If you drive for Uber or another rideshare company, know what to do in case of an accident. Uber drivers injured in an accident should understand the insurance coverage available to them. Figuring it out can be tricky, as it depends on whether the driver had a passenger at the time of the accident.
What should I do after an accident?
Most of the steps after an Uber accident are the same as after any other accident.
- Focus on medical needs first: Check yourself and passengers for injuries, and call the police.
- Get contact information: Get the license plate of the other car, and then get the name and contact information of the driver. If possible, use your cell phone camera to snap a picture of the tag, driver’s license, and insurance information.
- Talk to witnesses: Get the name and contact information of any witnesses.
- Document the scene: Take pictures of damage, tire skid marks, and obvious injuries.
- Listen, do not talk: Gather as much information as possible from the other driver and witnesses. Answer only the questions asked by police, and do not admit fault.
- Record details: As soon as you can, write down everything you can remember about the accident. Your memory of important details may fade quickly after a wreck.
- Continue medical care: Get treatment for your injuries, and continue medical care until your doctor tells you to stop.
While the police report may identify who the officer believes was at-fault, this is not the final say. Gather as much evidence as possible to prove the other driver was at fault.
Uber Accidents “Off the App”
When you are “off the app,” meaning logged out and not looking for riders, Uber considers you to be driving for personal reasons. Your personal insurance policy – or that of the other driver depending on fault – will pay for your medical treatment, per Pennsylvania law and based on your coverage.
Uber Accidents “On the App”
As an Uber driver, you are probably aware that Uber only provides insurance coverage when you are “on the app.” How much coverage it provides is somewhat complicated, however. Who pays for the injuries you sustain depends on where you are in the process of looking for, matching with, and transporting a passenger, as well as who caused the accident.
Covering Your Damages
Uber also carries first-party medical benefits coverage that may cover your medical expenses regardless of fault. If another party caused your wreck, then you may be able to file a third-party liability claim against the other driver’s insurance.
Uber also carries a $1 million uninsured/underinsured motorist policy ($1.5 million if the trip originates in Philadelphia). This policy covers you and your passengers if another driver caused the accident but is uninsured, has insufficient insurance to cover your damages, or fled the scene.
Coverage of Damages You Cause
Available (Period 1): As soon as you log into the app, Uber deems you available to work. When this happens, the Uber contingency policy kicks in. Your primary coverage is still your own policy or the at-fault driver’s liability policy. But if these policies refuse to pay, or if you do not have sufficient coverage, the Uber coverage kicks in.
This contingency liability policy offers $50,000 per injury. That’s up to $100,000 per accident in bodily injury liability and $25,000 in property damage liability for an accident you cause. It pays for damages that other parties suffer.
En Route and On Trip (Periods 2 and 3): When you accept a ride request, the Uber $1 million liability policy ($1.5 million if the trip originates in Philadelphia) kicks into effect and continues until your passengers exit your vehicle. This policy covers injuries sustained by your passengers as well as other drivers if you caused the accident.
Do I need an attorney?
This process of filing an insurance claim and recovering compensation after an Uber accident can be complicated. You do not need to go through it alone.
The Uber accident lawyers at Ostroff Godshall Injury and Accident Lawyers can help you navigate the process and get the compensation you need and deserve for medical expenses, lost wages, and more after an Uber accident in Pennsylvania. Call us today to learn more.
