Uber has changed the way that many people get around, and their vehicles can be seen from small towns to major cities throughout Florida. With so many Ubers on the road, it is no surprise that accidents involving these vehicles occur frequently. If you were injured in a crash, an experienced Jacksonville Uber accident lawyer can help you pursue compensation.
At Blakeley Car Accident & Personal Injury Lawyers, we understand the unique challenges that Uber accidents create. The laws regarding these vehicles continue to evolve, and we keep informed of any changes so we can best represent you.
Contact us today to schedule a free case evaluation with one of our Jacksonville rideshare accident lawyers and learn more about how we can help.
A Rideshare Accident Attorney in Jacksonville Can Help You Determine Liability After a Crash
The first step toward recovering compensation after an Uber accident is to determine who is to blame for your damages. Uber goes to great lengths to limit its liability in the event of a crash. However, they may still owe you compensation in certain situations where one of their drivers is responsible for causing an accident that results in your damages.
Uber classifies its drivers as independent contractors rather than employees. By doing this, they can set a barrier between themselves and accident victims. The company requires all drivers to carry their own insurance policies, which are the first line for paying out injury victims in a crash caused by an Uber driver.
Of course, Uber and its drivers are not the only parties that may hold a level of liability after an Uber accident. Some of the other commonly responsible parties include:
- Another driver involved in the crash
- The government body with jurisdiction for maintaining the roads where the accident occurred
- A third party, whose actions were the direct cause of the accident
- The manufacturer of one of the vehicles involved in the collision
- A maintenance company that performed inadequate maintenance on one of the involved vehicles
A knowledgeable Jacksonville car accident lawyer can investigate your case to determine fault so you can begin to pursue compensation from the liable party.
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How Uber’s Insurance Policy May Apply to Your Accident
Uber’s insurance policy only kicks in under certain conditions. Being aware of when this coverage applies can be critical when pursuing compensation after an accident involving an Uber.
The main factor in determining your ability to file a claim with Uber’s insurance provider after an accident where the Uber driver is at fault is the status of the driver at the time of the accident. An experienced Jacksonville personal injury lawyer can help you determine the best path to recovering the money you need and deserve.
Driver Not Signed Into the Uber App
If the driver was not logged into the Uber app at the time of the accident, Uber is not responsible for any damages resulting from the incident. Under these circumstances, the driver is considered to be on their own time rather than actively engaged in work activity.
Because of this, your only options for recovering compensation will be to file a claim with the driver’s insurance provider or file a lawsuit against them directly.
Driver Signed Into the Uber App: No Ride Accepted
If the Uber driver is signed into the app at the time of the accident, Uber’s insurance policy will activate. However, the extent of this coverage will depend on whether the driver has accepted a ride request or not. If the driver has not accepted a ride, Uber has limited liability, and the coverage provided is restricted.
Furthermore, before you can file a claim with Uber’s insurance provider, you must first pursue compensation from the driver’s insurer. If your damages exceed their coverage limits, you can seek further compensation from Uber’s coverage. If your damages exceed both policy limits, you may need to file a lawsuit to recover the full value of your losses.
Driver Signed Into the Uber App: Ride Accepted
Once an Uber driver has accepted a ride, Uber’s insurance policy goes into full effect and can cover up to $1,000,000 in damages. This is true whether the driver has picked up their passenger already or is on their way to the pickup point.
Even in this situation, though, you must first file a claim with the liable party’s insurer before you will be able to tap into Uber’s insurance coverage.
Be Careful When Dealing With Insurance Companies After an Uber Accident
Whether you are dealing with the insurance provider for Uber, the Uber driver, or another liable party, you must proceed with caution as you pursue compensation after an Uber accident. Insurers are not looking out for your best interests. While they may act as though they are on your side, the job of an insurance adjuster is to minimize payouts.
Insurance adjusters have a wide range of tricks they will use to deny or devalue a claim. Because of this, it is best to minimize any contact with insurance representatives until you have secured experienced legal representation. If an insurer reaches out, politely decline to give a statement and seek legal counsel.
Once you have hired a knowledgeable Jacksonville Uber accident attorney, they will take over all communication with the insurance company. Forcing the insurer to work through your lawyer prevents them from using their usual tactics, leveling the playing field and significantly improving your chances of recovering the money you need and deserve.
Reach Out to a Knowledgeable Uber Accident Lawyer Serving Jacksonville Today
With over $250 million recovered for our clients, the team at Blakeley Car Accident & Personal Injury Lawyers has a history of winning big. Since founding our firm over a decade ago, we have built a strong reputation for providing high-level legal services to those we represent.
Get in touch with us by giving us a call or completing our online contact form, and schedule a free consultation with a member of our legal team today.
