Uber carries liability and uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage for all of its drivers. Liability insurance covers passengers and other parties who are involved in an accident that an Uber driver caused. Uninsured/underinsured (UM/UIM) coverage provides coverage for Uber drivers and passengers in a wreck caused by another driver who does not have insurance or whose insurance does not cover all damages.
But the available coverage depends on a few factors, such as whether the Uber driver was waiting to connect to a passenger, on the way to pick up a passenger, or driving a passenger. If you were in a wreck involving an Uber driver in the Seattle area, call Max Meyers Law at 425-399-7000 to discuss the case and the legal options available to you.
What coverage does Uber’s Washington insurance policy include?
Different levels of liability or UM/UIM coverage apply depending on the driver’s stage.
Actively On-App But Has Not Accepted a Fare
If the driver was actively running the UberPartner application and accepting fares, but had not yet connected with a passenger, Uber’s $50,000/$100,000/$30,000 liability policy applies. This policy pays up to $50,000 for a single injury and $100,000 per accident, plus $30,000 in property damage per accident.
Accepted a Fare and In Route to Pick Up Passenger
Once the driver has accepted a fare and began travel to the passenger's location, the $1 million liability policy kicks in. This provides liability and UM/UIM coverage up to $1 million per incident.
Driving a Passenger to their Destination
The $1 million liability and UM/UIM coverage also applies once the Uber driver has picked up the passenger. Once the driver drops off the passenger and the fare ends, the coverage returns to the $50,000/$100,000/$30,000 limits.
Driving Off-App
When driving without the UberPartner app engaged, the driver’s personal liability insurance applies. Washington’s minimum insurance requirements specify that all drivers carry liability insurance.
What should I do if I was in an Uber accident?
Your options for compensation will vary with your role during the accident – Uber passenger, Uber driver, or occupant of other vehicle. Here is what you can expect:
Uber Passenger
Make sure someone has called for assistance and remain on the scene. Your Uber driver should report the accident to Uber, so your main focus should be to get medical attention and recover from your injuries. Your health insurance or PIP coverage, if you have it, can help with your initial medical bills.
You have the right to file a liability claim against the at-fault driver, whether that be the Uber driver or another driver. If the Uber driver caused the wreck, you can file a claim under Uber’s insurance policy. If another party caused the wreck, you can file a claim with that driver’s insurance policy. If the other driver has no insurance, you can file a UM/UIM claim under Uber’s policy.
Uber Driver
Report the accident to Uber immediately after calling 911 for help. Cooperate with the police and take note of any witnesses and their contact information. Follow Uber's instructions for accident reporting and seek medical attention.
If you caused the accident, you may be unable to collect compensation for your damages through an insurance claim. Uber does not carry first-party no-fault coverage like PIP in Washington. Your own insurance may not provide coverage if you were using your vehicle for commercial purposes at the time of the wreck.
If the other driver caused the wreck, you may file a liability claim against that party’s insurance policy. If the other driver is uninsured, you may file a UM/UIM claim with Uber’s policy.
Occupant of Other Vehicle Involved in Accident with an Uber Driver
After calling 911 for help, get the Uber driver’s information, including any personal auto insurance he or she may have. Report the accident to your insurance company and let your PIP or health insurance cover your initial medical bills.
If the Uber driver caused the wreck, you may be able to file a claim with Uber’s liability insurance policy to cover your injuries and property damage.
Why is having a lawyer important in an Uber accident?
Whether you're a driver or a passenger, the fact is Uber's insurance may try to cover only a fraction of your damages. Liability insurance will only pay a single, one-time sum to compensate for your damages, and the insurer will attempt to settle this matter as early as possible before you know the prognosis of your injuries and the full extent of your damages.
You should not settle until you have a car accident lawyer investigate the following:
- Medical prognosis
- Estimated long-term medical care
- Current and projected lost time and wages from work
- Potential for permanent injuries and lost earning capacity
- Pain and suffering damages
These estimates make up the expected value of your claim, and if Uber's insurance has already offered a settlement, you are likely to find the lawyer's estimate is much higher than the offer.
If you were involved in an accident with an Uber vehicle in any capacity, secure legal representation to review your case, determine liability, and fight for a full and fair settlement. Remember, once you sign that settlement agreement from Uber’s or the other driver’s insurance carrier, you cannot reopen your claim.
Max Meyers Law knows the ins and outs of Uber accident claims. Contact us today to schedule a free, no-obligation consultation: 425-399-7000.
