Since launching in late 2012, Uber has grown from a specialized black car service to a key player in the transportation industry throughout the Lone Star State. While Uber apparently conducts background checks on new hires to ensure they are properly licensed and have clean driving records, reports emerge every day of Uber drivers causing traffic accidents through reckless or careless driving.
If you were hurt in a crash caused by an Uber driver as a passenger in that vehicle or as someone in another automobile, you should strongly consider reaching out to a Houston Uber accident lawyer from Williams Hart & Boundas for help seeking compensation. You may have more options for financial recovery in this scenario than you think. However, taking full advantage of those options can be difficult without the support of a seasoned auto accident attorney from our team who is experienced in handling such cases effectively.
What Insurance Coverage Does Uber Provide to Riders?
Because Uber drivers are independent contractors and not company employees, Uber itself holds no direct liability for damages if one of its drivers negligently causes a car crash. However, Uber does provide liability insurance coverage to their own drivers, passengers, and other people involved in wrecks with its vehicles, which our attorneys in Houston can help you take advantage of.
There are instances where an Uber driver causes a traffic accident while carrying a paying passenger or driving to pick someone up after accepting their ride request through the app. In such cases, Uber provides up to $1,000,000 in liability insurance coverage for all injuries and property damage sustained by everyone involved.
If an Uber driver crashes while logged into the app before accepting a ride request, coverage drops. In this case, Uber provides up to $50,000 for one person’s injuries, $100,000 for all injuries, and $25,000 for all property damage caused by that collision.
Filing a Civil Suit Against a Negligent Uber Driver
If Uber’s liability insurance does not cover all your medical expenses or property damage costs resulting from the accident, you can seek additional compensation from the at-fault driver’s insurance. If that also does not cover all your losses, you may be able to file a civil suit directly against the at-fault driver.
This could allow you to recover for various losses that car insurance typically does not cover, such as:
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Reduced working capacity
- Current and future lost wages
- Physical pain and emotional anguish
However, you will almost certainly need support from a capable lawyer if you want to prove that an Uber driver was at fault for a traffic collision in Houston. We can ensure that your claim is as strong as possible and offer the support you need during this challenging time.
Enlist the Help of a Reputable Houston Uber Accident Attorney Today
Uber is now so popular that it is hard for many people to imagine life without rideshare vehicles. As Uber has grown, wrecks involving negligent rideshare drivers have also increased, sometimes causing serious or even life-threatening injuries to people or passengers.
A Houston Uber accident lawyer from Williams Hart & Boundas, well-known for winning rideshare crash cases, can help you secure the compensation you deserve. Get in touch with us today to schedule a private initial consultation.