Being able to order an Uber ride from your phone solves a lot of transportation issues for millions of people daily. But this convenience is not without its risks. Like any car accident, you may be injured in an Uber through no fault of your own.
If you have been injured in an Uber accident, you might be in for a long legal journey. Elstein Legal’s expert Boca Raton Uber accident lawyer can help you seek the settlement that you are possibly entitled to.
What to Know About Uber’s Insurance Policies
It is a common misconception that Uber drivers are employees and work for Uber. They are classified as independent contractors. Rather than earning a set wage, they get paid per-ride. This means that Uber will likely only cover accident damage under certain circumstances. Here is how it works:
When the driver is “offline”. When an Uber driver is ready to accept rides, they need to open their driver app and touch a button to go online. When they not online, the assumption is that they are using their vehicle for personal use only. Uber’s insurance policy will likely not cover them in this instance. This is why it is always important for drivers to only give rides to customers via the platform.
When the driver is online but has not accepted a ride request. When the driver hits that button to go online, they must wait for a ride request to come in. While they are in this state, Uber may cover any bodily injury costs up to – but only if the driver’s personal insurance policy will likely not cover it. Often, personal insurance policies refuse to cover damages when a driver is using their car for business unless they have specifically purchased a special rideshare policy through their insurance company.
When the driver accepts a ride request or has started the trip: Once a ride request pops up on the driver’s app and they accept it, Uber’s full insurance coverage most likely kicks in. They will now be covered until they drop their passenger off at their destination.
Boca Raton Uber Accident Causes
Some of the most common causes of Uber accidents include:
Distracted driving
Looking at their driver app, trying to locate a passenger on a busy street, and distractions from passengers are all factors that can lead to Uber accidents.
Reckless driving
Although drivers are implored by Uber to follow traffic laws and transport their passengers safely, some drivers may neglect these rules. Reckless driving leads to many accidents.
Stopping in an unsafe place
Passengers do not always wait in the most convenient or safe location to be picked up. While drivers should contact the passenger and ask them to move to a safer pickup spot, some drivers will just stop regardless of safety.
Road conditions
Uber drivers may work during all types of weather. Often, drivers will get higher fares in bad weather due to increased demand and fewer drivers out. Staying on the roads in unsafe conditions can lead to serious accidents.
Why Choose Elstein Legal to Represent your Case?
Since opening Elstein Legal in 2018, Miami personal injury attorney Brian L. Elstein has recovered millions on behalf of his deserving clients. A cum laude graduate of Nova Southeastern University, Brian Elstein honed his skills early as a member of the Nova Trial Association.
Today, he is recognized by The National Trial Lawyers as a Top 40 Under 40 Lawyer in Florida and has been selected to the 2022-2023 Florida Rising Stars list by Super Lawyers Magazine – a distinction given to only 2.5% of attorneys in Florida, and named 2022 Best Litigation Attorney by Expertise.com.
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If you or a loved one has been injured in an accident, you deserve expert legal representation to seek the justice you deserve and obtain fair compensation. You will gain an advocate for every stage in the claims process until you have the compensation you deserve.
Call us at (305) 299-2835 or contact us today for a free consultation to discuss your case. There is no fee unless we win your case.