Ridesharing companies like Uber have increased in popularity in Ohio. Passengers who use Uber rightly expect their Uber drivers to transport them safely. Unfortunately, most Uber drivers are independent contractors that do not have commercial driving experience. An Uber accident claim can happen in two ways. When an Uber driver makes mistakes and drives negligently, a serious car accident can result, leaving Uber passengers injured and eligible for compensation. Ohio drivers who suffer injuries caused by an Uber driver who struck their car may also be entitled to compensation for their injuries.
If you’ve suffered an injury in a ridesharing accident in Ohio, the attorneys at Jones Kahan Law, LLC, can help. We understand the unique insurance and personal injury laws that apply to rideshare accidents. Using our in-depth knowledge and experience in the courtroom, our lawyers fight hard for the compensation our clients deserve. We do not collect fees until we receive payment for our clients. With law offices in Cincinnati and Dayton, Ohio, scheduling a consultation is easy.
Uber is a company that provides rideshare services for customers. Customers download the Uber phone app to schedule a ride. Uber drivers are independent contractors who accept payment for their services through the mobile application. The phone application also alerts Uber drivers when they have a customer waiting to be picked up.
Uber drivers are required to open the Uber application while transporting passengers for fees. Driving with the application open ensures that the driver will accurately bill and accept charges. The Uber application must be open and operating for Uber’s insurance policy to cover accidents that happen on the journey.
As with any other personal injury claim, Ohio courts will hold negligent drivers liable for any injuries caused by their negligent driving. Uber drivers are required to maintain personal auto insurance coverage. Their coverage must meet or exceed Ohio’s minimum requirements for insurance. Nonetheless, an Uber driver’s insurance policy will not cover the cost of damages that result while using the car as an Uber transport vehicle.
When a driver is offline or has turned off the Uber app, his or her personal car insurance company coverage will apply should an accident take place. Uber has its own $1 million policy. However, the $1 million policy does not always apply. The type of insurance coverage that applies depends on the activity of the driver at the time the accident occurred.
When the driver is logged into the application and ready to pick up a paying customer when an accident occurs, the driver’s insurance policy will cover the accident. Uber provides extra coverage of up to $50,000 per injury with a maximum of $100,000. Uber will also offer an additional $25,000 in property damages if the driver requests it, and the driver’s coverage does not cover everything.
Uber’s $1 million insurance policy covers accidents that occur when the driver is carrying an Uber passenger and while the driver has the application open. Uber’s insurance policy also covers injuries that happen to a third party, such as a pedestrian or a cyclist who becomes injured.
In cases in which Uber does deny coverage, the driver’s insurance may also deny coverage if the driver was driving for pay when the accident occurred. It is not unusual for Uber to try to deny insurance claims, even ones rightfully made. At Jones Kahan Law, LLC, our attorneys have extensive experience challenging insurance denials from Uber. Contact our law firm today to learn how we can help you fight for your right to compensation.
If you’ve been in an Uber accident, try to remain as calm as possible. First, seek medical attention, if necessary. Call 911 if you, the Uber driver, or any passengers are injured or are in pain. Even when passengers don’t notice injuries immediately, seeking help from a physician is wise. Next, call the police and wait until they arrive at the scene of the accident, if possible. Speaking with police officers ensures that you will have a police record to submit to insurance companies. Police reports are also essential when filing a personal injury lawsuit.
If possible, take photos of the accident with their cell phones and document as much as possible. When taking pictures, capture the location of the vehicles relative to each other. Try to capture any damage to the motor vehicles. If you’ve suffered an injury, take photos of the injury or injuries as they progress.
After the accident occurs, report it to Uber right away. It is best to avoid speaking to insurance companies before speaking with a skilled Uber car accident attorney. In the wake of a serious accident, it is easy for Uber passengers to tell police or insurance companies that they have not suffered an injury. Doing so is unwise, however, because after the shock of the accident wears off, the pain of the injury becomes apparent.
The most important thing to do after an Uber accident is to contact a skilled lawyer. If you or a loved one have suffered an injury in an Uber ridesharing accident, the Cincinnati lawyers at Jones Kahan Law, LLC, can help. We have helped many clients successfully obtain insurance payments from Uber after Uber car accidents. Contact our office today to learn how we can help you fight for your right to fair compensation. We will evaluate the unique facts in your case and help you develop the best legal strategy possible.
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