Rideshare is growing in popularity. Most of the major metropolitan cities across the country have plenty of rideshare drivers. If you have been hit by an Uber vehicle, or any other rideshare vehicle, you will want to pursue a personal injury claim against the rideshare company and their insurance provider.
The insurance coverage on the rideshare vehicle depends on when and where the crash occurred and if the vehicle was covered by the company's protection or by the driver’s private insurance coverage.
If a driver is going to pick up a paying customer, or if the driver is transporting a paying customer, then the app should be open, and the vehicle will be covered by the rideshare company's insurance. Uber, like other companies, is required to maintain commercial coverage, which includes $1 million in liability coverage.
If the vehicle isn’t in the process of picking up or transporting a paying client, the driver’s private auto insurance will cover the damages. The maximum payout of the policy can vary, depending on how much coverage the driver has and the state minimum insurance coverage requirements.
What To Do If Hit By A Rideshare Driver
If you are hit by an underinsured driver, you should stay on the accident scene and call the police. You will want to have an officer come to the crash scene and investigate the cause the accident. The police report will determine preliminary fault and can be beneficial in establishing your personal injury claim against the other driver. If your damages exceed the amount of the other driver’s coverage, you will need to file a claim with your underinsured motorist coverage to get the rest of the damages covered.
As an example, if you suffered life-altering injuries, such as a traumatic brain injury or paralysis, you will have ongoing medical expenses and you will have a loss of future earnings. Your damages can easily exceed the maximum payout on the other driver’s insurance coverage.
Your insurance company will need proof of the damages, so keep all documentation, such as medical bills, medical records, witness statements, proof of your lost wages, photos that show your visible injuries and scarring. You will want to make sure you itemize all your damages and add them up to come up with the overall total of your losses.
Consult With A Personal Injury Lawyer
If you have been hit by an underinsured driver, you should enlist the help of a personal injury lawyer who is licensed in your state. A personal injury attorney has strong negotiation skills and will work with the insurance companies to ensure you get a fair settlement to cover the costs of your losses. When you hire a personal injury lawyer, you will not have to pay anything upfront.
Instead, personal injury attorneys work on the contingency basis, which means your lawyer will not get paid until your claim has been won. There is a statute of limitations for pursuing a claim, so get your claim underway today before time runs out.
