Led by major companies like Uber, the ridesharing industry is becoming increasingly popular, thanks to its convenience, affordability, and accessibility. In Indiana, rideshares offer a reasonably safe and cost-effective way for people to get around, whether they live in urban or rural areas. However, with increased use comes an increased risk of vehicle accidents and injuries. Unlike other types of commercial transport operators, Uber, and other rideshare drivers are not formally trained and are therefore just as susceptible to a collision as any other motorist on the road.
If you were involved in a ridesharing accident, liability for your resulting injuries will depend on the various facts of the incident. Did your Uber driver run a red light and hit another vehicle? You may be able to hold the driver and/or Uber responsible. Were you hit by a Lyft driver who was actively looking for but had not yet picked up a passenger? You may be able to recover limited compensation for your damages.
However, as any Indianapolis Uber accident attorney knows, rideshare collisions are slightly more complicated than a standard car crash.
Contact Tabor Law Firm at (317) 236-9000 for a free consultation with one of our Uber accident attorneys in Indianapolis.
Who Pays for Damages After an Uber Accident?
In personal injury cases, you can typically sue the at-fault party for your injuries and damages. Under the legal principle of vicarious liability, you can generally also sue employers for the actions of their on-duty employees.
However, this principle does not apply to Uber and Lyft drivers. Why? Because the rideshare companies classify them as independent contractors rather than employees. That means you cannot usually sue the companies for driver negligence.
Instead, you may have three options for compensation after Uber and Lyft accidents:
- The rideshare driver’s personal auto insurance
- The other driver’s insurance
- Uber or Lyft’s third-party liability insurance
If you were involved in a Marion County rideshare collision, an Indianapolis Uber accident attorney can help you identify the potential sources for compensation.
Who Can Seek Compensation After an Uber Accident?
Depending on the circumstances of the case, the following parties may be able to seek compensation after an Uber accident:
- Drivers of other vehicles hit by Uber drivers
- Passengers of other vehicles hit by Uber drivers
- Pedestrians or bicyclists hit by Uber drivers
- Passengers traveling with an Uber driver
How much insurance coverage you may qualify for depends on whether the rideshare driver was driving for personal use, on duty but without any passengers, or actively transporting a passenger.
What Should I Do After an Uber Accident?
Knowing what to do after an accident can help protect your health and your right to compensation. With a few exceptions, you should follow the same steps you would after any Indiana car accident. These include the following:
- Stay at the accident scene and report the collision to the police.
- Gather evidence, including photos or videos of the vehicles, pictures of your injuries, and the contact information of any eyewitnesses.
- Seek a medical evaluation as soon as possible.
- Report the accident to Uber.
- Don’t give the Uber driver a good rating (if you were a passenger).
- Call the Indianapolis Uber accident attorneys at Tabor Law Firm.
What Compensation Is Available for Victims of Uber Accidents?
If you are involved in an accident with an Uber driver, you may be able to file a personal injury claim and seek compensation for your damages. The amount of compensation you will be able to recover, as well as who you will be able to take action against, will depend on the unique circumstances of the accident.
Uber offer third-party liability coverage up to $1 million per accident for passengers who are injured in accidents caused by an Uber driver. This coverage applies to motorists in other vehicles who are hit by Uber drivers who have a passenger at the time of the accident. Uber also offers up to $1 million in uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage. This may apply if another driver is at fault for the accident but does not have adequate insurance to cover your damages. Keep in mind, this insurance coverage only applies when the Uber driver has the app switched on (or is in “driver mode”) and has accepted a ride (has a passenger).
If an Uber driver is in “driver mode” but has not yet accepted a ride, his or her corresponding rideshare company still offers liability coverage, but it is less than the $1 million coverage offered when the driver has picked up a passenger.
If the Uber driver is in “driver mode” but does not have a passenger, Uber offers the following coverage for accidents caused by the Uber driver:
- Up to $50,000 per person in bodily injury liability
- Up to $100,000 total per accident in injury liability
- Up to $25,000 in property damage liability
If an Uber driver is not in “driver mode” at the time he or she causes an accident, injured victims will need to seek compensation through the driver’s personal auto insurance policy.
How Can an Indianapolis Uber Accident Attorney Help Me?
Insurance companies have legal teams working hard for them, and so should you. When you hire Tabor Law Firm to represent you, we will do the following:
- Protect your legal rights
- Investigate the case to reach a liability determination
- Calculate your losses, including economic and non-economic damages
- Correctly complete and file all documents on time
- Negotiate with insurance companies
- Fight for fair compensation for your injuries
Trust Tabor Law Firm for Your Complex Rideshare Claims
Accidents involving rideshare vehicles are typically very complex; seeking compensation for your injuries after such an accident can feel overwhelming. At Tabor Law Firm, however, we have the experience, skill, and available resources to aggressively pursue these types of claims. Our Indianapolis Uber. accident attorneys can serve as your advocate and guide throughout the entire legal process.
Contact us online or by phone at (317) 236-9000 to learn more about how our firm can help you with your case.
Uber Accident FAQs
Clients often ask our Indianapolis Uber accident attorneys the following questions:
How Long Do I Have To File an Uber Accident Claim?
In Indiana, you must typically file an Uber accident claim within two years of the rideshare accident. If you miss the statute of limitations for personal injury claims, you likely forfeit your right to compensation.
Should I Negotiate Directly With the Insurance Company?
You should generally not negotiate directly with the insurance company. Don’t agree to make a recorded statement, sign a written statement, or accept a settlement offer without speaking with an Indianapolis Uber accident attorney.
How Much Does an Uber Accident Attorney Cost?
The cost for an Uber accident attorney depends on their fee structure. Many work on a contingency fee basis, which means the cost of legal representation will be a percentage of your final compensation amount.
Can I Sue After an Uber Accident in Indiana?
Yes, you can sue after an Uber accident in Indiana. While Uber’s policies limit the company’s liability, you can often sue the rideshare driver or another at-fault driver. You can also file a claim against Uber’s liability insurance coverage.
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