If Your Uber Driver Gets in an Accident and You Get Injured

What happens if an Uber driver gets in an accident? If an Uber driver gets into an accident causing injuries to a passenger or other motorist or pedestrian, the good news is that Uber carries a $1,000,000 combined single limit liability policy for all of its drivers. Below is an exemplar declarations page from an Uber policy in case we worked on:

Understanding Uber’s Insurance Coverage

This is important because most drivers in Florida are either uninsured or underinsured to cover losses for serious personal injuries or death. This is partly due to the fact that the state of Florida has very low mandatory minimum insurance requirements in order to be able to legally own and operate a registered private vehicle. In fact, there is no required bodily injury limits (BI) in Florida much the dismay of injured victims who sadly find they have no recourse when they learn the at fault party has no or little bodily injury coverage.

Bodily injury coverage  is the type of liability insurance coverage that would make a pay out on behalf of the negligent driver after an accident when a personal injury claim is made or a lawsuit is filed. If the negligent driver doesn’t carry BI on their policy, you will not be able to make a recovery on a claim or lawsuit from their insurance policy since they don’t have such coverage. The only insurance coverage that an owner of a private vehicle must purchase in order to meet the state minimum is $10,000 in personal injury protection (PIP) and $10,000 in property damage. PIP only covers the owner of the vehicle themself for up to $10,000 in medical bills, not the other people that owner might injure in the accident.  This means most people who have the state minimums are essentially uninsured to cover losses for injuries they cause to others. The $10,000 in property damage is likewise inadequate, as many vehicles have a value grater than $10,000 in the event of an anything greater than a small fender bender. Thus, Florida’s auto insurance laws or outdated and insufficient to protect the motoring public, and has been for many years.

Currently, Uber carries a liability policy in South Florida that will cover up to $1,000,000 in bodily injury coverage per accident with Progressive Express. Previously, Uber was insured with James River Insurance. For this reason, it is very important for a Miami car accident attorney to investigate the circumstances of each accident to determine if an at fault driver may have been operating as a ride share for Uber or Lyft in the event you are in a collision with another vehicle.

At first glance it may not be readily apparent that the at fault driver was was an Uber driver because they may not have the a passenger picked up yet or they may not have a marking on their vehicle showing they are an Uber or Lyft– like those little neon lighted dash signs. An Uber driver or driver of Lyft driver may exchange with you, or provide the the police officer or public service aide, their  personal auto insurance policy information rather than advising the they were on a trip for Uber, Uber Eats, or Lyft  or delivering for Amazon or Instacart or any other delivery service. Personal policies of an Uber driver may not cover them during rideshare activities, in addition to most likely having much less coverage. Obviously, if you are passenger in the Uber or Lyft, you will know that you were in accident while on a trip and therefore you should get the Uber or Lyft policy number if you can. As an injured passenger of an Uber or Lyft, you will want to take screen shots of the trip data and info about the driver while the trip is still active.  Also be sure to inform your personal injury lawyer that Uber or Lyft was involved and you did not get the policy info. The lawyer will send out a statutory letter requesting the insurance disclosure from Uber or Lyft as well as the driver. Below is a sample of a F.S. 627 Florida showing what a good car accident will do as soon as you hire them in addition to calling the involved carriers if they are listed on the exchange or crash report:

Uber’s insurance policy typically covers accidents while a driver is “online” or has a passenger. For example, if the driver is active on the App during an ongoing trip, it should be covered. This should include when the Uber driver is on the way to pick up a passenger.  Depending on the severity of the accident, both the driver and any injured parties may file claims with Uber’s insurer and/or their own insurance companies.  Legal action may also be pursued to determine fault and seek compensation for damages or injuries.

If you or a loved one has been injured in an Uber accident, Perkins Law Offices can help. With extensive experience handling rideshare accident claims, our legal team fights to secure the compensation you deserve—medical bills, lost wages, or pain and suffering. We understand the complexities of Uber’s insurance policies and will hold negligent parties accountable to maximize your recovery. Contact Perkins Law Offices today for a free consultation and to explore your legal options.

Liability Determination in Uber Accidents

Determining liability in Uber-related accidents can be complex. Factors include the driver’s status, fault determination, and the involvement of other parties. In Miami, if an Uber driver is at fault while transporting a passenger, Uber’s $1 million liability policy typically covers damages. However, if another driver is at fault and lacks sufficient insurance, Uber’s uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage may come into play.

Steps to Take Following an Uber Accident

If you’re involved in an Uber accident, consider the following steps:

  1. Call 911: If injured call for ambulance and police. Move to a safe location if possible but not before at least trying to get photos of vehicles final resting positions if it is safe to do so.

  2. Police Report: Report the accident to the police and obtain a police report or drivers’s exchange.

  3. Gather Information: Collect details from all parties involved, including names, contact information, insurance details, and vehicle information.

  4. Document the Scene: Take photos of the accident scene, vehicle damages, and any visible injuries.

  5. Notify Uber: Report the incident through the Uber app or website.

  6. Seek Medical Attention: Take an ambulance from the scene if you feel seriously injured. Sometimes pain comes later after the shock and adrenaline wear off. Go the hospital if the pain or injury worsens. If its something that can wait, be scheduled a doctors appointment. A good car accident attorney in Miami can assist with getting you and appropriate doctor or clinic.

  7. Retain an Uber accident Lawyer: There are thousands of personal injury car accident lawyers in Miami. Each have their own ways of doing things and how they interact with clients. Make sure you ask around and do your research for the best personal injury lawyer in Miami for you.

Uber Accident Law Firm

What to do after an Uber accident in Miami involves understanding the nuances of insurance coverage and liability. Uber and their insurers are big companies and fight claims. You need a car accident that will take Uber to the mat. Alex Perkins has the skill and will to do just that for his injured clients.

Frequently Asked Questions

  1. What should I do immediately after an Uber accident?

    • Call 911, gather information, document the scene, screenshot the trip date and info on the driver, notify Uber, seek medical attention, and consult legal counsel.

  2. Does Uber’s insurance cover all accidents?

    • Coverage depends on the driver’s status during the accident. When en route or transporting a passenger, Uber provides up to $1 million in liability coverage.

  3. Can I file a claim if another driver is at fault?

    • Yes, you can file a claim against the at-fault driver’s insurance. If they lack sufficient coverage, Uber’s liability coverage may be in play too if there is fault.

  4. How long do I have to file a claim after an Uber accident in Miami?

    • In Florida, the statute of limitations for personal injury claims is generally 2 years from the date of the accident. However, it’s advisable to consult with an attorney promptly as cases do not usually get better with age.

  5. Are Uber drivers required to have personal auto insurance?

    • Yes, Uber drivers must maintain personal auto insurance. However, during certain periods, Uber’s insurance provides additional coverage and their personal policy will not apply.

The best personal injury lawyers in Miami understand how Uber accidents work and Perkins Personal Injury Lawyers will for maximum compensation if you or a loved one was injured Uber accident in Miami.

what happens if an uber driver gets in an accident

what happens if an uber driver gets in an accident

Contact us

For personalized advice and legal assistance related to Uber accidents and Lyft accidents, contact Perkins Law Offices in Miami. Our experienced team has helped the injured against Uber and their negligent drivers since the app launched in Florida 2014.

If you’ve been injured in a Miami car accident, it’s crucial to understand your rights and the types of injuries that qualify for a lawsuit. At Perkins Law Offices, we specialize in helping victims of car accidents get the compensation they deserve. Contact us today to schedule a FREE consultation and take the first step toward securing your future.

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