Who is Liable in an Uber Accident in South Carolina?
Uber and other rideshare companies have become increasingly popular in the last decade. The prevalence of Uber on the road inevitably means more Uber-involved accidents.
If you were recently involved in an accident, you might wonder, Who is liable in an Uber accident? It depends on the circumstances and who is at fault for the accident.
However, all Uber drivers, as well as drivers for other rideshare companies, are required to be insured. In addition, the rideshare companies maintain coverage that might apply when the driver’s insurance does not.If you were involved in an Uber accident, contact Peace Law Firm, and we will help you determine who might be liable for your accident.
Who is Liable in an Uber Car Accident?
If you are a car accident victim, you can pursue damages for your injuries from the at-fault party. This can be more complex than you might initially think in rideshare accidents. Typically, Uber drivers use their personal vehicles when driving rideshare passengers. Because they use their own cars, the drivers usually do not hold commercial licenses and, therefore, have no commercial insurance coverage. This can get a bit tricky if the Uber driver is in an accident. Often, their personal auto insurance will not cover compensation for injuries or damages while working. In other words, whether you are a passenger or another driver involved in an Uber accident, seeking coverage from the other driver’s personal policy might be challenging.
Uber Insurance Coverage
Uber and other rideshare companies, such as Lyft, maintain insurance coverage for driver liability to third parties. The applicable coverage will depend on the driver’s status during the collision, i.e., whether the driver was logged into the app, traveling to pick up a passenger, or transporting a passenger.
Uber Driver Is At-Fault
If an Uber driver is signed into the app and is at fault for an accident, Uber provides potential coverage for the following:
- Third-party liability,
- Injuries from uninsured or underinsured motorists, and
- Comprehensive and collision coverage for drivers.
Uber provides up to $1 million in third-party liability coverage for injuries and damages if the driver was en route to or transporting a passenger at the time of the accident. However, Uber provides less coverage if the driver is merely available and awaiting a ride request, and Uber’s coverage in those instances is secondary to the driver’s personal insurance.
Other Driver Is At-Fault
Who is liable when an Uber driver gets in an accident, but it is another driver’s fault? If another driver is at fault for the crash, Uber’s third-party coverage will generally not cover damages or medical expenses unless the other driver is uninsured. Under those circumstances, Uber might provide uninsured or underinsured bodily injury coverage.
Remember, if an Uber driver is not logged into the app (i.e., not working), then Uber will not provide coverage. The driver’s personal auto policy will apply.
Steps to Take After an Uber Crash
There are three steps you should take immediately following an Uber accident.
Call 911 or Local Law Enforcement
Call 911 if you require emergency medical attention. Additionally, regardless of whether you have been injured or not, you should also request a law enforcement response. They will ensure the accident scene is safe, investigate the circumstances of the accident, and write an accident report.
Obtain Information and Gather Evidence
It is a good idea to obtain the contact info of the Uber driver, anyone else involved in the accident, and any potential eyewitnesses. If you can, you should take photos with your phone of the accident scene, cars, and any injuries.
Report the Accident
After being involved in an Uber accident, it is crucial to report it to three companies:
- Uber,
- Your personal car insurance company and
- The other driver’s car insurance carrier.
You should do this as soon as possible, as many insurance companies have short, strict timeframes that you must comply with.
Contact a South Carolina accident attorney to discuss your legal rights and options.
South Carolina Uber Accident Attorney
For over 20 years, Peace Law Firm has been representing individuals injured by someone else’s conduct on a contingency basis, meaning we do not get paid unless you do. Our clients are our top priority, and we are not afraid to deal with big insurance companies. If you or a loved one was involved in an Uber accident and are unsure where to turn or what to do next, look no further. Contact us to schedule a free, no-obligation consultation today.
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