Uber, Lyft, and other rideshare options are becoming more and more popular. While there are many advantages to that, there are downsides too – most importantly the fact that Uber car accidents are on the rise. If you have been injured in an Uber accident you may wonder: Are passengers insured in Uber cars. The short answer is yes. To get the details keep reading or contact Law Offices of Fernando D. Vargas at 909-982-0707 to request a free legal consultation with a personal injury attorney.
The At-Fault Party is Liable for Your Injuries in a Car Accident
In most cases, whoever is found at fault for a car accident will be responsible for compensating victims for their injuries. In most cases, their car insurance will cover this. If you are injured in an accident while a passenger in an Uber then the same rule applies: If the driver of your Uber was at fault then their insurer should pay for the claim but if the other driver was at fault then their insurer should pay for your claim. Unfortunately, it is not always this simple.
Determining Whose Insurance is Applicable When Your Uber Driver is at Fault
This is where it can get complicated. First, know that the Uber driver almost certainly has their own personal car insurance policy. However, it is likely that said policy has a provision that excludes coverage if the driver is using the vehicle for commercial purposes. In short, their personal policy is likely not to cover the damages of a passenger in a vehicle.
The good news is that this does not mean that you are out of options if the Uber driver was at fault for the accident. Why? Because Uber has third-party liability insurance coverage that covers all drivers. It pays up to $1 million for injuries and property damage per accident. This coverage is only relevant after the driver’s personal coverage has been exceeded or if said coverage does not cover them during business hours.
What Happens When the Uber Driver is Not at Fault?
In the event that the Uber driver was not at fault but someone else was, then the damages would need to be recovered from the at-fault party or their insurance company. If they do not have insurance – or they have insurance but it is not enough to cover your damages – then you would likely be covered by Uber’s uninsured/underinsured coverage that also offers up to $1 million per accident.
Talk to an Attorney to Get Answers to These Complex Questions
In almost all cases, if you are a passenger in an Uber and there is an accident you can count on your injuries being covered. However, getting the at-fault party’s insurance company to offer a fair settlement can be another situation entirely. Contact Law Offices of Fernando D. Vargas at 909-982-0707 now to get a free consultation from an attorney who will fight for you.
