In the new app-based economy, it is more common than ever before to rely on companies like Uber rather than a traditional taxi service — particularly here in California. While being able to summon a ride with a few taps on your phone is convenient, it does raise certain questions about what happens if you are in an accident. Is the company or the driver responsible for your injuries?
Much of what happens will depend on who was at fault for the accident. For example, if another driver was at fault, then you may be covered by that driver’s car insurance. However, if the crash was caused by your Uber driver, then Uber will be required to pay for your losses.
Under California law, when an Uber driver has accepted a passenger and is currently driving him or her to their requested location, Uber must provide primary commercial insurance coverage with a limit of 1 million dollars. In addition, Uber must provide uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage of 1 million dollars from the time that a passenger enters the vehicle until he or she exits the vehicle. In this way, if you are injured in an Uber, you will be covered by its insurance policy if (a) the driver causes the accident or (2) the responsible party is uninsured or underinsured.
