If you’ve been injured in a rideshare accident, contact one of our Houston Uber accident attorneys right away for help.
The popularity of rideshare services like Uber has exploded among the hip and modern in most cities across the globe. Many people prefer to use an Uber rather than alternative forms of public transportation or face the struggle to find good parking spaces. Furthermore, this service allows people to use their vehicle as a form of income to provide a needed service to the public. Nevertheless, this convenient alternative form of transportation will also come with some risks for both the driver and passenger. Here is what you should know if you become injured in a rideshare accident in Houston.
What is Uber?
Uber is not a taxi service or a private chauffeur service. It is a referral app that can be downloaded onto your mobile device. This app connects drivers with passengers through a GPS tracker on your cell phone. It functions like a social media platform that connects potential drivers with passengers.
Passengers can order their ride and the app will connect them with a driver to take them to their destination. Payments are processed through the app from the credit card of the passenger when they set up their account. Once the connection has been made and the ride completed, Uber will take a cut of the proceeds and the rest is deposited into the account of the driver.
General Risks of Being a Driver for Uber
Uber offers the chance for anyone with a car to make some money by giving others a lift. But, this type of service comes with some specific risks. One of the most important risks is the safety of both passenger and driver. First of all, you never know who you will be picking up in your car. Then you face some important financial risks if you are operating a vehicle in the Uber plan. Next, you are not an employee of the Uber Company, if you do have a problem, liability will fall upon you alone.
After accepting full responsibility for the safety of your passengers and all possible liability, you will receive about 80% of the fares collected. You are also responsible for the gas, maintenance of your vehicle and car insurance. When all this is added up you will find that the profits generated from your fares is considerably low.
General Risks of Being an Uber Passenger
Uber passengers will also face the same types of risks the drivers will face. You never know what type of driver will be picking you up and there are no background checks performed on Uber drivers. Uber claims that these checks are performed but in all truth, there is no guarantee that these background checks are thorough.
Furthermore, many passengers have had issues when trying to file claims for injuries. Because Uber drivers are not employed by the Uber Company, they deny any liability for the actions of their drivers.
Liability in Uber Accidents
Because there has been such a problem with liability in Uber accidents, Uber covers drivers with $1 million of liability insurance coverage. This coverage begins once the driver has accepted the fare and begins travelling to the passenger’s location. This coverage does not cover the passenger while they are waiting for the Uber ride to arrive. The coverage begins when the driver accepts the ride and lasts until the passenger exits the vehicle at the chosen location.
It is often a good idea that drivers obtain rideshare insurance that will cover the gaps in Uber’s insurance policy. Furthermore, most regular automobile insurance policies will not accept rideshare claims.
Filing insurance claims for Uber accidents can be a tricky thing. Furthermore, you will have to follow-up with the insurance company to ensure that the claim is properly moving through the system. It is a common practice for your insurance provider to not follow through with the claim or undervalue the damages – much as they would with any other claim.
Because you will have to be negotiating with a shrewd insurance provider and facing details that are specific to Uber and rideshare accidents, it is always a good idea to consult with one of our experienced Houston Uber accident attorneys. A professional legal advisor will be able to determine potential insurance coverage, properly investigate the incident, and help you file claims in the right way. Furthermore, your lawyer will help you protect your interests at every turn of the process.
What Should You Do After an Uber Accident?
Whether you were driving or riding in the rideshare vehicle, it is essential that you remain calm. The first thing you should do is contact 911 to report the crash and request medical services. You may think that your injuries are relatively minor and you will be fine, but it is always best to have yourself checked fully by a medical professional.
Be sure to use the voice recorder and camera of your mobile device to collect images and eyewitness reports from the accident that will help bolster your case.
After you have received a thorough medical examination, we recommend that you contact our law offices and arrange a consultation. Uber accidents have many loopholes and ways that insurance companies can deny your claim.. We are committed to getting full compensation for those that have been injured in an accident caused by the negligence of another party.
Contact Our Houston Uber Accident Attorneys
Our law firm has experience representing the interests of those that have been injured or suffered losses in a rideshare car accident, be they drivers or passengers. If you have found yourself in such a situation, call the law offices of McDonald Worley today.