Factors That Can Complicate Your Dallas Uber Accident Case

Uber offers convenient transportation in most US cities, but the inevitability of accidents involving Uber drivers raises questions and creates complications surrounding who will pay for the accidents and how. There are many factors that can complicate your Dallas Uber accident case, but the complexity is usually centered around insurance and financial responsibility. After an accident involving an Uber driver in Dallas, contact a rideshare accident attorney in Dallas, like those Carabin Shaw, who can help you understand your options and ensure you are compensated for your injuries.

Uber’s Insurance Policy

Uber carries a $1 million insurance policy, but this policy is not always available to passengers and people involved in accidents with Uber drivers. The use of Uber’s large insurance policy mainly depends on the “status” of the driver within the Uber app at the time of the accident.

Uber Driver’s “Status” When the Accident Occurred

As mentioned above, understanding whose insurance is responsible for covering damages after an accident relies on the Uber driver’s status within the Uber app at the time the accident occured. The three most common statuses and their resulting responsibility are as follows:

• Not Available/Offline - If you are involved in an accident with an Uber driver when they are not using their Uber app, their personal car insurance policy will be in charge of covering the accident damages.
• Using the App, but no Passenger in the Vehicle - If the driver is logged into the app and is available to accept rides but has not accepted a ride and there are no passengers in the vehicle, the driver’s insurance will be responsible for covering the accident damages. In cases where the driver’s insurance does not cover the full amount or the claim is denied, Uber has a $50,000 liability policy to cover those instances.
• Using the App with a Passenger in the Vehicle - Within the Uber app, drivers have to accept the rides presented to them by the app. Once a ride is accepted and a driver is en route to pick up a passenger, Uber’s liability insurance takes over in case of an accident. Their insurance also covers passengers in an Uber when an accident occurs as well as pedestrians and cyclists. Uber carries a $1,000,000 policy in these cases.

A car accident lawyer serving Dallas can help you sort out the insurance details after an Uber accident in the Dallas area. Google search “Uber accident lawyer near me” to find an attorney who can help you understand your options after an accident.

What Happens if Uber Denies the Claim?

Uber’s drivers are technically not employees of the company, so in certain cases, Uber will try to use this fact to avoid responsibility for paying out on claims. If the Uber driver was driving recklessly or under the influence, Uber will often try to avoid responsibility in these claims and have the driver’s personal insurance pay for the damages they cause. If this happens, you and a rideshare accident attorney in Dallas can pursue a civil claim against Uber and their insurance company in order to recover compensation.

Never speak to an insurance agent or make official statements about your accident without first speaking to a car accident lawyer serving Dallas. Insurance companies will often try to get you to admit fault in accidents which can hinder your ability to file a successful claim against them.

Hire a Lawyer You Can Trust

If you’ve been asking yourself “how do I find an Uber accident lawyer near me that I can trust,” we’re here to help. At Carabin Shaw, we have been helping Texans get the compensation they deserve after accidents for 28 years. We have the experience and reputation that you can rely on after your accident with a rideshare company.

Call us today for a free, no-obligation consultation with an experienced attorney at 1-800-862-1260.

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