Ridesharing apps have been steadily growing in popularity over the past several years, and it is clear to see why. The convenience of Uber or other ridesharing apps is appealing to many; however, Uber drivers are just as responsible for car accidents as other drivers, especially with collisions involving pedestrians.
Accidents involving a pedestrian can be complicated; if the driver was working for a ridesharing app, the accident can get more complex. If you are hit by an Uber driver, the first thing you need to do is to seek medical attention immediately. If you were a pedestrian, you may sustain serious personal injury, so have someone, perhaps a witness, document the incident as detailed as they can, including the driver’s insurance and personal information.
The Problem with Uber’s Insurance
New Jersey requires ride sharing drivers to have their vehicles inspected, backgrounds checked, and for their drivers to carry insurance policies of their own. They are also covered under Uber’s insurance, but, depending on when the accident occurred will play a big role on who is providing coverage.
The major problem with an accident involving an Uber driver is to determine whose insurance to contact, as ride sharing apps and their insurance policies are quite complicated. If you were hit by an Uber driver, you need to get a screenshot of their phone, or find out whether they had had their app on, because Uber determines liability based on so-called periods:
- Period One. If the app is on but there is no passenger, nor the driver is not en route to pick one up, Uber considers the driver during this period as not on the clock. If the driver gets into an accident during this period, Uber will cover only liability. In most cases, the driver’s own insurance policy will cover accident-related damages.
- Period Two. This is the period in which the driver is going to pick a client up. Here is when Uber covers their driver; however, if the ride is cancelled for whatever reason, the situation reverts to Period One. The driver is also logged into the app, so during this period, Uber’s insurance will cover $50,000 of injury costs per person.
- Period Three. If the driver has a passenger and is driving them to their destination, this is considered Period Three, where Uber covers their driver under their policy. The insurance can cover up to $1,500,000 worth of injury.
Any accident can lead to a serious injury or property damage, but with a pedestrian, a car accident can be especially dangerous. In fact, according to the Pedestrian and Bicycle Information Center (PBIC), pedestrian-related accident injuries increased by about 15 percent between the years 2006 and 2015, with more pedestrian fatalities in 2015 than there had been during the previous 20 years.
What Do I Need after the Accident?
At the scene of the accident, you must try to get some information from the Uber driver, especially:
- Name and contact information
- All insurance companies and details
- Witness information
- Pictures of accident scene
- Pictures of damage on vehicle
- Pictures of injuries
You should also contact the police as soon as possible. Many states require it, especially if the accident involved a pedestrian. A police report provides detailed information that can help back your claim. It is best to contact an experienced pedestrian accident lawyer; any accident involving a large company such as Uber will require legal expertise and guidance.
Atlantic City Pedestrian Accident Lawyers at the D’Amato Law Firm Help Those Injured by Careless Uber Drivers
If you or a loved one has been struck by an Uber driver, reach out to the Atlantic City pedestrian accident lawyers at the D’Amato Law Firm. Our knowledgeable team has years of experience with cases such as this and will gladly help you get the compensation for which you are entitled. Call us today at 609-926-3300 or contact us online for a free consultation. With an office in Egg Harbor Township, New Jersey, we assist clients in Atlantic City, Linwood, Galloway Township, Cape May, Vineland, Millville, Bridgeton, Ocean City, Woodbury, and across South Jersey.