As more people use ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft, legal questions have arisen regarding Uber accident driver rights. Uber drivers are considered independent contractors, not employees. As a result, they lack some of the same protections granted to regular employees. When an Uber driver becomes injured in an accident, he or she may have a right to bring a lawsuit against the third-party driver who caused the accident.
Are you a New York City Uber driver who’s been injured in an accident that wasn’t your fault? If so, we recommend consulting with a personal injury lawyer. As an Uber driver, you have rights. Attorney Michael J. Redenburg will carefully review your case and advise you of your legal options. Whether you file a claim for insurance compensation or pursue a personal injury lawsuit against the at-fault driver, he will represent your best interest every step of the way. Contact him today to learn more about your potential compensation claim.
Filing an Insurance Claim With Uber
Accidents involving Uber vehicles can be more complicated than other types of motor vehicle accidents. Uber’s insurance policy may cover the damages from the accident, including the driver’s medical expenses and property damage. However, determining coverage depends on who caused the accident or was at fault for the accident and the driver status at the time of the accident. As a result, determining fault in an Uber accident becomes crucial for injured Uber drivers seeking compensation.
How Does Uber’s Insurance Policy Work?
Understanding how Uber’s insurance policy works is an essential aspect of understanding your rights as an injured Uber driver. Attorney Michael J. Redenburg has an in-depth knowledge of Uber’s insurance policy and will advocate for you to obtain the most compensation possible so you can focus on recovering from your injuries.
A Third-Party Driver Causes The Accident
What happens if a third-party driver collides with your vehicle while you are working as an Uber driver? In this case, the third-party driver will be at fault for the accident and legally responsible for your injuries. You will be able to file a claim with the at-fault driver’s insurance company for all of your medical expenses and property damage. Unfortunately, insurance companies are notorious for not paying out fair settlement amounts.
Attorney Michael J. Redenburg understands all of the tricks insurance claims adjusters use to avoid paying injury victims. Adjusters frequently call victims as soon as possible after the accident and try to pressure them into signing an initial settlement offer that is far too low. We recommend discussing your case with a personal injury lawyer before signing any documents or providing any recorded statements to the insurance company.
Determining the Full Value of Your Claim
Mr. Redenburg will evaluate your case and work with financial experts to determine the total value of your current and future medical expenses. We will also determine the value of your property damage, your lost income, and the pain and suffering you’ve endured. After carefully calculating the full value of your claim, he will assertively negotiate with the insurance claims adjuster.
If the insurance company acts in bad faith, he will take your case to court to pursue the full amount of compensation you deserve. As an Uber driver, you deserve compensation for all of the financial, physical, and emotional effects of your injuries. Some of the recoverable damages Uber drivers can claim include:
- Ambulance transportation
- Present and future medical and surgical costs
- Hospitalizations
- Physical therapy
- Durable medical equipment
- Lost wages
- Diminished future earning capacity
- Property damage
- Other out-of-pocket expenses
- Pain and suffering
Uber’s Uninsured Motorist Coverage
Suppose a third-party driver collided with you while logged into the Uber app and caused your injuries. You discover that the at-fault driver does not have any car insurance or that their car insurance policy will not cover all of the expenses associated with your injuries and property damage. Uber’s insurance policy includes uninsured-motorist coverage of up to 1.25 million dollars.
You will be able to file a claim through Uber’s uninsured or underinsured driver coverage. This coverage will cover all of the injury and property damage suffered by the vehicle’s occupants, including you as the driver.
If the accident occurred when you were driving for personal reasons, and you were not logged into the Uber app, Uber’s insurance policy will not cover any damages. Instead, you will need to rely on the third-party driver’s insurance policy. Suppose the third-party driver is uninsured or underinsured. In that case, you will need to file a claim with your insurance company to use your own uninsured motorist coverage to cover your damages.
Claiming Unemployment Insurance After an Uber Accident
Uber drivers who become injured in an accident can now file a claim for unemployment insurance while recovering from their injuries. The New York Supreme Court recently ruled that Uber exercises enough control over its drivers to create an employment relationship. As a result, Uber is now liable for contributing to unemployment insurance. The ruling is limited to Upstate New York for now but could be extended to New York City in the future.
Learn More About Uber Accident Driver Rights
If you’re an Uber driver who’s been injured in an accident, time is of the essence. As a personal injury victim, you only have a limited amount of time to file a lawsuit. If you’re seeking compensation from Uber’s insurance policy, you need an attorney who will ensure you receive a fair amount of compensation. Attorney Michael J. Redenburg has a proven track record of obtaining compensation for Uber accident victims. Contact him today to learn more about your rights as an Uber driver and how you can pursue compensation.