Many people use Uber, Lyft or other ride-sharing programs. With the service essentially replacing the taxi, there are many on the road today and that means, accidents involving Uber do happen. How does it work when a car crash occurs with an Uber vehicle? Who is liable? Who covers damages if a claim is filed? These are all valid questions.

Fortunately, Uber is required to carry valid insurance coverage in Connecticut just like any other driver on the road. However, there are a few factors that may determine what is covered and whose insurance company will cover damages, all of which will be covered in the following article.

It is important to know that Uber holds significant insurance policies to cover Uber accident claims because the corporation is fully aware that accidents may occur. To ensure you receive the best possible payout in an Uber accident, it's best to consult with an Uber accident lawyer as soon as possible if you've been hurt in a ridesharing or Uber accident. The lawyers at Brandon J. Broderick are experienced in handling Uber accidents. We are one phone call away.

Liability in a CT Uber Accident

Due to the fact that Uber and Lyft are still a relatively new business, there are some complicated elements of personal injury claims in motor vehicle accidents. If an Uber driver has their app open and is actively using it to drive a client, they will generally have coverage. A ridesharing driver will also provide coverage for their passengers. Rideshare drivers in Connecticut are required to have their own current insurance, while Uber and Lyft are also required to insure their drivers.

Unfortunately, there are times when injured passengers must fight for the fair compensation they are entitled to from the insurance company or the driver. Since Uber and Lyft drivers are regarded as independent contractors under the law, these companies will sometimes challenge who is liable in the accident.

This is why it's important to speak with a lawyer as soon as possible. As an injury victim, you want to preserve all of the evidence you can from a ridesharing accident, just as you would in any other accident. This includes exchanging insurance and contact information, taking as many pictures as you can, calling the police to file a report, getting medical care, and then, finding an Uber accident lawyer to maximize your claim.

You could potentially file a personal injury claim as well. Examples could be:

• The Uber or Lyft driver was operating their vehicle negligently, such as speeding or breaking traffic rules.
• The Uber or Lyft driver was operating their vehicle recklessly, such as cutting off other motorists or operating their vehicle while intoxicated.
• The Uber or Lyft driver failed to maintain the vehicle in accordance with Uber or Lyft's guidelines.
• Any collision you are involved in, regardless of who is responsible (as you are a passenger).

How To Get Compensation in an Uber Accident?

The amount of compensation you receive will be based on a variety of factors, including:

• Who was at fault in the accident? Was the Uber driver or another driver?
• Was the accident caused by a road hazard?
• Were you driving another vehicle that was hit by an Uber or were you a passenger in the Uber?
• Did you or another passenger cause the crash by driving or acting carelessly?
• Did the Uber driver have a passenger in the vehicle when the crash occurred?

Many Uber accident victims were passengers when it crashed. If so, you may file a claim with the driver whose negligence resulted in the accident. This may have been your Uber driver or another driver who ran into you on the road.

Connecticut mandates that drivers have bodily injury coverage of at least $25,000 and a maximum of $50,000 per accident. Fortunately, Uber and Lyft both have insurance plans that will pay for uncompensated damages.

However, things may get trickier if an Uber driver hit a car or a pedestrian. Whether the driver was logged into the app and whether a passenger was present determines how much insurance coverage is provided:

• You can file a claim with the driver's personal insurance if they weren't logged into the Uber app.
• If the driver was logged into their Uber or Lyft app and available to accept rides, there is $50,000 in bodily injury liability or death per person in coverage available, up to $100,000 per accident. For property damage, an extra $25,000 is payable.
• Up to $1 million is available if the driver took a ride or had a passenger in the Uber.

The specifics of the accident will determine what insurance coverage is available for injury victims. With that said, it's important to consult with a lawyer before accepting an initial compensation offer. 

Experienced Uber accident lawyers will evaluate all aspects of the claim to determine fault and negotiate the best settlement possible.

Call Brandon J. Broderick Today To Assist You in Recovering Compensation in Your Uber Accident

When it comes to car accidents involving Uber or other ridesharing services, Connecticut has complicated insurance requirements, some of which can work to your advantage if you have the right legal representation. To ensure that you receive full and just compensation for your losses, our experienced personal injury attorneys can handle all conversations with insurers. One of our dependable team members will hear your account, investigate your case, and provide you with guidance on what to do next. Many of our clients get relief after making the initial call. Call us today.