Uber Accident Basics – Who Can Be Held Liable?

Uber provides an easy and convenient form of transportation, often faster and serving wider areas than public transportation—and cheaper than taxis. Many people use Uber instead of renting a car when visiting the Norwich area, or just for a safe ride home after a couple of drinks. Overall, Uber has transformed quick and easy transportation in the 2010’s and for the foreseeable future, as well as providing a safer alternative than driving after a night out.

One issue many people do not consider when hopping into an Uber, however, is the possibility of being involved in a car crash that causes injury. These types of accidents can differ from regular car accident cases, especially when it comes to who pays for any injuries or losses.

Who Caused the Crash?

If you are hurt in an accident with an Uber driver, either as an Uber passenger or as a passenger in another vehicle, the driver who caused the accident should pay for your injuries or losses. Because Connecticut has fault-based liability laws, you would need to file a claim against the driver at fault for the accident and his or her insurance company. The first step in determining who will be held responsible involves identifying whether any negligence or recklessness caused the accident. This often requires detailed investigation into exactly what caused the crash and the actions of both drivers beforehand.

Negligence can include distracted driving, impaired driving, speeding, violating traffic laws, fatigued driving, and more. In a court case, it may be difficult and complicated to prove that an Uber driver’s fatigue or other careless driving contributed to an accident. Yet Uber drivers may often drive fatigued because they are constantly driving in traffic and may be working long hours, especially late at night. If the other driver drove carelessly, he or she may be held responsible instead—or both drivers may have contributed to causing the accident, requiring both drivers to pay for any injuries and losses.

One of the last states to regulate rideshare companies, Connecticut recently enacted new laws that treat Uber drivers like commercial drivers. The new legislation requires Uber drivers to be covered by at least $1 million in insurance coverage. This increased minimum coverage amount is intended to ensure that insurance coverage is available for any injury-related losses caused by an Uber driver.

Although Uber currently requires its Connecticut drivers to carry this insurance in order to drive for Uber, the company also carries its own $1M policy to cover drivers whenever online for Uber, and to cover underinsured drivers. These new laws should simplify and streamline recovering full compensation for accidents caused by Uber drivers. However, determining whose insurance policy applies, and which policy provides primary as opposed to secondary insurance, often involves complex legal questions. These issues may make it confusing to determine where and against whom you should file your claim without the help of an experienced attorney.

Moreover, even if you identify the right responsible party and that person has insurance, negotiating with auto insurance companies may be frustrating, time-consuming, and worse yet—unsuccessful. All too often an insurance company may stall negotiations or simply refuse to make a reasonable settlement offer, until an injured party becomes discouraged and accepts much less than a fair amount. The help of the right attorney, who has experience dealing with Uber accident claims and negotiating with auto insurance companies, can ensure that you recover a fair settlement to fully compensate you for any injuries and losses you suffered.

Consult with a Norwich, CT Uber Accident Lawyers About Your Options

The car accident attorneys at Polito & Harrington, LLC, know how to handle all types of crash-related cases, including accidents involving Uber drivers. Because these cases often involve complex issues and difficult negotiations with insurance companies, you always want to have the right legal team on your side. If you’ve been injured in a car accident involving an Uber driver in the Norwich area, you should not hesitate to call our office for a free consultation. Please contact us online or call the office at 860-447-3300 today.