How to Sue Uber for Accidents

In the last few decades, many people have become accustomed to the ridesharing services provided by companies such as Uber and Lyft. These services have become a preferred or even primary mode of transportation for many.

Over the years, Uber has tried to limit its liability when accidents occur involving one of its drivers. Despite Uber’s efforts, many states have enacted laws aimed at Uber and other ridesharing companies to prevent them from shirking financial responsibility when rideshare customers and other people get hurt in ridesharing accidents. To learn more about suing rideshare companies and holding Uber responsible after an accident, please keep reading or contact CHASENBOSCOLO for a free consultation session.

Suing Uber: What You Need to Know

If you get hurt in an Uber accident and wish to demand compensation by suing Uber, you should know the following:

• Injury claims from rideshare accidents are more complex than ordinary accident claims.
• Uber requires all rideshare drivers to carry personal auto insurance coverage.
• Uber provides additional insurance coverage when drivers are using the company’s app.
• The insurance coverage available through Uber increases when its drivers are actively transporting rideshare passengers or on their way to pick up confirmed fares.
• You have the legal right to file a lawsuit against a ridesharing service, such as Uber or Lyft, in certain circumstances, but holding them responsible for the actions of rideshare drivers isn’t always possible.

In most Uber accident cases, you won’t be able to sue Uber directly. Instead, you will need to rely on the applicable insurance policy to recover compensation for your losses. The status of the Uber driver at the time of the accident will determine whose insurance policy pays for your claim. For example:

If an Uber Driver Is at Fault for an Accident While Off-Duty

You can file a claim against the Uber driver and the driver’s insurance carrier if an Uber driver causes an accident while off-duty. If they were at fault for the accident, their personal liability insurance should cover it.

Maryland requires all drivers to carry the following minimum amounts of liability insurance:

• $30,000 per person for bodily injury
• $60,000 per accident for bodily injury
• $15,000 per accident for property damage

For auto insurance policies effective January 1, 2022, through December 31, 2024, Virginia requires:

• $30,000 per person for bodily injury
• $60,000 per accident for bodily injury
• $20,000 per accident for property damage

For auto insurance policies effective on or after January 1, 2025, Virginia requires:

• $50,000 per person for bodily injury
• $100,000 per accident for bodily injury
• $25,000 per accident for property damage

If the Driver Was Waiting for a Ride Request

In some cases, Uber’s own liability insurance policy will kick in if you get hurt in an accident with an on-duty Uber driver, even if they don’t have a fare at the time. When an Uber driver is logged into the Uber app and waiting on a ride request, Uber’s insurance will cover the following in the event of an accident:

• $50,000 in bodily injury per person
• $100,000 in bodily injury per accident
• $25,000 in property damage per accident

If an Uber driver hits your vehicle and causes injuries while the Uber driver is on the clock waiting for a ride, you could seek compensation from both the driver and Uber. You can supplement the compensation you get from the at-fault Uber driver with compensation from Uber’s liability insurance policy.

If a Ride or Pickup Was in Progress

Maryland and Virginia laws mandate that rideshare companies such as Uber must carry $1 million in accident liability insurance for death, personal injury, or property damage caused by their drivers. In Maryland and Virginia, this $1 million coverage applies from the moment when an Uber driver accepts a ride request through the Uber app until the driver finishes the ride or completes the transaction on the Uber app, whichever is later.

The law further requires that this policy must be the primary insurance policy for any claim arising from an Uber accident involving an in-progress ride or pickup. In these situations, injured parties can file claims against Uber, but might not be able to do so against the driver.

Contact a Ridesharing Accident Lawyer Today

If you suffered injuries in an accident involving an Uber driver, the experienced Uber accident attorneys at CHASENBOSCOLO can help you seek compensation for your crash-related losses. Call (301) 220-0050 today to arrange a free consultation and learn more about your legal options from our attentive team.

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