The rideshare app has made headlines for all the wrong reasons after several drivers hit pedestrians, cyclists and even other cars. With many people wondering what they can do to avoid accidents, let’s explore 4 things you should know about Uber accidents before you get into one.
1. You May Receive Compensation
While Uber crash victims may not be capable to sue the company directly, they can sue the driver who was behind the wheel. Insurance companies are still sorting out whether Uber is accountable for accidents that occur while their drivers are at work, but some legal experts say Uber can be held accountable for incidents depending on individual state laws. If you believe you suffered a personal injury caused by the negligence of another person or would like more information about how an auto accident works, contact a personal injury lawyer as soon as possible so that all necessary investigations and processes can be initiated instantly. If you get injured in Las Vegas, you can consult an lawyer at Law of Sam and Ash to consider next steps. Some insurance companies require their drivers to have commercial car insurance particularly for users to cover accidents that occur while behind the wheel. This means the company itself has to cover repairs or medical bills in most cases, even though victims can still sue the driver if found negligent.
2. You May Not Need to Worry About Increasing Insurance Rates
As previously mentioned, insurance companies are still trying to determine whether or not Uber will be held liable if the driver crashes into another car or person. But until that decision is made, insurers will continue to offer Uber drivers their usual coverage. However, some companies won’t provide cover if a driver is found to be at work at the time of an accident and has failed to follow Uber’s rules and regulations. If you get into an accident with your Uber driver, contact your insurance company as soon as possible so you can find out how it affects your fare.
How Are Insurance Rates Measured?
Insurance rates are based on the likelihood of an event occurring. For example, if your car is in a garage and it’s less likely to be stolen, you’ll pay less insurance than if you park it outside where it can be stolen. This may sound reasonable, but people often haven’t any idea that their insurance rates will be higher when they use Uber or Lyft because these rideshare services have more accidents. That means that even if some drivers only use Uber as a side gig, they still end up paying more for their car insurance every month because of the way the service measures risk.
3. Risk Is Higher This Year
According to a study by transportation research company INRIX, injuries and accidents tend to increase as winter approaches. While increased traffic volume is among the contributing factors to this spike in accidents, Uber drivers also face additional distractions such as drinking and driving, drowsy driving (because of hours spent behind the wheel), and fatigue (from inadequate rest). . If you are trying to find a way to stay safe while traveling, download an app that provides valuable travel tips and special safety information for people who will be traveling, alone or with their kids, this winter. Any safety precautions you may have all year long need to be stepped up during the winter.
4. Very Easy to Spot Fraud Claims
While many Uber accidents result in injuries, there have been cases of people claiming to be victims simply as a way to defraud insurance companies. If you’re going to file a claim with your insurance company after having an accident with an Uber driver, ensure your story is 100% credible and true. In general, any claim involving Uber not being legally in business could be considered fraud if it turns out they’re using their car for commercial purposes. Another thing you can do to spot fake claims is to ask about your insurance company’s rideshare policies and coverage.
Uber crashes continue to increase as the rideshare service becomes more popular. While there are still some questions to be answered surrounding this accident, one thing is definite: Uber drivers are just as responsible for your safety as any other car driver. If you are injured by an Uber or Lyft driver, make sure to contact your insurance company and private injury lawyer instantly so they can begin paying damages and injuries related to the accident.
