Ridesharing has become one of the most convenient modes of transportation in Gastonia, North Carolina. People who can’t drive or don’t have a car find solutions like Uber to be very quick, easy and affordable. Even people who have cars find Uber useful after a night out. However, Uber drivers can cause accidents just like any other driver. They may speed, drive while under the influence or get distracted while behind the wheel. When this happens, they can cause accidents that lead to serious injuries and property damage. If you find yourself in one of these accidents contact a Gastonia Uber accident attorney.
People who get into accidents with Uber vehicles often don’t find it quick or easy to get compensation. Their medical bills often aren’t affordable. Uber drivers are not employees of Uber. They are independent contractors who use their own vehicles and should carry their own insurance. Uber has an insurance policy – a much talked about $1 million policy. However, it doesn’t always apply. Even when it does, victims’ injury claims often get denied just as they would under any other insurance policy. That’s why many victims of Uber accidents find themselves calling Ted A. Greve & Associates.
How Does Uber’s Insurance Policy Work?
Uber drivers’ liability to third parties is covered by a $1 million insurance policy. However, it only applies if the driver is connected to the Uber app and transporting an Uber passenger. Between rides, drivers have coverage once they are logged in and available for requests. They are covered for bodily injury up to $50,000 per individual per accident. This is up to $100,000 per accident and up to $25,000 for property damage. However, the rideshare company’s lawyers and insurance providers will do everything possible to deny liability.
Can I Go After the Driver’s Insurance Company?
Uber requires drivers to maintain personal car insurance that meets state regulations. In North Carolina the minimum requirements are:
- $30,000 in bodily injury liability for each injured person
- $60,000 for total bodily injury liability for two or more injured people
- $25,000 for property damage per accident
You can file a claim with the driver’s insurer but there is no guarantee that the claim will be paid. Most personal car insurance policies don’t cover commercial use of the vehicle. If the driver was carrying paid passengers, your claim may be denied. It won’t matter how serious your injuries were.
What Happens is the Driver is Uninsured or Underinsured?
There’s also the possibility that the driver was driving without a valid insurance policy. Or maybe they had only the minimum amount of insurance and the accident resulted in significant losses. If your injuries were severe or multiple people were hurt, the driver’s insurance could easily max out. When you think about how many people purchase only the bare minimum in coverage, this situation is very likely.
If the driver is uninsured or underinsured, you will have to draw on your uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage. Insurance companies are required to offer this so you may have it without even knowing. If you don’t, your Gastonia Uber accident attorney may be able to suggest alternative avenues to recover your losses. At Ted A. Greve and Associates, we do everything we can to get you the compensation you need.
Do I Really Need an Uber Accident Lawyer?
Yes. The rideshare sector has taken off rapidly but there are still many legal issues that haven’t been resolved. It is always difficult to negotiate with an insurance company and fight for your rights. However, there are a number of factors that make Uber accidents even more frustrating. One factor is the potential involvement of two insurance companies. You should focus on your recovery and let a legal professional deal with the insurers. Car accident lawyers can handle your claim objectively and they have access to resources which you don’t.
Contact an Uber Accident Lawyer in Gastonia, NC
Any insurance claim can get complicated even if it seems straightforward at the outset. This is even truer when it comes to Uber accidents. Many victims assume that Uber will compensate them or that the driver’s insurance company will pay up. When neither party accepts liability, they are left to worry about how they will pay their medical expenses.
If you were a victim of an Uber accident, you need to consult an attorney. At Ted A. Greve and Associates Injury Lawyers, we will do everything we can to get the compensation you deserve. We know the applicable laws and we are not afraid to stand up to big companies and their attorneys. Call us today for a free consultation and let us review your case.
