Philadelphia’s streets are constantly busy, with more people opting for rideshare services like Uber. As Uber rides become more common, so do the accidents that come with them. If you’ve been involved in an Uber accident in Philadelphia, you know how overwhelming it can be to handle injuries, medical bills, lost wages, and other damages.
Your rideshare insurance claim is vital to securing compensation, not just for your pain and suffering, but also for the financial burdens like medical expenses and time missed from work. Getting timely relief is essential when your life is turned upside down by an Uber accident. An experienced lawyer can help you handle the challenges of rideshare claims and insurance. Contact our Philadelphia Uber accident lawyers at Munley Law for a free consultation. It’s a risk-free opportunity to discuss your case and understand your options.
Understanding Uber’s Insurance Policy
Insurance policies, corporate rules, and legal responsibilities can leave car accident victims confused and unsure of their rights. A Philadelphia attorney specializing in Uber accidents can help you understand liability insurance and coverage. A rideshare lawyer will ensure your claim is built to maximize the compensation you deserve for your damages and pain and suffering.
There can be grey areas in Uber’s insurance coverage, especially when a driver is waiting for their next ride. An Uber accident attorney can help clarify these uncertainties and guide you through the process.
Under what circumstances will Uber’s insurance cover my injuries?
Once a driver logs into the app and is ready to accept ride requests, Uber insurance may cover the following:
- If an Uber driver is in an accident while continuing to wait for a ride request
In this scenario, coverage includes third-party liability coverage with $50,000 per person and $100,000 per accident in bodily injury liability; coverage also includes $25,000 in property damage coverage per accident. Uber insurance may also cover:
- If an Uber driver is in an accident while en route to pick up a ride request
- If an Uber driver is in an accident while transporting a passenger
Uber can cover up to $1,000,000 in third-party liability and bodily injury coverage for uninsured or underinsured motorists in these instances. To trigger the insurance availability, you must prove that the Uber driver was at fault (Bieber, Forbes, 2024).
Was the driver on duty?
Uber’s insurance policy’s absolute requirement for all scenarios is that the Uber driver is “on the clock, “which means that the Uber driver must be logged in as being “online” on the Uber application, establishing that the driver is on duty.
Uber’s insurance coverage is tied to the driver’s status within the app. This digital check-in is central to Uber’s insurance framework:
- Uber app status indicator: When an Uber driver logs into the app and elects to be available for rides, they’re “on duty.” This action constantly changes and triggers Uber’s insurance coverage, changing tiers throughout Uber drivers’ day according to their status.
- Tiered coverage: The level of coverage varies based on the Uber driver’s status within the app.
- No coverage when offline: If the driver isn’t logged into the app, Uber provides no coverage; this means the driver’s auto insurance is responsible for any damages.
- Seamless transition: The insurance coverage levels adjust automatically based on the Uber drivers’ in-app status.
- Verification process: Uber can verify the driver’s exact status at the time of the incident through their app logs; an electronic trail always provides a timeline for the event of an accident.
- Driver responsibility: Drivers must ensure they’re correctly logged in when they work; failure to do this may jeopardize their coverage.
How Do I File an Uber Insurance Claim in Philadelphia?
To file an Uber accident claim and be considered for compensation from the financially responsible party, you must establish and prove that the Uber driver’s behavior was negligent or reckless. You, the claimant, are responsible for confirming the validity of your case. It’s necessary to collect thorough evidence, including police reports and witness statements, to support your claim. It would be best if you showed that there is a clear link between the driver’s actions and your injuries and losses in the claims process:
- Establishing fault: You must show the driver’s behavior was negligent or reckless. This behavior may include speeding, distracted driving, or disobeying traffic laws.
- Proving causation: Obtain evidence that shows the driver’s negligent actions directly to your injuries and damages. If you are a fellow driver, this can include property damages. Physical injury evidence is often medical records and expert testimony.
- Documenting damages: Evidence of your injuries and related expenses, including medical bills, lost wages, and other accident expenses, must be reported.
- Navigating liability: You may need to deal with Uber’s insurance, the driver’s insurance, or both; the Uber driver’s work status influences this at the time of the accident.
- Demonstrating consequences: Show how the injuries have affected your life, including any long-term consequences or lifestyle changes. This may require consulting with experts for evaluations and testimonies.
Rideshare accidents with Uber and Lyft typically involve complicated insurance policies and liability concerns. When there are many layers and references to be made, a specialized rideshare attorney can be paramount and increase your likelihood of receiving fair compensation.
The role that you play in your insurance claim may be:
- Passengers: If you were in an Uber during the accident, you may have claims against several parties, including Uber’s insurance.
- Drivers: You may be an Uber rideshare company driver, another company’s rideshare driver, or operating your vehicle.
- Pedestrians: If you are a pedestrian in an Uber accident, you have the right to exercise.
Reporting Your Uber Accident
- Make sure that everyone is safe and contact 911
- Obtain a police report and note the report number (if one has been assigned).
- Contact Uber via the Uber application. To do so, select the corresponding trip on the application and follow the appropriate prompts. An Uber team member will contact all parties, ensure everyone is safe, and ask for information you may need to provide. There is also a link for third parties to follow when applicable (www.uber.com).
Throughout your communication, do not state your opinion or how you feel. Statements should supply information; there should be no regard or hint of fault or blame in your statements. An insurance provider’s agents are trained to listen for indicators that may minimize assessments and payouts.
Documenting Your Injuries
When you’ve been injured in a car accident, every action you make after the onset of the accident will dictate what grounds you have to stand on to prove fault. Timeliness is essential, so you must promptly agree to medical attention and follow-up care with a doctor’s appointment. Your medical care will provide documentation of your medical evaluation, treatments, and recommended aftercare.
Contacting a Lawyer
Insurance companies often try to settle claims quickly for as little as possible. Reaching out to an Uber accident lawyer ensures you’re not pressured into accepting low offers. Handling a big corporation like Uber can be complicated, but with an experienced lawyer on your side, you have a better chance of getting the full compensation you deserve. Contact our Uber accident lawyers at Munley Law for a free case evaluation.
Other Possible Sources of Recovery
If you’re an Uber driver or passenger, having extra car accident insurance can offer more protection. Here are some additional insurance options to consider:
- Personal Auto Insurance: The driver’s auto insurance may provide coverage, mainly if it includes a rideshare endorsement.
- The Other Driver’s Insurance: If another driver was at fault, their insurance could cover your damages.
- Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist Coverage: This personal insurance coverage can help if the at-fault driver lacks sufficient insurance.
- Medical Payments Coverage: Regardless of fault, this can cover medical expenses from the driver’s or passenger’s insurance.
- Health Insurance: Your health insurance can help cover medical costs that result from the accident.
- Personal Injury Protection (PIP): PIP coverage on your auto insurance policy can cover medical expenses and lost wages.
- Uber’s Contingent Comprehensive and Collision Coverage: If the driver has comprehensive collision coverage on their policy, Uber’s contingent policy can cover damage to the driver’s vehicle.
- Rideshare Insurance: If the driver application is off, if your driver application is on and you are waiting for a request, or if your application is on and you have just dropped someone off, rideshare insurance can cover these gap periods. A $2500 deductible must be met before it kicks in.
- Optional Injury Protection: Uber offers this as an insurance elective for when you are on a driving shift and need additional coverage for medical expenses, disability benefits, and survivor benefits.
- Umbrella Insurance: This policy provides additional liability coverage that can come into play if all other sources are exhausted.
Consulting with a lawyer experienced in rideshare accidents can help identify, apply, and maximize these sources of recovery (Brady, www.nerdwallet.com, 2024). The alternatives and options can seem overwhelming. A resourceful, reputable Uber accident attorney can help you manage and understand your insurance carrier options.
Who Can Be Held Responsible for an Uber Accident in Philadelphia?
Once evidence is examined and the particulars of the Uber application are verified, the at-fault party can be determined:
- Uber Driver
- Other Driver(s): These are other drivers involved in the accident who may or may not also be rideshare drivers.
- Uber Company: Uber could have a failed hiring process where drivers are not being properly vetted. In other instances, supervision of services may be at fault.
- Vehicle Manufacturer: If a defect in the Uber driver’s vehicle (or the other driver’s vehicle) contributed to the accident, the manufacturer might be held responsible.
- Government Entity: A government entity may be liable if uncared-for road conditions, inadequate signage, or other road maintenance fell short of safety issues and contributed to the accident.
- Passenger: If a passenger’s behavior contributed to a distracted driving accident, they might bear some responsibility.
- Third Parties: Any parties whose actions contributed to the accident may also be liable.
A skilled Philadelphia Uber attorney can help determine liability by leading an investigation of the accident, evidence, and the potentially responsible parties.
How Munley Law Can Help with Your Philadelphia Uber Accident Claim
At Munley Law, we’re dedicated to helping you get fair compensation for your Uber-related injuries and losses. We understand how insurance companies try to reduce payouts, and we have the resources and experience to build a strong claim. Our legal team knows the details of rideshare insurance and has a proven track record of securing maximum compensation. If needed, we’re ready to take your Philadelphia Uber claim to court. If you’ve been in an Uber accident, contact us today for a free case evaluation.
Munley Law Personal Injury Attorneys
1617 John F Kennedy Blvd
Suite 1690,
Philadelphia, PA 19103
(215) 515-7747
