Uber accidents can result in severe injuries for passengers, bicyclists, pedestrians, and others on the road. When an Uber driver causes an accident, Uber’s insurance company may be liable for the claim. However, Uber insurance claims can be challenging and confusing. Understanding the process for Uber insurance claims can be helpful.
Can I Sue an Uber Driver for a Car Accident?
Under Florida insurance laws, accident victims can pursue claims against at-fault drivers if the victim sustains a serious injury. Serious injuries include permanent injury, disfigurement, or permanent loss of an important bodily function. Therefore, if you sustain a serious injury, you may receive compensation from the Uber driver.
However, you must prove the Uber driver caused the accident before you can recover damages. Typically, you must prove the elements of negligence to establish liability. Those elements are:
- The driver had a legal duty to drive with care to avoid accidents
- The driver failed in their duty of care by something they did or did not do
- The breach of duty was the proximate and direct cause of the car accident
- You sustained injuries and incurred damages because of the car crash
You could be entitled to compensation for your economic damages. These damages include out-of-pocket expenses, lost wages, personal care, and medical bills. You may also receive payment for your non-economic damages, including emotional distress, loss of enjoyment of life, physical pain, and permanent disability.
Is Uber Responsible for My Damages for an Accident Caused by an Uber Driver?
Uber drivers are independent contractors. Therefore, Uber is generally not responsible for accidents caused by drivers. However, Uber maintains commercial insurance for its drivers. Depending on the driver’s status at the time of the crash, you may have an insurance claim with Uber’s insurance provider.
Your options for an insurance claim against an Uber driver are:
The Driver is Offline
If an Uber driver is offline, their personal car insurance applies. Florida requires drivers to have a minimum amount of PIP coverage, but the law does not require drivers to purchase liability insurance.
If the Uber driver does not have liability insurance, you could sue the driver to obtain a personal judgment. However, you may never collect on the judgment if the driver does not have money or property to pay the judgment.
You can file a claim with your PIP provider regardless of who was at fault for the accident. If you have uninsured motorist coverage with your liability insurance policy, you may receive compensation by filing a claim with your insurance company.
The Driver Is Online and Waiting for a Passenger
Uber provides commercial insurance coverage of $50,000 per person/$100,000 per accident for bodily injury, and $25,000 for property damage. If you prove the Uber driver caused the crash, you may receive a settlement from the insurance company for Uber.
The Driver Is En Route to Pick Up a Passenger or Has a Passenger in the Vehicle
Uber insurance coverage increases to $1 million for property damage and injuries in this case. Again, if you prove the Uber driver caused the accident, you may receive a settlement from Uber’s insurance provider.
What Should I Do After an Uber Accident in Clearwater?
Call 911 to report the accident to the police and wait for EMS and law enforcement to arrive. If your injuries permit you to do so, take photographs of the accident scene and make a video with your cell phone. Ask everyone involved in the accident and eyewitnesses for their names and contact details.
Do not admit fault or make assumptions about fault. Instead, tell the officer what happened without discussing fault. Seek immediate medical attention for your injuries. Delays in medical care could make it more difficult to receive a fair insurance settlement from Uber.
How Do I File an Insurance Claim With Uber After a Car Accident in Florida?
Uber provides a way for passengers to begin an insurance claim directly through the app. If you are another party injured in an Uber accident, you must contact Uber directly to file a notice of claim.
When filing an insurance claim with Uber, do not discuss fault. Notify the company you were injured in a crash involving an Uber driver and want to make a claim. The company should advise you on what steps to take next.
Before answering questions about the accident or making a statement, it is best to speak with an attorney. Florida’s contributory fault laws bar damages for accident victims who are more than 50% at fault for causing a crash. If a victim is less than 50% to blame, their compensation is reduced by their level of fault. Insurance companies often shift blame to try to avoid paying damages.
Learn More About Uber Accident Claims in Florida During a Free Consultation
Uber accident cases can be complex. You may have several insurance companies involved, depending on the circumstances of the accident. Each insurance company will fight to avoid being liable for damages.
Call Roman Austin Car Accident and Personal Injury Lawyers to schedule a free consultation with one of our experienced Uber accident lawyers. Our legal team has extensive experience handling Uber accident claims. We diligently pursue all parties responsible for your injuries to maximize the recovery for your injury claim.
Contact the Clearwater Uber & Lyft Accidents Law Firm of Roman Austin Car Accident and Personal Injury Lawyers for Help Today
For more information, please contact the legal team of Roman Austin Car Accident and Personal Injury Lawyers for a free initial consultation with a Uber & Lyft accidents lawyer in Clearwater. We have convenient locations in Florida: St. Petersburg, Safety Harbor, Clearwater, New Port Richey, and Tampa.
We serve throughout Pinellas County, Hillsborough County, Pasco County, and its surrounding areas:
Roman Austin Car Accident and Personal Injury Lawyers - Clearwater Office
1811 N. Belcher Road, Suite I-1
Clearwater, FL 33765
(727) 787-2500
Roman Austin Car Accident and Personal Injury Lawyers - Congress Ave Office
2360 Congress Avenue
Clearwater, FL 33763
(727) 591-5610
Roman Austin Car Accident and Personal Injury Lawyers - Tampa Office
6601 Memorial Hwy Suite 202
Tampa, FL 33615
(813) 686-7588
Roman Austin Car Accident and Personal Injury Lawyers - New Port Richey Office
2515 Seven Springs Blvd.
New Port Richey, FL, 34655
(727) 815-8442
Roman Austin Car Accident and Personal Injury Lawyers - St. Petersburg Law Office
840 Beach Dr NE Suite 202
St. Petersburg, FL 33701
(727) 787-2500
Roman Austin Car Accident and Personal Injury Lawyers - Safety Harbor Law Office
202 9th Ave S Suite A-2
Safety Harbor, FL 34695
(727) 787-2500
