Uber Lawyer

Uber carries third-party liability coverage, which pays up to $1 million for injuries and damages. This insurance also protects you, the passenger.

What Can You Expect To Get If You’ve Been Injured In An Uber Accident?

Ridesharing services are everywhere, and the most prevalent company in the entire market is Uber. It can be easy to understand why Uber is so convenient:

• You don’t always need to carry cash.
• Cars can pick you up and drop you off anywhere.
• All the journeys are tracked so you can share them with others for safety reasons.

But what happens if you get hurt while in an Uber ride? How much compensation are you in for?

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It Depends on Who Is Liable

In Missouri, all drivers need to have auto insurance. Moreover, Uber and other ridesharing companies also require their affiliate drivers to take out car insurance.

When you are the victim of a car accident, you are entitled, by law, to compensation from the party who has caused you harm. In an Uber ride, there can be two parties involved:

• The Uber driver who makes a mistake or is reckless;
•  The other driver who causes the accident.

If the Uber driver is responsible, then they are liable. Even if they have personal auto insurance, many of these policies don’t cover business rides. That means the driver is only covered when driving for their own use, not when taking Uber rides. But the good news is that Uber carries third-party liability coverage, which pays up to $1 million for injuries and damages. This insurance also protects you, the passenger.

If the Uber driver doesn’t cause the car accident, you need to file a claim with the other driver’s auto insurance company and get compensated this way.

What If the Other Driver Is Uninsured?

Even though insurance is mandatory in Missouri, it’s possible to stumble upon an uninsured motorist. Or an underinsured motorist whose policy may need to be higher to cover the total cost of your injuries and damages. So, in these cases, who pays for your compensation?

Uber has uninsured/underinsured insurance coverage that can pick up the slack, which is also covered at $1 million per accident. This policy is only activated when the at-fault driver is:

• Uninsured
• Underinsured
• Flee the scene and cannot be held accountable.

How much compensation you get depends on the following:

• The extent of your injuries
• The cost of property damage
• The accident caused other hardships (emotions, distress, missed work, etc.)

The compensation is calculated based on these criteria.

What Happens in a St. Louis Uber Accident Settlement?

About 95% of personal injury cases are settled out of court without going to trial, so an Uber accident will likely end in settlement.

Accident Investigation and Fault Determination

Before a settlement can be obtained, the insurance companies involved in the accident will do a full investigation. This is done to determine fault and understand the specifics of the accident, what happened, the injuries each party suffered, and other such details.

Your insurance company and Uber driver’s insurance may be involved in this process. They will look at the evidence, police reports, eyewitness testimonies, and other information to determine what happened during the accident.

Settlement Negotiation

Once you have filed a claim against the responsible Uber driver, the settlement negotiation process will usually begin. A settlement is a legal agreement to resolve the lawsuit in exchange for a certain amount of monetary damages, including:

• Medical expenses related to the injury
• Lost income due to missing work, disabilities, and other such issues
• Pain, suffering, and anguish due to the injuries
• Punitive damages for reckless or outrageous actions that resulted in the accident

Your lawyer will represent you and request a certain amount of money from the responsible party. Then, they will generally counter-offer with a lower amount. This may continue for quite a while until both parties reach an acceptable agreement. Working with an experienced St. Louis car accident attorney is crucial to negotiating the best possible settlement. 

Signing The Final Settlement

The final settlement agreement will include a lot of complex legal information, but it will outline a few basic things:

• The amount of payment and the timing of payment
•  The legal rights the victim will give up by agreeing to the payment
•  All other actions the involved parties have agreed upon to resolve the legal claim

It’s important to understand that once you settle your Uber accident case, you generally cannot pursue further legal claims against them. In a settlement, you give up the right to future legal action.

Obtaining Compensation

Your settlement agreement will outline how much you’ll be paid and when. Your St. Louis Uber accident lawyer will help you through the process of getting your payment and getting your finances in order.

Frequently Asked Questions About Uber Accidents

What should I do immediately after an Uber accident in St. Louis?

After ensuring your safety and seeking medical attention, document the accident scene with photos and notes. Exchange contact information with all parties involved and report the accident to Uber via the app. It’s also recommended to contact a local St. Louis car accident lawyer experienced in Uber accidents to understand your rights.

Am I covered by insurance if I get into an accident while in an Uber?

Uber provides a $1 million liability policy that covers passengers from the time a trip is accepted until its conclusion. However, the coverage depends on the driver’s status at the time of the accident. A lawyer can help you navigate the complexities of filing an insurance claim.

What are the differences between an Uber accident and a regular car accident?

While similar in many respects, Uber accidents involve the rideshare company’s insurance policies, which can make the claims process different. Determining liability can be more complex due to the multiple parties involved, including the Uber driver, the company, and any third-party drivers.

Who is liable in an Uber accident?

Liability in an Uber accident can be with the Uber driver, another driver, Uber itself, or a combination of parties. The specific circumstances of the accident will determine who is at fault.

How long do I have to file a claim after an Uber accident in Missouri?

In Missouri, the statute of limitations for filing a car accident claim is typically five years from the date of the accident. However, it is advisable to begin the process as soon as possible to ensure all evidence is fresh and available.

Can I sue Uber after an accident?

It may be possible to sue Uber if it can be shown that the company’s actions or inactions contributed to the accident. Each case is unique, and an experienced lawyer can offer guidance on whether suing Uber is an appropriate course of action.

What compensation can I recover from an Uber accident?

Compensation may include medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other damages. The amount will depend on the specifics of your case, including the severity of your injuries and the details of the accident.

How can a St. Louis car accident lawyer help me after an Uber accident?

A lawyer can help by navigating the complex insurance policies involved, investigating the accident, negotiating with insurance companies, and, if necessary, representing you in court to fight for fair compensation.