What you will learn from this article:
- Uber provides insurance coverage for its drivers, but the coverage varies depending on the driver’s status within the ridesharing process.
- Victims of Uber-related accidents in Kentucky may be entitled to compensation for medical expenses, loss of income, emotional distress, pain and suffering, and punitive damages.
- Uber-related accidents involve unique challenges compared to regular car accidents, making it essential to seek legal guidance.
Were you in an auto accident involving an Uber driver while driving in Kentucky? If so, you need to contact an experienced Kentucky automotive accident lawyer like McCoy & Sparks.
As the number of rideshare services increases, so do the rates of Uber-related automobile accidents. Dealing with Uber-related incidents is more complicated than usual car accident settlements. Like most other automobile collisions in Kentucky, you have the opportunity to seek compensation for any injuries or losses resulting from the crash. However, it becomes significantly more complicated to determine who is liable and who is ultimately paying the bill when a rideshare company, like Uber, is involved.
If you find yourself in a car accident involving an Uber driver, your immediate safety is the first and most important concern. Seek all necessary medical attention, gather the other driver’s information, file a police report, and contact your insurance to begin the official documentation of potential injuries and losses. Keep a copy of all medical, automotive, and legal paperwork involved for your records. These may be useful when determining an Uber driver car accident settlement amount or collecting evidence to support your case.
Once you are safe and your immediate needs are taken care of, you will want to seek the advice of an attorney experienced in managing rideshare-related collisions. They can guide you through the necessary steps and protect you from potentially overreaching representatives from the other party’s insurance company. Below we outline additional important information to help you understand the benefits of and the unique process for seeking compensation after an Uber-related accident.
Common Causes of Uber-Related Accidents
Having more Uber drivers on the road naturally increases your likelihood of being involved in an Uber-related collision. As with any car accident, these incidents can occur for a variety of reasons:
- Distracted driving (e.g. texting, talking on the phone, eating, etc.)
- Driving under the influence
- Driving while overly tired
- Reckless driving
- Failing to follow traffic laws
If you are in the car with, hit by, or otherwise involved in an accident due to an Uber driver exhibiting any of these negligent behaviors, you could be entitled to compensation. Discussing your case with a knowledgeable attorney can help you determine the appropriate next steps regarding pursuing a legal suit.
Uber’s Insurance Policies and Requirements
As a large corporation, Uber provides an equally large insurance policy of $1 million of liability coverage for each of their drivers. But despite offering this relatively generous coverage amount, this insurance is only applicable to specific circumstances within the ridesharing process with particular dollar amounts allotted for each situation. These situations and coverage amounts include:
- The driver is in “driver mode” but has not accepted a ride request. In this instance, Uber’s policy may cover up to $50,000 per individual, $100,000 per incident, and up to $25,000 for property damages.
- The driver is en route to pick up a passenger.
- The driver is completing the trip with the passenger in the vehicle. The up to $1 million in coverage applies if the Uber driver is found to be at fault, is underinsured, or is uninsured.
Uber also requires their drivers to maintain their own auto insurance to cover circumstances beyond the situations described above. This most often refers to times when the driver is off-duty and not using the Uber app. In the event of an accident, each insurance company will often try to claim the other party is responsible to avoid and delay payouts. This leaves you, the victim, caught in the tedious, time-consuming crosshairs of big insurance companies.
Partnering with an attorney with the expertise to handle this situation saves you time and stress, allowing you to focus on getting back to your life and ensuring you receive the maximum compensation.
Uber Accident Settlement: What Can Be Compensated in Kentucky
Someone involved in a car accident may be entitled to compensation beyond recouping the damage to their vehicle or their initial hospital bill. Kentucky takes a holistic view of “loss and injury,” considering the long-term or even permanent impacts an incident may have on your life. Examples of what factors can be considered when determining compensation in an Uber accident settlement in Kentucky include:
- Permanent disability, injury, or disfigurement.
- Existing and anticipated medical expenses.
- Funeral or burial expenses for a wrongful death.
- Loss of current or future wages.
- Emotional distress.
- Pain or suffering.
- Loss of normalcy or quality of life.
- Punitive damages if the cause of the accident was egregiously reckless.
Monetary compensation can help to support you and your loved ones during your immediate recovery and while navigating any long-term changes. Although it can be difficult to assign a dollar amount to injury and suffering experienced due to an Uber-related accident, it is important to carefully and thoroughly consider these values.
How Long Does an Uber Accident Settlement Take?
How long an Uber accident settlement may take in Kentucky varies based on several factors. Typically, the process may take several months to a year or more. Factors influencing the timeline include the complexity of the case, the extent of injuries and damages, disputes over liability, and negotiations with insurance companies. Additionally, gathering evidence, medical assessments, and legal proceedings can contribute to the time it takes to settle an Uber accident claim. It’s crucial to consult with an experienced Kentucky attorney who specializes in rideshare accidents, as they can provide a more accurate estimate based on the specific details of your case and work diligently to expedite the settlement process while ensuring you receive the compensation you deserve.
Your Expert Rideshare Accident Attorney of Central Kentucky
Though Uber services add convenience for consumers, they create additional opportunities for driving-related accidents, especially if drivers are not thoroughly screened during the hiring process. When involved in an Uber-related car accident, dealing with multiple insurance holders and determining who’s at fault can be a complicated, time-consuming process. You should be focusing on your safety, wellness, and returning to your life instead of arguing with insurance representatives.
McCoy & Sparks is your team of Central Kentucky attorneys highly experienced that can help maximize your Uber accident settlement. Our clients are more than just a case to us. Our dedicated legal team takes the time to review your case and create a strong legal strategy. We want to support you in regaining your quality of life by ensuring you receive your maximum, rightful compensation after experiencing injury or other losses in an Uber-related incident.
To learn more about what McCoy & Sparks can do for you, contact us for a free consultation.