Insurance Requirement for Uber in California
California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) has created rules specifically for transportation network companies (TNCs) in order to protect passengers, drivers, and pedestrians. Uber’s insurance coverage is determined by its service app and is separated into three periods.
Uber’s insurance coverage is based on the features of its ridesharing service and covers three time periods.
- Period 1: App open – waiting for a match.
Uber provides the following insurance coverage:
- $50,000 for personal injuries and death per person
- $100,000 for personal injuries and death per accident
- $30,000 for property damages
TNCs are also expected to have excess liability insurance coverage of at least $200,000 per occurrence.
- Period 2: Match accepted-driver is on their way to pick up the passenger.
Uber provides primary commercial liability insurance coverage for up to $1 million per accident.
- Period 3: The passenger is still in the vehicle until the passenger exits the vehicle.
Uber provides insurance coverage of up to $1 million per accident. This includes uninsured and underinsured motorist protection.
An accident with a driver who was not logged into their Uber app or was on a personal ride is only covered by their own auto insurance. An accident victim will not be able to file an insurance claim with the rideshare company.
The CPUC has announced that under Assembly Bill 5, transportation network company drivers are now categorized as employees. This will have a large impact on both these workers and transportation companies around California.
This change not only makes things better for Uber drivers, but it also holds them more accountable if they were the negligent party. These changes also help passengers or other auto accident victims involving ride-sharing apps.
With all this in consideration, it is in your best interest to obtain legal counsel from a knowledgeable attorney who is well-versed in Uber accident claims.
Who Can Be Held Liable for an Uber Accident?
As previously mentioned, several factors set Uber accident claims, and car accident claims apart. Uber passengers who are involved in an accident may have to deal with the following:
- The Uber driver was at fault for the accident.
- The Uber driver was not at fault for the accident.
As the victim of an Uber-related accident, you are in a win-win situation.
- If your ridesharing driver is the at-fault driver, then the ridesharing company’s insurance company will cover your physical injuries and damages.
- If another negligent driver is responsible for the automobile accident, the third party’s insurance will be liable for your compensatory damages.
- If the traffic accident was caused by an uninsured or underinsured motorist, then you are also covered by the ridesharing service’s liability insurance.
Commonly Sustained Motor Vehicle Accident Injuries
Similarly to regular motor vehicle collisions, rideshare accidents may also result in a range of injuries. In some cases, these accident injuries may result in prolonged medical care and growing out-of-pocket expenses for injury victims.
Some of the most commonly sustained motor vehicle accident injuries are:
- Traumatic brain injury
- Spinal cord injury
- Bone fractures
- Whiplash
- Back injury
- Loss of limbs
What Should You Do After an Uber Accident?
In the event that you are the victim of a rideshare accident, there are certain steps that you can take to ensure the validity and strength of your claim for damages.
- Contact the police – Contact the police as soon as possible following the incident. A police officer must be at the accident scene to file a police report of the incident. Make sure to obtain the number of the report. This may be used as evidence in your case.
- Seek medical care – You must seek immediate medical attention after an accident, even if you suspect you may have only sustained minor injuries. Some injuries may not be immediately apparent, so it is best to see a medical professional and ensure you do not have internal injuries.
- Document the incident and your injuries – Be sure to take plenty of pictures of the accident scene from different angles. This will be important in documenting the details of your case. It is also important to take pictures of any injuries that you may have sustained as a result of the accident, both immediately after the accident and as they heal.
- Collect information – Do not forget to take down the names and information of the parties involved, such as their IDs and license plate number. If possible, collect any witness information as well.
- Contact a Sacramento Uber accident lawyer – It is important to seek help as soon as possible after an accident involving Uber or any other ridesharing service. An experienced accident attorney can help you navigate the legal process and fight for the fair compensation you deserve.
Recoverable Compensation in an Uber Accident Claim
As the injured party, you may be entitled to compensation for your injuries and financial damages. You may be entitled to the following:
- Medical bills
- Follow-up medical care
- Loss of income
- Physical therapy
- Property damage
- Other financial losses
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional trauma
- Mental anguish
- Loss of consortium
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Other non-economic damages
- And more
Contact our Sacramento Uber Accident Lawyers Today!
If you or a loved one have been injured in a ridesharing accident due to an at-fault party, you must hold them accountable for your damages.
At Farahi Law Firm, our personal injury attorneys have years of experience handling Uber accident claims. We are committed to recovering the maximum compensation possible our clients need and deserve.
Our Sacramento Uber accident lawyers understand the emotional distress that comes with dealing with a personal injury claim while in recovery. Not only will we handle the complex paperwork of your case, but we will also connect you with the best doctors and aid you with your medical expenses. We will guard your rights from insurance adjusters who may wish to lowball you in order to avoid offering you a fair settlement.
We are committed to winning, and because of that, we work on a contingency fee basis. This means you won’t need to pay us a single cent unless we win your cases.
Do not hesitate to contact us immediately. Call us at (916) 471-4797 for a free case consultation. Our excellent staff is available for you 24/7!