Uber’s exponential growth and constant controversy made it popular globally. Founded in 2009, the firm has become one of the highly valued private startup organizations in the world. It has revolutionized the transportation industry, particularly the taxi sector.
At the point when you request an Uber ride through the company’s app on your mobile device, you legitimately expect that you will be taken to your preferred destination safely. You never foresee being injured in a car crash. Sadly, mishaps happen. So, what should you do? Should you sue the driver or Uber?
First Things First: Seek Medical Attention
With the shock of a car accident, it is possible to try and minimize trauma by denying that you were injured. You just want to get home, feel safe, and rest. But this is the wrong decision.
As uncomfortable as it may be to wait for medical assistance, it is necessary to first get to a hospital and get checked. After all, it is best to be figuratively safer rather than sorry. Even if you don’t feel pain or you just feel okay, seek medical help. Some injuries might take time to manifest, and your doctor can identify such issues early enough.
Contact your Lawyer
Nearly all cases involving rideshare companies like Uber are complicated. To avoid the possibility of your claim being denied or getting an unreasonable settlement offer, it’s recommended to consult with an experienced lawyer. The lawyer can also help you determine if you have a valid personal injury claim and whether the driver has sufficient insurance.
File a Personal Injury Claim
If you suffered injuries in a vehicle accident involving Uber, you could settle the matter outside of the Florida courts. Usually, the insurer will take over the issue and initiate negotiations with you. It is wise to hire an excellent lawyer to help handle these negotiations. If the insurer denies your claim or makes an unreasonable settlement offer, litigation may be necessary.
Uber and other rideshare companies’ drivers may appear like they ‘work for’ these firms. However, the companies would not be directly liable for an accident. These drivers are individual contractors, and their insurance policy would cover the damages associated with an accident involving Uber.
First, it’s imperative to understand how rideshare companies work. The drivers use the company’s app to connect with travelers who also pay through the same app. Uber keeps a cut of the cash and pay the drivers. So, Uber drivers are not employees. Florida’s vicarious liability laws wouldn’t allow you to file a lawsuit against Uber as directly responsible for the accident. That doesn’t mean you cannot get compensation after you were involved in an Uber accident in Florida.
The company requires the drivers to have their own insurance policies and supplements these policies with a $1 million insurance policy. The drivers have some coverage that can cover pedestrians, cyclists, passengers, and other road users. If the value of your claim exceeds the driver’s insurance cover, your attorney may advise seeking compensation from Uber.
Various insurance policies cover an Uber accident at different points in the service. If the driver is off-duty, his or her personal insurance policy will cover the accident. If the app is turned on and the driver is actively looking for riders, Uber’s insurance policy can step in and cover $50,000 per person and $100,000 per accident.
From the moment the driver accepts a ride up to the time they drop off the passenger, Uber’s $1 million insurance policy covers the accidents that may occur. Though you cannot sue Uber directly, its insurance policy should cover damages for accidents caused by the driver. This policy can supplement payments in case you were injured because of another driver’s recklessness or if the driver has no insurance cover.
Personal injury claims involving Uber are complicated. Fortunately, our Uber accident attorneys can help you file a personal injury claim and get the amount of compensation you deserve. Please contact us today at (561) 444-8822 for a free consultation.
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