Recently, ridesharing services like Uber have skyrocketed in popularity. With its convenience and affordability, it’s no surprise that 36% of adult Americans rely on this mode of transportation daily. However, with more cars operated by non-professional drivers, accidents involving rideshare services have become increasingly common, especially in Los Angeles.

In Los Angeles alone, there were over 2,000 reported accidents involving Uber drivers in 2019. These accidents resulted in injuries to both passengers and other motorists on the road. As a result, many individuals have turned to Uber accident attorneys in Los Angeles for legal representation and guidance.

The Wilshire Law Firm in Los Angeles strives to build a safer community by holding the negligent party accountable for their actions. So far, they have secured over $1 billion in compensation for victims.

Read on to learn how Uber’s application status affects an accident case.

Is It Possible to Sue Uber for an Accident?

Yes. Like any other car accident case, you can sue Uber for an accident. It depends on the circumstances in which the accident happened. If the accident occurred while riding in an Uber as a passenger, you can file a claim against Uber and its driver. However, if the accident was caused by another driver hitting the Uber you were riding in, your claim would be against the other driver.

Some common causes of accidents involving Uber vehicles include distracted driving, speeding, reckless driving, and impairment due to drugs or alcohol. In these cases, if an Uber driver is found to be at fault, you can sue the driver and Uber for damages. Uber accident lawyers can help you sue the Uber driver.

It’s important to note that Uber drivers are not considered company employees but rather independent contractors. Their insurance coverage can change depending on whether they were using the app and actively transporting a passenger at the time of the accident. If this is the case, you may need to file a claim with Uber’s insurance policy.

Uber Driver Status Determines Whether Uber’s Insurance Policy Is Applicable

If you would like to file a claim against an Uber, the driver’s status at the time of the accident will determine whether Uber’s insurance policy is applicable. This is important to understand, as it can affect your ability to receive compensation for any damages or injuries incurred.  

Here are a few instances of how your Uber accident injury claim may be affected by the Uber driver’s status and what insurance coverage may be applicable:

• If the Uber driver was logged off the app during the accident, their personal insurance policy would be responsible for any damages or injuries. This is because when drivers are not logged in to the app, they are not considered Uber employees, so Uber’s insurance policy is not applicable.
• Suppose the Uber driver was logged in to the app but did not have a passenger in their vehicle at the time of the accident. Uber’s insurance policy will cover any damages or injuries in that case. This is because when a driver is on duty, they are considered an Uber employee, so Uber’s insurance policy is applicable. However, the coverage may be limited depending on the type of accident and damages.
• If the Uber driver was logged on to the app and had a passenger in their vehicle at the time of the accident, Uber’s insurance policy would cover any damages or injuries. This is because when a driver is transporting a passenger, they are considered an active Uber employee, and therefore, Uber’s insurance policy is fully applicable.

A good Uber accident law firm understands the complexities of insurance coverage in rideshare accidents and can help you navigate the legal process to ensure you receive fair compensation.

Final Word

It is important to understand the Uber driver’s status at the time of an accident to determine whether Uber’s insurance policy will provide coverage. Gather all necessary information and evidence from the accident scene and contact a lawyer specializing in Uber accidents for further guidance.

Published By: Aize Perez