An Uber crash can raise an important question: which insurance policy should cover the injuries and losses? The answer is not always straightforward because coverage can depend on what the Uber driver was doing through the app when the collision occurred.
Florida law sets different insurance requirements for transportation network companies depending on the driver’s status. A Fort Lauderdale uber accident lawyer can review the circumstances of the crash, identify the coverage that may apply, and help you understand your options.
Why Your Uber Driver’s App Status Matters
Uber insurance coverage can change depending on whether the driver was waiting for a ride request, had accepted a trip, or was already transporting a passenger.
When a driver is logged into the Uber platform but has not accepted a ride, Florida law requires at least $50,000 in bodily injury liability coverage per person, $100,000 per incident, and $25,000 for property damage. Required PIP and uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage also apply.
Once the driver has accepted a ride, the required primary liability coverage increases to at least $1 million for death, bodily injury, and property damage. This coverage continues while the driver is transporting the passenger.
What Coverage May Apply During Your Ride?
If you were an Uber passenger when the crash happened, the driver’s trip status can be especially important. Florida defines a prearranged ride as beginning when the driver accepts the ride request and ending when the passenger leaves the vehicle. During this period, the required primary liability coverage is at least $1 million.
The driver’s personal auto policy may also have exclusions for periods when the vehicle is being used through a transportation network company. As a result, determining coverage may require looking at more than one policy and the circumstances of the accident.
When Another Driver Causes the Collision
Not every Uber accident is caused by the rideshare driver. Another motorist may be responsible for running a red light, making an unsafe lane change, or otherwise causing the collision.
When another driver is at fault, that driver’s liability insurance may become relevant. Depending on the circumstances, uninsured or underinsured motorist coverage may also need to be considered. Florida’s transportation network company requirements include this type of coverage during the applicable rideshare periods.
This means identifying who caused the crash is just as important as determining the Uber driver’s status.
What Can Help Identify the Right Insurance?
Information from the accident can help clarify what happened and which coverage may apply. Important records can include the police report, medical records, photographs, witness information, vehicle details, and information about the Uber trip.
Florida law also requires transportation network companies to keep individual ride records for at least one year. The law allows directly involved parties and insurers to request information about when a driver was logged into the network around the time of an accident.
Keeping these details can make it easier for a Fort Lauderdale uber accident lawyer to examine the circumstances and evaluate the available insurance coverage.
When Insurance Coverage Becomes Complicated
An Uber accident claim may become more difficult when several insurance policies, drivers, or parties are involved. Questions about app activity, fault, available coverage, and the extent of injuries may all affect how a claim is handled.
Attorney Adam Jacobson can review the circumstances of an Uber collision and discuss the legal options that may be available. A Fort Lauderdale uber accident lawyer can also help evaluate the evidence and explain how the applicable insurance coverage may affect your claim.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Uber insurance cover every accident?
What if the Uber driver was not logged into the app?
Can an Uber passenger make a claim after a crash?
Can another driver’s insurance cover an Uber accident?
Discuss Your Options After an Uber Crash
Understanding insurance coverage after an Uber crash can be difficult when multiple policies or parties may be involved. Reviewing the driver’s status, accident records, and available coverage can help clarify the potential options.
Jacobson Injury Firm offers a free consultation to discuss your circumstances. A Fort Lauderdale uber accident lawyer can review the available information and explain the legal options that may apply to your situation.
