Will Uber Compensate You For an Accident?

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If you are involved in an auto accident that is caused by an Uber driver, you may wonder whether you may be entitled to obtain compensation for injuries or property damage that you have suffered directly from Uber. Fortunately, in some circumstances, Uber does have compensation available for individuals who are injured or have property damaged in an Uber accident. But the company often does not make it easy for accident victims to recover the financial compensation they need. 

Uber Accident Rates Are Increasing

Unfortunately, the increasing popularity of rideshare services like Uber has meant more vehicles on the road driving for the service. But an increase in the number of Uber vehicles on the road and the number of miles driven for Uber also means more chances for Uber vehicles to get into an accident. Unfortunately, Uber drivers must contend with numerous distractions behind the wheel, including using the Uber mobile application, navigating to pick up and drop off destinations, and interacting with passengers. This makes it more likely that Uber drivers may end up in a crash. 

Why Uber is Different From a Taxi Company

Uber and other rideshare companies differ from traditional taxi companies in how they organize their relationships with their drivers. While many taxi drivers are employed directly by the taxi company, Uber drivers in many states are classified as independent contractors. When they employ drivers, taxi companies are required to provide adequate insurance to cover their drivers and have employer liability for their drivers’ negligence. Even taxi drivers who are classified as independent contractors are still subject to local and state regulations on taxicabs.

Uber and its drivers are subject to much less regulation than the taxi industry, although states like New Jersey have moved to increase oversight of the rideshare industry, including requiring companies like Uber to provide insurance that covers their drivers while they are driving for the company. 

Compensation That Uber Provides after an Accident

Under New Jersey law, Uber is required to have insurance coverage that provides coverage for Uber passengers, for Uber drivers, and for anyone who may be injured or have damaged property due to negligence by an Uber driver. Uber’s insurance coverage requirements vary depending on the circumstances at the time of the accident:

• The driver is not logged into the Uber mobile application: Uber’s insurance coverage does not apply; instead, the driver’s own personal insurance is the only coverage available
• The driver is logged into the mobile app and is awaiting a passenger ride request: Uber provides liability insurance coverage that includes bodily injury coverage of $50,000 per person/$100,000 per accident, and property damage coverage of $25,000 per accident.
• The driver has accepted a passenger ride request, is driving to pick up a passenger, or has an Uber passenger in the vehicle: Uber provides combined liability coverage of $1.5 million dollars, plus $1.5 million in uninsured/underinsured coverage for the Uber driver and their passengers. The driver is also afforded $10,000 in personal injury protection coverage.

Unfortunately, many victims of Uber accidents have reported difficulty getting Uber and insurance providers to pay after an accident. This makes it important to work with an attorney throughout the process of pursuing a claim for compensation. 

Contact a Rochelle Park Personal Injury Lawyer to Discuss Your Uber Accident Case in New Jersey

Did you or a loved one sustain serious injuries due to an Uber accident in New Jersey? Don’t let the medical bills pile up while you wait for the negligent party or their insurance company to do the right thing. Right now, you need an aggressive personal injury attorney on your side, fighting to get you the compensation you need, want, and deserve. The skilled attorneys at The Epstein Law Firm represent clients injured because of Uber accidents in Jersey City, Union City, Bayonne, Hoboken, and throughout New Jersey. Call (201) 380-7687 or fill out our online contact form to schedule a free consultation about your case. We have an office conveniently located at 340 West Passaic St., Rochelle Park, NJ 07762.

The articles on this blog are for informative purposes only and are no substitute for legal advice or an attorney-client relationship. If you are seeking legal advice, please contact our law firm directly.