If you’re an Uber driver who’s been involved in an automobile accident in Philadelphia, you may be wondering what rights you and other uber drivers may have. Injuries to yourself and your passengers and damage to your vehicle can be stressful to deal with. What recourse do you have through Uber? And what happens if they don’t pay?
At Cooper Schall & Levy, we defend Uber drivers’ rights throughout Philadelphia, including Montgomery, Chester, Lancaster, and Philadelphia Counties. Knowing that getting your life back to normal is your top priority after an accident, we can help you navigate the complicated rideshare accident insurance process and, if necessary, take your claims to court to obtain just compensation.
Does Uber Offer Insurance Coverage for Injured Drivers?
Uber provides insurance coverage to its drivers throughout Pennsylvania, which varies according to when the driver was injured. If you’re offline or the Uber application is off, you are required to make a claim through your own insurance carrier.
If you’re between trips when the accident occurs – meaning you are available and waiting to accept a ride request – Uber provides the following insurance coverage:
- $50,000 in bodily injury per person
- $100,000 in bodily injury per accident
- $25,000 in property damage per accident
While you’re on a trip, or en route to pick up a passenger, Uber provides the following:
- <li$1,000,000 liability coverage for riders
- $1,000,000 uninsured/underinsured coverage for anyone in the vehicle
What About Damage To The Driver’s Automobile?
Uber may provide insurance coverage to pay for damage done to the driver’s vehicle either during a trip or while the driver is on the pay to pick up a customer. As long as the driver has personal collision or comprehensive coverage, Uber’s insurance will take its place. However, this coverage is subject to a $1,000 deductible.
Why Is Uber’s Insurance Coverage So Important?
Drivers’ personal insurance policies often do not cover accidents that take place while they are driving for Uber in Philadelphia. That’s because insurance companies view this as a commercial endeavor. If you’ve been in an accident, it’s worth your time to check with your insurance carrier anyway. But don’t be surprised to learn that an Uber accident is excluded.
That’s why making sure Uber upholds their end of the bargain is so important. Unfortunately, the company has been known to deny coverage by claiming that the driver wasn’t working for them at the time of the accident. If this happens, you could be stuck with no insurance coverage while having to fight Uber to recover for your losses.
What To Do If You’ve Been In An Accident in Philadelphia
Uber drivers should first get the medical attention they need for any injuries. You should also get treatment even if you think your injuries are minor, or you believe you haven’t been injured at all. Failure to see a doctor right away will make it much more difficult to get the help you need later if your injuries worsen. Insurance companies look for any excuse possible to deny claims or minimize payouts. If you don’t see a doctor, the insurance companies can easily argue that an intervening cause was responsible for your injuries.
The other driver’s insurance policy may end up being responsible for paying the costs of your accident. Their insurance could cover such losses as:
- Medical bills and prescription medication costs
- Lost wages and decreased earning capacity
- Pain and suffering and emotional distress
- Property damage to your vehicle
Why Do I Need an Uber Driver’s Rights Attorney?
If another driver has caused your accident, Uber may attempt to force that driver’s insurance company to pay for the losses. This can lead to a tug-of-war between the insurance companies over who is responsible for your accident. Injured drivers sometimes get lost in the middle of these fights. And while one or the other insurer will likely step forward, they often try to low-ball the driver and pay far less than the accident is worth.
No matter what kind of case you have, speak with a knowledgeable Philadelphia Uber accident attorney right away. Remember, insurance companies are not in business to help you get better. The insurers may start out sounding sympathetic and eager to help, but these promises are often misleading.
One thing to be wary of is giving a recorded statement to an insurance company. Right after your accident, a claims adjuster may call you and ask you to recount what happened. This is a major red flag. Insurance companies are notorious for taking recorded statements and then using them later against the injured driver. Before you talk to an adjuster, talk to an attorney.
How Can Cooper Schall & Levy Help Me?
The attorneys of Cooper Schall & Levy help automobile accident victims, including those hurt while driving for Uber, from start to finish. We take care of the paperwork, legal documents, and negotiations with the insurance companies. Our firm understands Pennsylvania personal injury law and we have extensive experience handling a variety of different automobile accident cases.
We also know how to determine the value of your claim. If necessary, we can call upon our network of medical experts and other professionals who can help assign a dollar value to your case. The key to effective negotiation with the insurance companies is the ability to project how much your accident will cost down the road. Future medical treatments, rehabilitation, and lost earning capacity (among other damages) are difficult to forecast. But we’ve successfully settled and litigated numerous personal injury cases that fairly compensate our clients. That’s the level of commitment you can expect from us.
Contact Our Philadelphia Uber Drivers’ Rights Attorney
Uber drivers work hard and they deserve reasonable compensation after being in an accident. Let our team fight for you. Give us a call today to schedule a consultation to discuss your legal rights.
Cooper Schall & Levy personal injury lawyers serve Philadelphia, Pennsylvania as well as neighboring counties such as Montgomery County and Delaware County and cover neighborhoods such as Norristown and Drexel Hill.
