
Personal Injury Legal Assistance After an Arizona Uber Accident
Figuring out who is at fault in an Uber accident can become complex. Navigating the fine print of insurance policies often requires legal help from an experienced Phoenix personal injury lawyer. If you have been personally affected by a rideshare accident in Arizona, the Sargon Law Group is committed to finding your best solution. Contact us for a free consultation today!
Sources:
https://www.bankrate.com/insurance/car/fault-vs-no-fault-accidents/
https://www.uber.com/us/en/drive/insurance/
https://www.i-lawsuit.com/what-happens-if-my-uber-driver-gets-in-an-accident/