Driving for Uber can be a fun way to make additional income, but are you prepared for when disaster strikes? All car accidents are overwhelming, but this stress only worsens when your job and passengers are 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.
Your initial reaction after a car accident can significantly affect your case. Follow these 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. Not only will this help connect you with emergency services, but Maine law also requires drivers to report all crashes that result in injury or $2,000 of property damage.
Additionally, report the accident to Uber through their app. This ensures Uber is aware of the situation and can take appropriate action.
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.
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. This driver is to blame for the accident, so they will be responsible for all damages arising from the incident. Since over 90% of Maine drivers have car insurance, an insurance company will cover these costs in most cases.
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. However, a party can only recover compensation if they are less than 50% at fault for the accident. If a party is 50% or more at fault, they won’t receive anything for their damages. If you share liability, the total compensation you can receive is reduced by your percentage of fault.
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.
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 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.
