The advent of Uber has revolutionized the public transport system. Now, instead of flagging down taxis or riding in a cramped bus, you prefer to hire an Uber by tapping on their app in your phone. Then, you wait conveniently in your house, office, or wherever you are, until your Uber driver makes it right to your door. Uber is now an indispensable part of everyone’s day because of the convenience they provide.
With so many Uber vehicles playing the highways, there is one inevitable things that they get into. These are accidents. Of course, no one wants any kind of accident to happen, but being on the road and riding a car puts everyone at risk. It is just the way the world work. After all, no one can plan for an accident, and it typically happens when you least expect it.
If you happen to be in an Uber accident, you may be curious how long it will take for Uber to settle your accident claims. You’ve just been in a very traumatic collision, you have not been able to go to work due to your injuries, and you need the money as soon as possible to help pay your bills. A best Uber accident layer said that answer is not that simple and it depends on the nature of your claim.
What to Expect Post Uber Accident?
This ridesharing accident lawyer said that every accident is unique, in a sense that there are different details to consider. Certain states have insurance regulations that have certain time periods of settlement. For best results, it is best to contact a specialist, like the West Coast Trail Lawyers, a firm that specialized in personal injuries and accidents, to help you file your claim against Uber.
Some cases are easily settled taking a week, but more complicated cases can drag on for months or even up to a year. This will all depend on the details of your accident, what evidence you need to gather, and the qualifications of your legal help. For faster results, hiring the best Uber accident lawyer in your town is critical, especially if you want a speedy claim that will get you the most in damages, so you can receive the fair compensation you deserve from all your trauma.
The State of Employment of Uber Drivers
West Coast Trial Lawyers say that filing a case against Uber is not cut and dry because of certain parameters or requirements that the company has set-up for their drivers. What most people do not realize is the Uber drivers are not employees of the Uber Company. They are merely freelancers that do not receive workman’s compensation and employee benefits.
How does this affect you? Simple. If you are in an accident, then these are the things that you must know because they will determine if you can sue Uber or not. As with any accident, you have to maintain your calm and presence of mind, so you can gather as much information as you can to help your case later on. This may be difficult to do after your accident, but it very necessary to stay calm and collected so as not to exacerbate the situation. These are thing things you must remember because these will also affect how fast you can get your money.
If You are An Uber Passenger
If you are a riding as a passenger in an Uber car service, and your driver gets into a collision, a ridesharing accident lawyer said that you don’t have to worry about getting your claims from Uber. Since you are the passenger, you absolutely, without a doubt have no fault in the accident.
Worry not because you will be taken care of and you well be able to move on with your life after the accident. The best Uber accident lawyer in town said Uber has a $1 Million insurance policy that will cover and protect you when their Uber driver has an accident with a passenger in tow.
Of course, damages will depend on the severity of your case such as your injuries, how much time you were out of work, what personal belongings of yours were damaged, and the trauma you suffered. For best results, it is still best to have the assistance of a personal injury lawyer who can talk to the Uber insurance agents on your behalf. With their expertise, you will be able to receive a much bigger settlement and you will get it faster.
If You are A Bystander Hit by an Uber Driver
If you happen to just be a bystander hit by an Uber driver, then this is when things become really complicated. A bystander can mean an innocent pedestrian walking on the side of the road or crossing the street, another car, or a homeowner whose property has been hit by the Uber car. In this scenario, you will not be able to get your claims as quickly as you want because there are certain things that you have to prove depending on your situation. Let’s take a close look at each one:
The Uber Driver’s App is Off
The Uber driver could be driving, but if his app his not engaged, it is turned off, and the driver isn’t looking for a passenger, then you cannot file a claim against Uber. During this scenario, they consider the Uber driver off duty, thus all the burden will fall on the driver alone and his own insurance policy.
If your Uber driver’s policy is not sufficient enough to cover your medical expenses due to the extent of your injuries, you have no choice but to turn to your underinsured or uninsured motorists insurance coverage. The Uber company is completely hands off in this scenario.
The Uber Driver’s App is Turned On Awaiting a Request for a Ride
If the Uber driver’s app is on and he is cruising around waiting for a ride request when the accident happens, some of the Uber company’s insurance policy will cover you. However, this is only a limited coverage. The Uber drivers will receive a limited liability coverage that has a $50,000 injury per person to a maximum of $100,000, as well as a a maximum of $25,000 in property damage.
So your hospital bills may be covered, your rehabilitation and physical therapy, as well as your mental trauma. Your property like your vehicle repairs or fixing up the fence of your home will also be covered. Other types of coverage like payment for loss wages because you were absent from work due to the accident will go back the driver’s own insurance.
Claims for this will depend on the driver’s phone, which you must be able to prove was indeed on. For faster settlement of claims, it is for the best to seek the advice of a legal professional.
The Uber Driver is Already on the Way to Pick Up a Passenger
If the Uber driver that hit you is already on the way to pick up a passenger, then the massive $1 million personal coverage along with the full coverage on other damages that has been set-up by the Uber company will kick in.
However, in this scenario, it must be proven that the driver was indeed en route to pick up a passenger. This is usually very easy to establish as the phone has a GPS and the app is tracking the progress of the driver on his way to the passenger.
Of course, proving this will take time, so you will not get payment right away. You need to make a proper documentation of everything because this will serve as your evidence in case you are met with resistance by Uber. With a reputable law firm by your side, you will be able to get and take advantage of that $1 million dollar policy to help you move on with your life after your traumatic car crash.
The Uber Driver Has a Passenger
If the Uber driver has a passenger when you were hit, then there is nothing else to prove. The evidence is right before your eyes. In this scenario, Uber will give very little resistance when you file for damages. The $1 million insurance policy will cover you.
As a standard operating procedure, you will still need to have this documented. If you are still recovering and the trauma is too much for you, send in an experienced ridesharing accident lawyer to assist you.
Remember: when you have a professional fighting on your behalf, like the West Coast Trial Lawyers, you have the assurance that you will get the justice and remuneration that you deserve.
