With the use of the Uber app and firm, users can arrange to be picked up by someone else for a fee and then be driven to their location. By eliminating the need for cash (all rides are paid for using Uber’s credit card system), it improves the business process.
It makes it simpler for regular individuals to make a little more money on the side by driving other people about. The major benefits of Uber are the ease of probably having a driver in your neighbourhood and the fact that the costs are frequently less than those of competing cab companies. Sounds quite good, yeah? Maybe.
Before you ride with Uber or sign up to drive, there are a few things you should know.
Accident in Uber—Where Does Uber Stand Legally?
Uber or ride-sharing services follow Canada’s “common carrier” rules.
“Common carrier” law governs all forms of paid transportation, including—taxis, buses, and other modes. And the law implies that you are bound by law to bear great responsibility for the security of your passengers. It is like your neighbour offering to drive you to the grocery store.
Initially, Uber did not want to accept responsibility for any accidents the drivers caused but instead wanted to keep the profits the drivers generated. Uber has battled against being labelled a “common carrier.”
Note that Uber designed their app for “ride-sharing” rather than as a professional transportation option. So, drivers were formerly viewed as independent contractors so Uber would be free from responsibility for its crimes.
But Uber’s policies have changed significantly from 2009 throughout the company’s existence. The most well-known of these policies is the $1,000,000 liability and injury coverage, which was required by a court order to be carried by all of Uber’s drivers.
What Happens If You are Injured in an Uber?
Uber offers compensation for accidents. When their drivers are at fault, they will surely compensate victims, and they do it for the benefit of their customers.
As a result, if a driver in another car is at fault, the outcome will be the same as if you were steering your car. That implies that they would be held liable, and you would be compensated by insurance.
However, things get more complicated if the driver is at fault in an Uber car accident. They often have personal insurance that will cover it in that situation. However, their claim might get denied if they drive a car for business purposes but have not told their insurance provider about it.
On the other hand, Uber has made it clear that they would pay any compensation claims not covered by personal insurance.
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How to Make Uber Insurance Claims
You might be entitled to compensation if an Uber driver harms you due to their carelessness or negligence. For that, you must submit a claim with the Uber Claims Department first to notify them that you were hurt.
This initial claim will serve as the starting point for negotiations. Yet it is only the first step in obtaining compensation for your injuries. Let’s see what else you are required to do.
As an Uber car accident passenger, you may be eligible for compensation because the Uber driver’s negligence has harmed you.
In such a case, you must first report your injury by filing a claim with the Uber Claims Department.
Regardless of what insurance covers the driver, your rights to compensation remain the same as they would in any other vehicle. If you’ve been hurt in an Uber vehicle or with any other motor vehicle, you may need an experienced personal injury lawyer.
This is just the beginning of the process. Let’s see what else you are supposed to do.
Gather the insurance information
Get insurance information from all the vehicles involved in the collision, including Uber, after the collision. Why? To file your claim, you must know who to contact.
Ask for a trip verification
Your compensation will depend on the Uber driver’s status during the crash. That includes whether the Uber driver was signed in to the Uber app at the time of the collision and whether they had accepted a ride.
Reach Uber Claims Department
You must first provide the data for your trip verification to make a claim. The next step is for them to contact you, or you can contact them directly. And they will probably give you some forms to complete.
Check More: What Happens If You Hit a Pedestrian in Canada?
Final Remarks
It is terrifying to be involved in a car accident. Whether it’s a ride-sharing service like Uber or any car, you may be eligible for compensation if you were wounded in an accident. You can also talk to a lawyer in such cases.
FAQs
See the following queries if you need further information on the Uber car accident lawsuit.
What happens if uber gets in an accident?
If someone gets injured and there is property damage, Uber's insurance policies will cover that. Uber pays compensation of up to $1 million for each ride. If you have been in an accident, their support team will help you to claim the insurance. Also, they walk you through the process for reporting it to the insurance service.
What happens if an uber crashes?
If you are travelling in an Uber vehicle when the car crashes, Uber will pay for that. If the other driver was responsible for causing the collision, you could file a claim with their insurance provider. If your Uber driver is responsible for the crash, you can also sue them for damages.
How long does an uber settlement take?
Receiving a response or a settlement could generally take 3 to 6 weeks. In addition, there are so many claims insurance firms receive daily. After receiving your claim, the insurance company may take a few weeks to reply. Every piece of information in the file will be examined. They will also cross-check your medical records, review your driving history, identify the responsible driver, and much more. A lawyer can help you during discussions and ensure the insurance company does not dismiss your claim.
Who should passengers or third parties contact after an Uber accident?
Passenger and third parties may consult their private auto insurance in ride-sharing. But for claims based on fault against a rideshare driver or another driver, the passenger or third party should file a claim with the insurance provider of the at-fault party.
What are Uber passenger accident settlement amounts?
The usual payout for a uber car accident lawsuit will range from $15,000 to $50,000, and Uber's policy contains a maximum of $1 million limit on compensation. A higher amount is applicable for a catastrophic accident, such as--brain damage or other serious issues.