When an Uber ride ends in a crash or accident, you can hold Uber liable if certain conditions apply. So when is Uber liable for accidents? The answer depends on whether an on-duty driver is actively transporting a passenger.
Uber accidents are complex, often involving several different parties who might share in the fault. At Sargon Law Group, we help you understand every aspect of your rideshare accident so you know who is liable for your damages.
What Happens if an Uber Driver Gets in an Accident?
If an Uber driver gets in an accident while you are in the vehicle, the first things that happen are the same as with any other vehicle accident. Everyone involved should move to a safe location and seek immediate medical attention from first responders. When it is safe to do so, you should document the scene by taking photos and getting contact information from witnesses.
According to Uber’s 2021-2022 Safety Report, there were over 1.8 billion trips made using the service in the US over a two-year period, and 99.9998% of them ended without any critical safety incident. However, this means that there were approximately 3600 trips that did experience critical safety incidents.
An Uber accident can happen to anyone, so it is important to know your legal options in this situation. As an Uber passenger, you likely have the right to seek compensation from Uber’s insurance or the driver’s insurance. If any other drivers share in the fault for your injuries, you can file a claim with their insurance providers as well.
Is Uber Liable for Its Drivers’ Negligence?
Uber drivers are independent contractors rather than employees, so Uber is not typically directly liable for their actions. However, Uber is directly liable for its drivers’ negligence if you can prove that the company failed in its hiring, training or supervising practices.
Uber can also be directly liable for your injuries if corporate negligence played a role in the accident. For example, malfunctions with the Uber app may be a direct result of the company’s negligence.
How Can a Lawyer Help You After an Uber Accident?
Even if you experience injuries in a rideshare accident, Uber and its insurance partners might try to deny liability or offer a lowball settlement. Working with a dedicated lawyer will help you negotiate on a level playing field so the other party cannot take advantage of you.
Our Uber and Lyft accident lawyers at Sargon Law Group take a specialized approach to rideshare accidents by:
- Advising you on what to say when reporting the accident to the rideshare company
- Reviewing the terms of Uber’s rideshare policies
- Collecting evidence unique to rideshare accidents
- Determining negligence for all parties involved
- Representing you at every step of negotiation or litigation
Sargon Law Group Can Help When Uber Is Liable for Your Accident
Uber is liable for accidents when the company’s negligence contributed to your injuries. Sargon Law Group helps people across Arizona, New Mexico, Colorado and California hold Uber accountable for their fault. Contact us today to learn more about how we can help you get the compensation you deserve.