Who Pays After an Uber Crash?

Thursday, November 12, 2020

Who Pays After an Uber Crash?

Written by Malman Law, reviewed by Steve J. Malman.

Ridesharing companies such as Uber have given many drivers more financial stability and riders more convenience and freedom. Unfortunately, they are not without accidents. If you were injured in an Uber accident, you probably have many questions, such as who will pay for your injuries?

Being involved in any type of car accident can be unsettling and confusing. However, some car accident insurance claims end up being more complex than others. If you were in an Uber crash, you can probably relate to this. You might be unsure as to which company to file an injury or property damage claim with and who will pay for your damages. By hiring a Chicago car accident lawyer, you will have an advocate on your side who appreciates what you are going through and can help demystify the situation.

Don’t Count on the Driver’s Policy

Any injuries you sustain as a passenger in an Uber vehicle will be covered under the ride-sharing driver’s car insurance policy. However, their policy must be a commercial insurance policy or a personal auto insurance policy with a rider for insurance coverage while the insured is engaged in ride-sharing services. 

Unfortunately, most Uber drivers will not have either of these coverages, even though it is an Uber requirement. Furthermore, their personal car insurance policy will most likely have a business use exemption making it so their policy will not cover any accidents that occur while they are acting as an Uber driver. Your Chicago car accident attorney can help you determine what types of coverage your Uber driver had at the time of the accident.

Uber Auto Insurance

Even if the Uber driver doesn’t have coverage for commercial driving accidents, Uber carries third party liability insurance coverage. This policy will pay up to $1 million for personal injuries and property damage for each accident. Assuming the driver has an applicable policy, the Uber policy will cover any damages their policy doesn’t. When the Uber driver is at fault for the auto accident, you are covered as a passenger under the Uber policy.

If Another Driver is At Fault

If the Uber driver isn’t at fault for the accident, you can file a claim with the other driver’s insurance company. This is known as a third-party insurance claim. In some instances, the at-fault driver might not have car insurance or might have a policy that lacks enough coverage to pay for your damages. Uber provides $1 million uninsured/underinsured (UM/UIM) insurance coverage per accident, but it will only apply if the responsible driver is unknown, is uninsured, or lacks enough car insurance coverage to pay for your injuries. 

Injured in an Uber Accident? Get a Chicago Car Accident Lawyer to Help

As you can see, determining which insurance company should cover your injuries as a passenger in an Uber vehicle can be complex. It can be especially troublesome to sort out if you are in pain or otherwise trying to recover from your injuries. The good news is that you can hire a Chicago car accident lawyer to handle your claim for you. 

It costs nothing to receive a legal consultation with an experienced car accident attorney at Malman Law. Call (312) 629-0099 or use our online contact form to schedule yours.