When you get in an accident while driving for Uber in Maine, liability and insurance coverage depend on which phase of the app you were in at the time of the crash. Uber provides three levels of coverage tied to your driver status, and Maine’s modified comparative negligence law governs how fault is assigned between the parties involved.
Keep reading to learn what happens if you get in an accident while driving for Uber. And if you were the victim of a rideshare crash, contact Mann Law. Our firm helps victims hold liable parties accountable and get compensation for their losses. We have offices in Portland, Bangor and Yarmouth, and are here to serve people throughout Maine.
Uber evaluates accidents on a case-by-case basis. Injuries or vehicle damage may prompt a thorough review, while minor incidents could allow immediate driving resumption.
File a claim after an Uber accident based on the driver’s status and fault. Prioritize safety, gather evidence, seek medical care, and report the crash to Uber and your insurer. Uber offers up to $1 million in liability coverage when a driver is picking up or transporting a passenger, with lower limits if waiting or offline.
Follow these 5 steps to protect your health and legal rights.
Move your vehicle to a safe area to avoid further accidents if possible. Turn on your hazard lights, exit the car, and move a safe distance away from the road.
If you can’t move the car, check your surroundings carefully before getting out. If you don’t have a clear view of the road and other cars, stay inside and fasten your seatbelt until help arrives.
Check yourself and everyone else involved for injuries. Adrenaline can mask pain, so look for visual signs of harm like bruising and bleeding. If anyone is hurt, call an ambulance for any apparent injuries, no matter how minor injuries seem.
Call the police as soon as possible to report the crash. Maine law requires drivers to file a Vehicle Crash Report with the Maine Bureau of Highway Safety when a collision on a public road results in personal injury or property damage exceeding $2,000. This report is separate from the police report and must be filed within 10 days of the crash. Additionally, report the crash to Uber through the app’s Safety Toolkit, which triggers Uber’s claims and review process.
While waiting for the police, exchange contact and insurance information with the other party involved. Be sure to get their name, phone number, and insurance details. While you should be polite and calm, don’t apologize or discuss the crash. Saying the wrong thing can hurt your case and prevent you from getting compensation.
If it’s safe, take pictures of the accident scene. Capture the damage to all vehicles involved, injuries, road conditions, and traffic signals. If there are witnesses, ask for their contact information. These photos and statements will serve as valuable evidence when filing a claim.
See what our clients have to say about our services:
While Uber provides insurance coverage for its drivers, it’s essential to understand the details to avoid any surprises after an accident. The level of insurance you have from Uber depends on whether you have the app on and if you have a passenger.
Here are the three phases of Uber insurance coverage:
While Uber offers substantial coverage at times, you still need an adequate policy for yourself. Most importantly, make sure it allows ridesharing, or else your insurer may refuse a claim.
The police and insurance companies will treat the Uber accident like any other incident. In most situations, determining liability is among the top concerns.
The liable party is the person who caused the crash, and they are responsible for all damages arising from the incident. When an Uber driver causes a crash while impaired, Maine’s OUI statute (29-A MRSA Section 2411) may also apply. In these situations, the driver’s conduct constitutes both a criminal violation and a civil basis for negligence, and injured passengers may have claims against both the individual driver and Uber’s $1 million liability policy. Since over 90% of Maine drivers carry insurance, an insurance company will cover costs in most non-OUI cases, but impaired driving claims often require a different legal strategy.
However, determining liability can be a challenging process. Insurance companies don’t want to pay large claims since this affects their profits. For this reason, adjusters and attorneys will review all available evidence, insurance policies, and traffic laws to see who is at fault.
Parties can share liability under Maine’s modified comparative negligence law, codified at 14 MRSA Section 156. Under this rule, you can only recover compensation if you are less than 50% at fault for the crash. If you share some fault as an Uber driver, your total recovery is reduced by your percentage of responsibility.
For example, imagine you are 30% responsible for an accident, and the total damages amount to $10,000. You would be eligible to receive $7,000, reflecting a 30% reduction due to your share of liability.
You can still drive for Uber after an accident if the crash was minor, you were not at fault, and your vehicle is repaired. Uber may temporarily deactivate you during its investigation. Permanent deactivation can occur if you caused the accident, serious injuries were involved, or you fail to report it.
At Mann Law, we are dedicated to providing exceptional legal representation and support to individuals injured in accidents. Our team of experienced attorneys is here to guide you through every step of the legal process and fight tirelessly to protect your rights and interests.
We offer a free, no-obligation consultation where you can discuss the details of your accident with a dedicated attorney. This allows us to assess the strength of your case and determine the best course of action moving forward. There’s no pressure to hire us, and we’ll give you honest and clear legal advice so you can make the right decision.
Building a strong case hinges on a comprehensive investigation. Our team will meticulously gather evidence to support your Uber accident claim.
This includes:
By leaving no stone unturned, we create a compelling case that strengthens your position when negotiating with insurance companies.
Mann Law offers something that few law firms can match – access to former insurance company attorneys. Chrissy Mann spent years working for insurers and helping them resolve disputes. Thanks to her unique insight, our firm knows how to counter all the unfair tactics insurance companies use during negotiations. This helps us build a strong case and seek the maximum compensation possible.
We understand that an accident while driving for Uber can be a physically and emotionally trying experience. You deserve peace of mind during this time. Our team is here to offer compassionate and supportive care throughout the legal process. We’ll keep you informed of every step and are always here to address any concerns.
You must stop driving for Uber immediately after any accident and report it through the app’s Safety Toolkit. Uber will deactivate your account during its review, which can take several days. You may return to driving once your vehicle passes inspection and Uber completes its investigation, provided the crash was minor and you were not found to be at fault. Serious accidents, passenger injuries, or failure to report the crash can result in permanent deactivation.
What happens if you get in an accident while driving for Uber in Maine?
If you are in an accident while driving for Uber in Maine, Uber’s insurance coverage applies based on your driver status at the time of the crash. If you had an active ride, Uber provides up to $1 million in liability coverage. If you were waiting for a ride request, Uber provides limited coverage of $50,000 per person for injuries and $25,000 in property damage. Maine’s modified comparative negligence law will govern how fault is divided between the parties involved.
Yes, but the level of coverage depends on your app status. When you are offline, only your personal auto insurance applies. When you are online waiting for a ride, Uber provides minimal liability coverage. When you have an active ride or passenger, Uber provides $1 million in liability coverage plus contingent comprehensive and collision coverage if your personal policy includes it. Maine personal auto policies generally exclude rideshare driving, so confirm your policy includes a rideshare endorsement.
Under 14 MRSA Section 156, Maine follows a modified comparative negligence rule. You can recover compensation only if you are less than 50% responsible for the crash. If you share some fault, your total recovery is reduced by your percentage of responsibility. For example, if you are 20% at fault and damages total $50,000, you would recover $40,000.
You have the right to demand compensation after a rideshare accident. With over 50 years of combined experience, Mann Law knows how to get justice for car accident victims. Our team will fight for your rights and help you seek the best possible outcome for your case.
Call our firm today to schedule a free case evaluation.
Where to find our Yarmouth, ME office:
