Less than a decade ago, if you told someone to jump into a stranger’s car and let them drive you to their destination instead of hailing a taxi, they would have looked at you like you were crazy. Today, with the rise of ride sharing companies like Uber and Lyft, this idea is not so outlandish. App-based ride sharing programs have revolutionized the way we get around, making easy, affordable transportation a simple click away. However, one of the biggest challenges to the implementation of this new scheme is concerns about their safety. After all, it’s not always the best idea to trust just any driver with your life. To assuage fears that riders will be horribly injured in accidents and left to the mercy of their driver’s personal insurance policy (if they have one at all), ride sharing companies and the insurance companies who cover them have set up a new type of insurance program to handle these situations.
Ride Sharing Insurance Requirements
Uber splits all journeys into three phases, outlined below
- Phase 1: This is the period of time that the driver has the app “on” and is waiting for a request. During this period, drivers are covered by Uber’s insurance policy for liability to a third party if they are at fault in an accident. This coverage is $50,000 in injury liability per person, $100,000 in total liability per accident, and $25,000 in property damage liability per accident.
- Phase 2: This is the period of time that the driver has received a request and is on their way to pick up the passenger. During this time, the driver is covered by $1 million in total liability coverage, $1 million in uninsured or underinsured motorist bodily injury coverage, and contingent collision and comprehensive coverage for the driver’s vehicle.
- Phase 3: The third and final phase of an Uber journey is the time that a rider is in the driver’s car. The coverage for this portion is the journey is the same as for Phase 2, except that the rider in the car is also covered.
What to Do if You’re in an Uber Accident
If you are involved in an Uber accident, the steps you take are very similar to those you should take in any accident.
- First, check that all parties are safe
- Next, seek medical attention, if necessary, and
- Report the accident to Uber through the Uber smartphone app
Once you have reported the accident to Uber, you will be contacted by an Uber employee and a representative from their insurance company to determine exactly what happened and work out coverage amounts. If you are injured in an Uber accident, your injuries should be covered by Uber’s insurance policy.However, Uber and other ride sharing companies have a history of denying liability for accidents caused by their drivers. If that happens, you may need to speak to an attorney.
Call an Atlanta Uber Accident Lawyer Today to Schedule a Free Consultation
If you have been injured in an accident involving an Uber driver (or any other driver, for that matter), you may be entitled to compensation. Contact the attorneys at Slappey & Sadd for a free consultation by calling 404.255.6677. We serve the entire state of Georgia, including Muscogee County, Richmond County, and Whitfield County.