A few years ago, Uber was a novel app that was new to the market. Fast forward to 2020, and the word Uber is synonymous with ridesharing. In the last three months of 2019, Uber drivers provided almost 2 billion rides across the globe. With so many trips happening, it's no wonder that there is a growing demand for people to represent those who were injured in an Uber.
When you are making billions of trips, car accidents are bound to happen. Ubers are just as susceptible to collisions caused by negligent drivers as other cars.
Injuries can happen to Uber drivers and Uber riders alike. Uber drivers and passengers are not immune to the variety of injuries that happen on the road. Whether you’re a driver or a rider, and no matter if the injuries are minor or severe, you need an experienced lawyer to guide you through the complicated insurance landscape of Uber Accidents.
Uber and InsuranceIn Massachusetts, there is a complex insurance structure that ensures that there is always at least some insurance coverage on a car at all times. This can be broken down into a few categories:
Personal Use - App Not EngagedWhen someone has a car that they sometimes use for Uber, their personal car insurance will still cover accidents that happen when they’re using their car personally. While everyone who drives for Uber should double check their insurance with their insurance company or local agent, coverage should apply in these situations.
Searching for Fare - App Engaged, No PassengerOnce a driver opens the Uber app, there will be some time searching for a rider, and then more time going to pick that rider up. In these situations, many think that Uber’s insurance would cover any accidents that happen. However, that’s not the case. Instead, the driver’s personal auto insurance is supposed to cover any accidents that happen.
Also, the law in Massachusetts requires additional insurance in these situations. Instead of the normal 20/40 coverage, the law requires those using the Uber App without a passenger to have at least 100/300 coverage. This is another reason why those driving for Uber should check with their insurance coverage to make sure that they have the legally required coverage.
Providing a Ride - App Engaged, Passenger in the CarWhen a driver has a rider in the vehicle, this is when Uber’s provided insurance will cover any accidents. The vehicle’s private insurance will have no obligation to make any payments because there is an exclusion for these types of situations. Instead, Uber’s private insurance will cover the losses directly. Additionally, insurance provided by Uber usually has higher coverage than the vehicle’s private coverage.
However, police reports often list the vehicle’s insurance and not Uber’s own insurance. This can lead to confusing attempts to track down the proper insurance to get medical bills, lost wages and property damage paid.
Experienced Uber Accident AttorneysIf you were injured by an Uber vehicle or while in an Uber vehicle, you need to hire an experienced lawyer who can get you the compensation you deserve without being distracted by the complicated insurance coverage. At Marcotte Law Firm, we have handled many Uber collisions, and we know how to cut through the insurance traps that slow down many inexperienced attorneys.
If you were in an Uber Accident, call the Uber Accident Lawyer at Marcotte Law Firm for a free consultation.