Uber Rideshare Crashes: How Injured Victims Can Seek Compensation in Fort Worth

Rideshare apps like Uber are a great way to get by when you are either having car trouble, have a longer commute, or just enjoying the nightlife with friends. Most people tend to use the app to prevent accidents or a DUI when they feel they cannot operate a vehicle. Unfortunately, accidents can happen when using the trusted app. Learn what you should do in that type of situation.

If you were injured in an Uber car accident, contact our Fort Worth car accident lawyers today for a free, no obligation consultation to learn about your legal rights.

Uber Crash Statistics

While many users choose Uber and other rideshare services to improve their safety, University of Chicago researchers suggest that motor vehicle fatalities and the number of fatal crashes is on the rise. Prior to the push that expanded these services nationwide in 2010, traffic fatalities were at a 59-year low with 32,885 nationwide traffic fatalities. Since the expansion of rideshare services, the number of fatal accidents and traffic fatalities has increased two to three percent.

What to Do After an Uber Crash

If you are involved in an accident with an Uber driver or other rideshare service driver, seek medical attention for your injuries right away. Call 9-1-1 to request emergency medical assistance and to have a law enforcement officer dispatched to the scene to create an accident report.

At the accident scene, collect as much information as possible. You want to get the following information about all parties involved:

• Name
• Contact information
• Insurance details
• Witness information
• License numbers of drivers

Take photos of the accident scene. Get shots from as many angles as possible to show as much of the accident scene and its details. Your photos should include:

• All vehicles involved
• The accident scene
• Road and traffic conditions
• Injuries sustained
• Any other relevant details

Uber Insurance Policy

When an Uber driver is offline, meaning he or she is not using the Uber app, the driver is covered by his or her personal automobile insurance policy.

When the Uber app is on and the driver is available or waiting to receive a ride request, Uber holds automobile insurance that covers the driver in the event of an accident. If the driver’s personal auto policy does not apply, this policy is available for third-party liability. This coverage includes the following limits:

• Bodily injury: $50,000 per person
• A total of $100,000 in bodily injury coverage per accident
• Property damage: $25,000 per accident

If an Uber driver is on the way to pick up riders and while driving them, Uber’s automobile insurance covers the driver with the following coverage:

• Third-party liability: $1,000,000
• Uninsured/underinsured motorist bodily injury coverage
• Contingent comprehensive and collision coverage up to the vehicle’s actual cash value (with $1,000 deductible)

What Are my Passenger Rights?

Riders that use Uber and other rideshare services have certain passenger rights, which include:

• The right to be transported in a safe, newer vehicle – All vehicles used by Uber drivers must be 10 years old or newer. If an older vehicle or one that is not properly operational arrives to pick you up, you may refuse the ride.
• The right to a seat belt – All Uber riders must be provided a working seat belt. If your seat belt is missing or broken, you may refuse the ride.
• The right to a sober driver – If it appears that your Uber driver is under the influence of drugs or alcohol, report the driver. Refuse the ride, do not get into a vehicle with an intoxicated driver.
• The right to personal space – All riders are entitled to personal and private space when being driven by Uber or another rideshare. You may refuse the ride if the driver makes inappropriate comments, harasses you, or flirts. Please also report the driver.
• The right to safety – You are entitled to be driven in a safe manner when using Uber. If the driver is unsafe, due to reckless driving, distraction, road rage, speeding or otherwise, you may refuse the ride and also report the driver.

Contact Our Car Accident Lawyers for Help

If you were injured in a car accident while using Uber, you may be entitled to compensation for your medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering. Our Fort Worth team will fight hard to secure justice and the compensation you deserve for your damages.

Request a free, no obligation consultation today and learn your legal rights. There are no upfront fees, and payment is only due if we recover compensation for you.

Call (817) 920-9000 or complete our Free Case Evaluation form now.