Uber Accident Attorneys in Las Vegas, NV
If you sustain injuries in a car accident involving a rideshare service, a Las Vegas Uber accident attorney can assist you in managing your legal claims. Unlike traditional vehicles, an Uber driver may have various types of insurance coverage available to compensate individuals injured by the driver or while riding in an Uber vehicle. Navigating the complexities of these insurance policies can be challenging. Read on to learn more about Uber accident claims.
The basics of Uber And Ridesharing
Despite opposition from Nevada’s taxicab companies, ridesharing services like Uber and its main competitor, Lyft, became legal in the Las Vegas market in 2015. Unlike taxi drivers, rideshare drivers use their personal vehicles, operate as independent contractors, and are not classified as employees. Uber customers request rides and pay fares through an app.
To become an Uber driver, individuals must complete the company’s screening process, which includes a background check and a vehicle inspection. Reports indicate that thousands of drivers in Nevada have been drawn to Uber’s flexible scheduling and have chosen to sign up as drivers.
Many customers consider rideshare services to be a convenient and affordable way to navigate Las Vegas. However, there are a few key points to keep in mind regarding Uber services in the area:
- Designated Uber pickup zones are available at the airport and most hotels.
- Surge pricing may be implemented at any time of day or night in Las Vegas, resulting in higher fares.
Additionally, accidents involving rideshare vehicles can present complex insurance coverage challenges, often necessitating the assistance of an experienced Las Vegas Uber lawyer.
If I’m Hurt In An Uber Accident,
Who Pays For My Injuries?
If you were a passenger, pedestrian, or another driver injured in an Uber accident, you may be eligible for compensation. Nevada operates under fault-based car accident laws, meaning the insurance company of the at-fault driver is responsible for covering your injuries and losses.
When injured by a negligent Uber driver, multiple insurance policies may come into play, which can be quite confusing. For instance:
- The Uber driver must carry their own personal car insurance policy.
- Uber offers $1 million in liability coverage for drivers involved in accidents and collisions.
- Additionally, Uber provides $25,000 in uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage.
Uber’s commercial insurance policies exceed Nevada’s minimum insurance requirements. This means that if these policies are applicable, you can potentially receive fair compensation for your medical expenses, lost wages, and other damages.
Not all accidents are covered by Uber’s insurance policies. Generally:
- If the driver is not logged into Uber’s system, only their personal insurance policy is applicable.
- If the Uber driver is logged in and is waiting for a ride request, their personal insurance policy is primarily responsible, but Uber provides some excess insurance coverage.
- If the driver has a passenger in their vehicle or has accepted a ride request and is en route to a pickup, Uber’s $1 million insurance coverage applies.
Unfortunately, insurance companies often deny claims related to Uber filed under a personal auto insurance policy, as most personal policies do not cover commercial activities like ridesharing. Additionally, Uber frequently contests claims made by individuals injured by an Uber driver or while in an Uber vehicle. If you are injured in an Uber accident, it’s advisable to hire a Las Vegas Uber accident lawyer to assist you.
What if I’m Driving For Uber During The Accident?
As an Uber driver, you are not covered by Nevada’s workers’ compensation laws. Instead, you need to file an accident claim with the appropriate insurance company. If another driver is at fault for your injuries, you may have a claim under their insurance policy. If you caused the accident, the timing is crucial. Here’s what to do based on your status:
- If you are offline, file a claim with your personal insurance company.
- If you are logged into Uber’s system and waiting for a request, your personal insurance policy is primarily responsible, although Uber provides some modest excess coverage in these situations.
- If you are en route to a pickup or have a passenger, Uber’s $1 million insurance policies will apply.
Additionally, Uber provides contingent collision coverage while you are en route or have a passenger.
It can be difficult to sort through the laws and rules governing competing insurance policies. Sometimes, you have to first file a claim with your personal insurance before Uber will accept any responsibility. And, you may feel pressured to file a personal claim rather than a commercial claim. If you need help understanding your rights, contact a Las Vegas Uber accident attorney.
- Your selected personal insurance company and coverage options are applicable.
Uber provides the following auto insurance coverage on your behalf in the event of a covered accident:
Third-party liability if your personal auto insurance does not apply¹
- $50,000 in bodily injury per person
- $100,000 in bodily injury per accident
- $25,000 in property damage per accident
Uber holds the following auto insurance on your behalf for covered accidents:
- $1,000,000 third-party liability
- Uninsured/underinsured motorist bodily injury
- Contingent comprehensive and collision³
- Up to actual cash value of car with a $2,500 deductible (Effective 3/1/2021)
- Certain vehicles offered through the Vehicle Marketplace are subject to a $1,000 deductible
Offline or the driver app is off
- Your chosen personal insurance company and coverages apply
Available or waiting for a delivery request
Uber maintains the following auto insurance on your behalf in case of a covered accident:
Third-party liability if your personal auto insurance doesn’t apply
- $50,000 in bodily injury per person
- $100,000 in bodily injury per accident
- $25,000 in property damage per accident
En route to pick up deliveries and during trips
Uber maintains the following auto insurance on your behalf in case of a covered accident:
- $1,000,000 third-party liability
- Contingent comprehensive and collision
- Up to actual cash value of car with a $2,500 deductible (Effective 3/1/2021)
- Certain vehicles offered through the Vehicle Marketplace are subject to a $1,000 deductible
What Should I Do If I Am Seriously Injured In An Uber Accident?
Evidence is crucial in any car accident claim, and this is particularly true for Uber accidents, where you may need to contend with multiple insurance companies and their attorneys. To protect your interests, it’s advisable to:
- Contact law enforcement and file a police report.
- Seek immediate medical attention if necessary.
- Take photos of the accident scene and any injuries you sustained.
- Gather the driver’s insurance information, including their Uber policy details, and take a picture of their insurance card if possible.
- If you notice an Uber logo displayed in the driver’s window of the vehicle involved in the collision, ask whether they were “logged in” to Uber at the time of the accident.
Many Uber accident claims also require a thorough examination of insurance policies, medical records, and other technical details. An experienced Las Vegas Uber accident attorney can assist you in building the strongest case for compensation.
Speak With A Las Vegas Uber Accident Attorney
Handling the complexities of your personal injury claim can be overwhelming without the assistance of a Las Vegas Uber accident attorney. The Drummond Law Firm specializes in accident claims and is dedicated to pursuing fair compensation for your injuries. Reach out Reach out to us today for a free consultation.
See also:Transportation Network Companies and Auto Insurance: Frequently asked questions. – The Nevada Department of Insurance.